COMAIR or AIR Whiskey

[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

 

[de Pez]

The sad truth is that the "old" United HR department WOULD have called BE99.... I know individuals with zero PIC called for a United interview, while other individuals with 6000 plus hours, a masters degree, no dui's, etc., who never received a call (after updating the application for years). ..You make the distinction. (I never applied there so it's not sour grapes), discrimination is discrimination, direction is irrelevant.

 

[avrodriver]

Errrrrr.......put the brakes on. this thread is getting jacked.

I've been at ZW for just under a year and back to more of what your looking for, it's a good company. Yes the pay SUCKS now for 1st year F/O's and while it was disappointing to see the $36 or so for the 2nd year drop to 32....it's more than I was making at my previous regional at 3rd year pay ( don't flame me I'm not justifing that!!!).

As for reserve now is a good time to get hired here, the class before me sat for a year, mine sat for 9 months, but for these current new hire classes I would say they'll have lines in ORD in under 2 or 3 months.......no room to complain there.

Days off and lines vary in quality month to month, but for the most part have looked good the majority of the time.

I had to make the same decision as to go here or Comair and just ended up wussing out and going with the first one to give me a class date. Both good companies and I have not regretted my choice since. Upgrade was nowhere in sight at my last company and to be honest with you with all the "possible" growth at this company, nothings in stone and I have no idea when that will happen FOR SURE....that being said I'm sure the F/O's at the bottom of the Comair list feel the same.

It all comes down to this, yes things could be a lot better (old contract), but I'm happy here and am walking in letters of reccomendation for friends. I would not steer my friends wrong. Good Luck AD

 

[Heavy_D_Driver]

Why Don't You Quit?

BE99chick,

Why don't you quit if you hate your job so much? If you in fact do hate your job, you should quit and leave the flying to the real aviators. And what exactly is wrong with someone leaving a job so that they can expand their career, fly bigger equipment, and get paid more money? You talk like that's a bad thing.

 

[SpocksBeard]

I was just offered this exact choice today - this has been kind of a crazy year. Comair just called 5 hours ago to see if I wanted to interview and I start at Air Wisconsin on the 8th. Turned down the interview because I want to be in Chicago and get out of the south (Memphis - otherwise known as he11). Also with absolutely no time to do anything but train at Air Wisconsin another interview would be nearly impossible.

 

[Wiskey Driver]

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,

I left AWAC because of one thing and one thing only and that is when I started in this business I had one goal and that was to fly for a major air carrier. I didn't care who just as long as reached my goal!!! I was never going to spend a career wishing I had tried to reach my final goal. I have also learned that if you use this career as your primary or better your ONLY source of income then you are basically rolling the dice and hoping you don't crap out. I learned that from a long time AWAC pilot that owns a business and flies for AWAC for fun. I now own a business as well and fly A-320's to unwind are you starting to get the picture!!!

AWAC is comprised of MANY MANY fine people from attornies and Cal Berkley grads to engineers and business owners. I enjoyed my time with all of them and will forever cherish the memory.

I don't know anything about an all mesa owned major or bad training, the training dept here at Amwest has been outstanding and I have no complaints. I do hope for your sake that you find INNER PEACE before you self destruct!!!!!!!!!!

Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.

WD.

 

[BE99chick]

Wiskey Driver...

Tell the Dali Lama I said hi.

 

[Mad Dogg]

?

 

[Wiskey Driver]

BE99chick,

I like many others failed to understand your reply!!!

WD.

 

[C-12Bubba]

For BE99 Chick--> is this what you meant?:



So I jump ship in Hong Kong and I make my way over to Tibet, and I get on a as a looper at a course over there in the Himalayas. A looper? A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper - a jock. So I tell 'em I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama - himself, the twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald - striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him, I give him the driver, he hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama. Long - into a ten thousand foot crevice right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga - gungala gungala. So, we finish eighteen, and he's gonna stiff me. And I say 'Hey Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort?', you know. And he says, 'Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that going for me, which is nice.

 

[Wiskey Driver]

Nice one Bubba!!!

WD.