CHQ or ASA

[AirportBum]

In the pool at Chautauqua and have an ASA interview next month. Could go to class at Chautauqua soon, or wait months for an ASA class. I'm looking for input, and reasons why one would be better than the other. Thanks in advance

 

[sleepy]

Here we go again.

 

[AirportBum]

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but it's a tough call. Anyone have any news on when the next CHQ class is starting??

 

[Heavy Set]

Do you want to fly ERJs or CRJs? Where do you want to be based? These types of questions need to be answered...

I would never choose ASA unless the opportunity was carved in stone...

 

[AirportBum]

Do you want to fly ERJs or CRJs? Where do you want to be based? These types of questions need to be answered...

I would never choose ASA unless the opportunity was carved in stone...

Doesn't really matter which RJ I'm driving, and base location is pretty flexible too.

Only problem is, I don't know many pilots at either airline, and am not too educated on the quality of life aspect. Who's hating life, and how fast can I upgrade??

BTW - why would you "never" choose ASA?? Strictly b/c it's further away, or is there a more direct reason? Thanks

 

[ASApuppy]

Not to be partial, but I'd still pick ASA today. If your only goal is a fast upgrade, then go elsewhere. Here are some plus marks for ASA:

1. Absolutely the finest non-rev benefits in the industry.

2. While it will take a bit longer, our new contract will be reseting the bar. The contract we are currently on was the bar for many years.

3. We are actually starting to see a few folks move on to the majors. That is good, because for the past few years, the only people that left either retired or lost their medical. It's nice to see attrition start happening.

4. Call me an optimist, but I think that the new CEO of Delta is not a fan of the portfolio concept and wants to return the company to the values it had 20 years ago when the employees bought Delta a B767. There is a long, long way to go before even a wastebasket gets bought by the employees. It is clear that the portfolio concept is never going to foster the employee moral necessary to beat the competition. Look at the carriers that fight amonst themselves the most and compare that to their financial performance. I know it's not the only thing, but it does stand out to me. The point is, if I'm right, would you rather be inside looking out, or outside looking in.

 

[storminpilot]

Take the first job offer you get since who knows if the other one will ever happen or what will happen in this crazy business.

It appears ASA is going to get a lot of jets from the latest RFP, but Chautauqua is very aggressive with finding flying and they too are growing at a fast pace.

Even if Delta spins off ASA to generate cash then it will be awhile until ASA can bid for other airline flying since they will have their hands full staffing Delta Connection flying.

 

[megreene]

I don't post too often, but here is my advice. Remember that EVERYTHING in this industry is related to seniority. If the QOL is not that great at a company, with time it will improve as you will be able to upgrade, and hold a line. You could be in the pool at ASA for 6+ months, easy. During that time at CHQ you could have fininsh training, IOE, and gotten off reserve, be holding a line, and on your way to 2nd year pay. I faced almost the identical decision, and I am at CHQ now, with out any regrets. I am not too familiar with QOL at ASA, but if you look at 2nd year pay, and number of days off at CHQ, it is not really that bad. And don't let those CRJ guys fool you, the ERJ is still a pretty cool airplane to fly.

 

[jaybird]

CHQ

1. Flight Bene's on AMR, DAL, or US plus others depending on where your based.

2. We just signed our new contract so no worries for atleast four years. It's not the best, but not the worst. Plus there's no guarantee of ASA re-setting the bar. Hopefully they do though.

3. People everywhere are starting move on to the majors, even at my last freight job people are moving on.

4. We are also rumored to get those aircraft. You may want to make your decision based on the RFP award.


I started a few months ago and couldn't be happier. I live at my base so that makes things a lot easier. You have a hard choice, but one thousands would die for. Either one will be a good decision I'm sure.

Good Luck

 

[boilerflyer]

Can't speak for ASA, but CHQ has about 820 pilots as of the Jan. 30 class. No others classes are "scheduled", but interviews have been ongoing last week and this coming week. I would have to agree that if one or the other gets a large portion of future Delta flying, it would be a wise choice to go to that airline---however, you might not have the time to find out that answer. If CHQ offers you a class, I wouldn't pass it up for an ASA interview or spot in the pool. Take the sure thing! Good luck.

