COMAIR or AIR Whiskey

[C-12Bubba]

Hello All;
From a guy who is looking at both companies (Air Wisconsin and Comair), which will be healthier 5 years from now?

Thanks for input in advance!!

 

[BE99chick]

Both are good. Depends on your own personal preferences re: commuting, bases, associated majors, business practices.

Both are pretty much equal in terms of everything except that AWAC is a VERY small company and Comair...isn't.

 

[C-12Bubba]

Thanks B-99;
--- I really have no idea on how the pilots at AWAC view the company's future financial health (and growth) these days, but from other posts, I see they are uncertain. OK, it looks like the same for Comair (from what people are saying). I have a long way to go to get smart on this stuff...

 

[cheezpilot]

Truth be told, nobody know what any regional is going to be like in 5 years. The industry is simply too volatile.

 

[Caveman]

Comair is financially healthy. The only thing going on at CMR is the normal management vs union crap that goes on everywhere. They want more work for less money and we want more money for less work. All this recent stuff about growth will play out in due time. We are making a decent profit and still growing, albeit at a slower pace. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend CMR as a fine place to work with a pretty good future.

 

[surplus1]

Truth be told, nobody know what any regional is going to be like in 5 years.

That seems to imply that somebody knows what some "major" is going to be like in 5 years.

Any one want to tell me who that somebody is and what that "major" (any) will be like?

I have my own crystal ball, but it's been opaque for months.

 

[trainerjet]

That seems to imply that somebody knows what some "major" is going to be like in 5 years.

Any one want to tell me who that somebody is and what that "major" (any) will be like?

I have my own crystal ball, but it's been opaque for months.

Man, your paranoia is working overtime on this one. Either that of you lurk about waiting for any opportunity to spew forth.

The original question was about 2 "so-called" regionals. But, since you take exception even to this, I think the point the poster was (truthfully) making was that no one knows what this industry will be like in 5 years. If you find cause to turn this statement into another of your "I'm an airline pilot too, no matter what some major airline pilot says, and no major airline pilot is gonna tell me what to do, and there's nothing you can say or do about it"....same old ....ad nauseum...then it simply dilutes whatever justifiable argument you might have every now and then.

Geez...

 

[BE99chick]

The poor poster just asked a simple question and tried to get some info to make an informed decision.

Why does it have to turn into an anger fest?

 

[cheezpilot]

Surplus 1 you are right. Know body knows what is going to happen to any airline in five years. Since this is the REGIONAL catagory and the C12bubba was asking about two REGIONALS the and answer was directed in the REGIONAL area. If you posted your comment for flame bait then I took it. It really does resemble flame bait because it has nothing to do with the subject matter and has an antagonistic perception. In no way was anything implied about knowing about a major. I think you just took it that way.

 

[C-12Bubba]

I have some pals that work at Comair, so they tell me what they have experienced. I don't know anyone at Air Wisconsin, so I am super-open to anyone who has any pointers/insight/scary stuff/good stuff/ to say about them.



Thanks for all the replies so far!!

 

[Mikes Apartment]

Go to ACA and fly an Airbus.......yeah whatever

 

[belchfire]

Okay...40 years ago a guy went to work
for an airline in based in LAS. When he
was hired he asked what the prospects
were. The Chief Pilot told him he would
be CA in a year...a year later he got
furloughed.

Nothing has changed!

Noone knows what is going to happen!

Some places are better (or less bad)
than others, and you can tell when
management is fibbing...their lips are
moving!

You are asking a good question, but
IMHO there are too many variables
to get a good, solid answer. You seem
to have picked two of the better
"regional" airlines to pursue, and either
could provide a decent living if you end
up there for the duration...



Find some Air Wisky guys and buy them
a few beers and see what they say!

It's a crapshoot! Good luck!

 

[Speedtree]

Air Whiskey has one of the best pilot groups around. I have been here a little over a year and love it.

Yes we did agree to some pay concessions but our contract is still one of the best. You get paid guarantee (75 hrs) during training which is better than most. Training department is top notch.

It kind of depends on what you are looking for. One of the big things about Air Wisconsin is that we are a privately held company with the 3 top guys running the company for 3 other major investors. They don't always tell us a lot about what they are planning but they seem to always play it conservative. I think this is a positive in the airline industry. We only furloughed 40 after Sept. 11. Yes, we are tied closely with United for better or worse but that's about the worst of our situation. Upgrade time could be a few years away if this is your main priority. It all depends on who you compare us to and in what regards.

LOL

 

[N813CA]

Don't forget Comair didn't furlough anybody after Sept 11.

 

[Beechnut]

Which means what? Furloughes could never happen at Comair?

All AirWis furloughed pilots were recalled within a year.

You wish to play that game, AirWis never PFT'd.

Done and done.

S.

 

[Palerider957]

I don't think you could go wrong with either company. As stated earlier, the only thing that would un-nerve me about AirWis is their affiliation with United....but being part of a DAL WO is no party either.

These two companies make better money than most and DEFINITELY have better work rules--a lot better then ASA.

 

[C-12Bubba]

The last couple posts are some really good inputs!

I think upgrade time anywhere is going to be slow slow slow...

But that's ok, I'm just psyched at the prospect of flying a jet (finally), and not having to deal with P-factor.

 

[Wiskey Driver]

Which means what? Furloughes could never happen at Comair?

All AirWis furloughed pilots were recalled within a year.

