Chicago Express

[flyman112]

I am looking for some information on Chicago Express from former or current pilots. I am looking for the normal questions I.E. quality of life, time on reserve, and so on.

Thanks for your help.

 

[FlyChicaga]

I can only speak for myself, but I'd say my quality of life is fairly high. But I am 23, single, and am not paying much rent. I do have insurance, 401(k), car payments, etc., but things work out. First year pay is $19.55/hr, 75 hour guarantee. Per diem $1.30/hr. Second year FO pay goes to $23.40 I believe.

We use a PrefBid system for scheduling; you either love it or you hate it. So far, I've had the majority of holidays off since I got here. You just need to balance between needs, wants, and don't cares when you bid. Quality of life can be high or low depending on how greedy you get and if you know how to work the program. I'm 16 from the bottom and was able to get the 4th weekend off this month, just by saying "give me that and do what you will the rest of the month." I got it off, luckily, because the program was working around a PC and recurrent as well. For about the next 6 months we are going to a 80.0-95.0 bid window, which may reduce days off by one or two. However, you are getting some extra cash in return.

Reserve can be long or short depending on attrition. Right now, we are losing some people (other regionals and majors) so things are moving a bit. When I was hired, I spent 2 months on reserve. Those near the bottom of the list have spent 6-9 months on reserve. Some might spend about 12 months on reserve, but probably no more than that.

Personally, I love it here. But to each his/her own.

 

[labbats]

You can't love it all that much if you've been all over these boards looking for any other job possible.

 

[FlyChicaga]

You can't love it all that much if you've been all over these boards looking for any other job possible.

Umm, not quite... I've been looking at other options available should things so south fast at ATA. Any other job? I asked about two airlines. I'm just hoping ATA can get it together. Because I'd rather NOT leave.

 

[Dart]

dont listen to him chicaga!! I have flown with you once or twice.. Chicago express is a great place to work.....but hopes of jets are very small with ata getting the 100 seaters....Hell...no jets at all for express. It just makes since. Unless they move the whole company somewhere else...which is possible.

Also...it is good to keep your options open! You know what you are doing!! YOu have a good job...as the boss said "enjoy the summer"..................I have only heard that a thousand times.

 

[350DRIVER]

Umm, not quite... I've been looking at other options available should things so south fast at ATA. Any other job? I asked about two airlines. I'm just hoping ATA can get it together. Because I'd rather NOT leave.

Jeeez.... Thought you were an "Island" kind of guy

On a more serious note, if you truly enjoy "Windy City" then you will stay since ATA/Chi express ain't going anywhere anytime soon, bottom line. I do not think things are nearly as "bleak" over there as some would tend to believe.


3 5 0

ps> I think it is fair to assume that 90% of what you read on these boards are nothing more than "opinions" which usually has very little bearing on reality as well as most of the stuff being just as far from the facts so take this stuff at face value. This is Flightinfo.com, enough said?!?!

 

[flyman112]

Thanks for the input. A few more questions. Does Chicago Express have a commuter clause? Do a lot of pilots commute?

How would life on reserve be if you did commute?

Thanks

 

[FlyChicaga]

We have something in the Policy manual that states you can use personal time or sick time (not sure) in lieu of a turn should you miss your commuting flight. This can only be done like once or twice every 6 months or 12 months. I don't commute so I haven't looked at it.

Will life suck on reserve if a commuter? Where doesn't life suck on reserve if you are a commuter?

FlyChicaga: Staying the course, going with the flow, enjoying the summer.

 

[gearup5]

reality check

Where to start?

Pay-Middle of the road
Lifestyle-Middle of the road
Benefits-Middle of the road
Morale-Horrible
Outlook-No so good.

To give you a little different perspective than flychicgo the honeymoon is over for the rest of us. 6 + years of promises, very few of which have been kept. Lastest news bid window is up 5 hours this month, quality of life takes another dive. Married, mortgage, kids, car payment, student loans, not much of the paycheck left.

FOs are bailing for other regionals. Lucky CPTs are moving up others have moved out or over to the corporate side.

New rule, C8 management, no more saying enjoy the summer, fall, winter, or spring.If you have no news just do us all a favor and don't talk.

 

[capt. megadeth]

"we are going to a 80.0-95.0 bid window, which may reduce days off by one or two. However, you are getting some extra cash in return."

Ya, until a few flights are cancelled....you still have to show up the extra days and you don't get $&it for extra pay.

"Morale - Horrible" Ain't that the truth?

"the honeymoon is over for the rest of us. 6 + years of promises, very few of which have been kept."

Right on, brotha! (I know I got out just in time)

" Lastest news bid window is up 5 hours this month, quality of life takes another dive."

Yep! Especially if you have recurrent and a PC

"Enjoy the summer"

Last year the quote was "At Mesa....." he he

Unfortunately I think all the gripes at Chicago Express are "industry standard"

 

[Dart]

So...nothing much has changed!! Except people are cuttin out left and right..I hear you all have lost another captain? that sucks...express is a great airline to work for...but the carrot is gettin pretty far away...huh! I see they cant come up with anymore comments other than the ones we all have heard for years. Good luck to you all...maybe there will be a turn for the better!!

Mega.....hows the bus?

 

[FN FAL]

I am looking for some information on Chicago Express from former or current pilots. I am looking for the normal questions I.E. quality of life, time on reserve, and so on.

Thanks for your help.

If you like the idea of flying for an ALL Saab turbo-prop airline, I'd throw a resume at Mesaba.

 

[AftCG182]

After checking out the website, it looks like I'd have to pay for the training up front (Since I have 1000 hours). Am I misreading that?

 

[ataopsdave]

that info is old. C8 pays for all your training

 

[AftCG182]

Great! Resume's in the mail. Thanks.

 

[N905TW]

Good luck with the resume Aft....

All that has been said so far on this thread is right on, the best part of working at ChiEx are the people that work here with you, including a very open management relationship. If you live in Chicago, its not that bad once you get off reserve.

Its a shame its been so stagnant lately, and many people have decided to bail, mostly from the bottom of the seniority list in the past few months. The uncertainty has definately led to the lowest morale I have ever seen here.

Lots of broken promises (ie, JETS), but still a great group to fly with. If you are hoping to fly some sort of an RJ, or one day add something into the JET PIC column in your logbook, this isn't the place to apply.

 

[capt. megadeth]

905,
You never emailed me back

 

[N905TW]

Whassssup Capt. M ................

Whenever you get back from CUN, AUA, or FLL.... check your email...


I know you miss FNT and DSM........

 

[ataopsdave]

I just got offered the Sept class. Any tips on what to study before class.


Thanks

 

[Dart]

ATAopsdave Bout time!!! Congrats man. I know you have waited a long long long time. Study limitations and maybe a few mem idems. Just relax and take your time...you will do fine!

Glad to hear you got it. I miss flyin with all you guys...maybe we all will fly again in the future if ATA holds up..

Good luck