 

[AirportBum]

Does Chautauqua have any aircraft coming this year? When does 2nd year pay start? 12 mos after your hire date, or 12 mos after IOE? Also, from a possible commuter's standpoint, do CHQ pilots have to pay yield fare to ride USair, AMR, or DAL?? That could get expensive

 

[aewanabe]

1. Yes. A few 145s for DL in 3rd and 4th quarter (NOT related to the infamous RFP), plus miscellaneous J4J aircraft for Airways. Not sure how many that will equal. PLUS, of course, all the hundreds of airplanes we're "whoring" ourselves out to fly for UA, Jet Blue, Frontier, etc.....

2. With the new contract 2nd year pay starts one year from hire date.

3. Zone fares apply only on the AA side; and you're only eligible for those if you fly for AA. Airways and DL are both free/unlimited for you, spouse/children.

I'd go wherever you have the first class date. Seniority IS definitely everything. I'm thrilled to be at CHQ; there's no question we don't have industry-leading pay (which has been debated ad nauseum). However we do have industry-leading QOL in a lot of important areas. Conversely, I don't think you could go wrong with either of the DL wholly-owneds; I would have been thrilled to go there, but my first opportunity was with CHQ and I don't regret it a bit. Good luck.

 

[AirportBum]

What are the chances of a junior FO going to GSO or SDF?

Per diem?

How long is reserve?

Is there any base lock?

Finally, are they still requiring 2500 hours to upgrade?

 

[sleepy]

Take the first job offered from ASA or Chitaco. You can always leave for the other job if it is offered later and you want to go.

It's a no-brainer.

 

[NoName]

ASA

go with asa. chq is done adding aircraft (except for a couple more with dl) with turbulent times ahead. usairs forcast isnt great, and the expresses are going to be slimmed down to 2.

 

[mkingmei]

Is there a pool?

Does anyone know for sure if there is still a pool at ASA or did they dump it?
I thought I saw something on here about it being flushed and started over with the new round of interviews.

 

[TWAER]

Re: ASA

go with asa. chq is done adding aircraft (except for a couple more with dl) with turbulent times ahead. usairs forcast isnt great, and the expresses are going to be slimmed down to 2.

Either company would be fine but I can tell you CHQ is not done taking delivery of aircraft. Look for a good chance of at least one more code share and more than a few A/C for Delta. As far as airways goes, they will need all the regional help they can get if they are going to make it. They may slim down to 2, but they will probably be out of business by then. If that were to happen, I would look for Delta to pick up most of those A/C. But then again anything is possible. Take the first job you can get. Seniority is everything..

 

[GFunk20]

GSO and SDF are considered junior bases, and new hires get in there with no trouble. (liked or not!)

I'd go with Chautauqua. QQL is great, upgrade is decent, and despite the Airways situation, it looks like great opportunities ahead. Tons of JFK flying was rewarded to us by Delta.

Not to mention you have 3 code shares and 10 bases to choose from!

IND
CMH
STL
PHL
BUF
LGA
GSO
SDF
MCO
RIC

 

[NoName]

tons of delta flying??? A few new routes with 1 or 2 flights a day isnt tons...

1 or 2 new codeshares??? WHO?

 

[79%N1]

On the ASA side, if you want to think pay, ASA second year pay is almost what FO pay Tops out at CHQ. And that is our old contract. As for the comment that if Usair tanks, Delta will just add all the jets to the Delta side is simply not true, and mostly wishfull thinking! Delta is just not going to invent flying to take on a bunch of jets that suddenly come available. I know CHQ folks are so proud of themselves for all of their code-shares and growth, but they only got Delta flying that basically ASA and Comair did not want to do additionally due to the low yields of the cities given up.....and then a bunch of DFW flying that ASA could not cover quick enough when the emb120's were retired. CHQ was able to step in and provide service. Look for ASA to eventually get this flying back. If a code-share tanks for CHQ, they will be hurting!