You wish to play that game, AirWis never PFT'd.

Done and done.

S.

Calm down there S. your face is turning red Don't get him all fired up guys I know Beechnut pretty well and his fuse is short for a couple of these subjects.

AWAC was great for me and I enjoyed every day I spent there. Can't comment on Comair as a company as I never worked there but I will say this, Spent the last night I was with AWAC out with a Comair crew in New Hampshire and found them to be an outstanding trio.

Thanks for the memories AWAC

WD.

 

[Piedmonster]

awac

Air Wisconsin isn't that small, we have 60 crj's 18 bae146 on property. We are getting 10 more Crj's with finnancing for 20 more and we have options for 75 more. I would say that is serious growth potential
Comair is large but Delta wants pay concessions and will probably shift flying to get what they want Its probably a horse a piece.

 

[ACE]

Either company is a good choice.
Proposed/projected growth means nothing until the aircraft and flying are on the property. Comair management projected us to double in size by 2007. Well sh8t happens and concessions may or may not happen. Time will tell. I recommend that you make your decision on what is in black and white (our individual contracts, click on the link below) not promises and speculations from management or other pilots.

http://www.airlinepilotcontracts.com/Contracts/index.htm

 

[121slave]

AirWis is as good as any airline! I have been here for about 3 1/2 years, upgraded to CRJ Captain at 2.5 years, but that is getting a little longer now as major growth spurt slows. There are good and bad for all jobs, that is why work is a four letter word! The problem I see with any carrier that is partnering with another airline is the contracts are renegotiated periodically, and constant pressure for companies to low-ball to keep major partners happy (competing with MESA, TRans States & others on price is killing the fun for labor and management). Air Wis training department is top notch, not trying to "weed out" the philosphy is they have already done that in the interview process, oh did I mention no 800hour wonders. The experience in a new hire class is impressive, and not just now, but back in 2000 when I was hired, the experience of my new hire class was a shock to me, lots of guys with good time, mostly great Lakes, and Trans states guys, but also some 135, and 91 guys all with turbine experience. If you are looking for a company that communicates alot Air Willy is not it. We are Privately held so mum is the word. Quality of life is unsure right now because of the nature of our renegotiated contract and the unsatble nature of the United Express system, and that will not get stable until UAL exits Chapter 11. Hope this is helpful, I am stopping now because I feel I am rambling, If you have specific questions, I'll do the best I can to help answer them. Good luck, in the current state of the industry I think either would be a great choice. Slave

 

[C-12Bubba]

121 Slave and Ace;
Thanks for taking time to write some really good info. The idea about using the contracts to mitigate the decision process (pay issues/crew rest/ etc..) was a useful one--and I hadn't seen that web link before (thanks Ace).
Slave-- Along with everyone else, the concern about United going somewhere is huge (albiet with mixed feelings)-- but how do you guys hangle it?--ie: is everyone waiting with baited breath whenever United is mentioned, or is that issue a non-starter? I ask because I may be sitting next to you in less than a year (if I'm lucky).
And here's a more fun question:
On an average trip:
How many legs is normal?
How long are the legs usually?

 

[Mayday911]

I am based in ATL for AWAC and typically fly a minimum of 4 legs a day, and as many as 7. The turn times in ATL are fast 25 minutes every leg. So a 7 leg day is completed in 9 - 10 hours and then a 14-16 hour overnight.

I just got back from YUL and brought back ship 461, with 9 confirmed orders left and 20 a/c with firm financing.

Mayday.

 

[BE99chick]

Hey Wisky Driver. Every post you do you keep talking about how great Wisconsin was.

So why did you leave?????

Let me guess...better opportunities to expand your career...bigger equipment, more pay??? HMMMM???

Get over it and move on.

 

[rightrudder]

Hey 99 chick,

WD spent 3 years at Air Whiskey and if he has fond memories of his time, let him be. He is still one of us even though he has recently moved on.

Let's not turn this an anger fest, shall we?

 

[BE99chick]

Please...he went to an all Mesa owned "Major".

This is a new Wisconsin, and that's exactly why he left.

Admit it...reserve is bad, the pay is bad, the lines are bad, and the training is bad.

So, are you going to tough it out???

 

[BE99chick]

Gee...I'm so glad you remembered me from a previous, and non-related post.

 

[Beechnut]

Huh? You work at Air Wisconsin?

12 days off reserve lines, 11 if you want more pay. 2 hour call out. Long call reserve that gives you about 36 hours notice for a trip... that means sitting at home for commuters on reserve. Company paid pager... just what's so bad about that? And where is sitting reserve a dream?

Took a pay cut yes, still better per hour pay and certainly better work rules than many other places.

I have a 83 hour block line worth 96 .5 hours of pay and 15 days off next month. Lines are bad? Yes... some places they aren't perfect. Again.... where is it so much better?

And the whole line about our miserable training just proves you don't know what you're talking about. ...as I'm realizing this may just be flame bait. You got me.

Hatefest. hatefest? You're talking about a job. sheesh... I can't believe I waste my time on the board.

Too bad United isn't hiring. That must be why your so bitter.

S.

 

[BE99chick]

Wow I'm soooo glad you remembered me. Maybe we can get together and ........... complain.

You must have come from....Lakes.

 

[BE99chick]

WOWWWW!!!!!!! 15 days off!!!!

and a pager tooo!!!!!!!! Awesome