Comair or Skywest? Please help...

[Fred_IP]

I’ve been reading the forum for a while and I’m looking at joining a regional – getting tired of being out of the country all of the time. There’s many choices, but I’m narrowing my search at either Comair or Skywest. Both seem to be expanding and doing very well.

However, I have some concerns about both, mostly from what I’ve read on THIS board:

- Comair: Upgrade in the CRJ at is about 3 years, versus about 1 at Skywest.
- Skywest: flies a lot for United.
- Comair: new hires don’t get on the line for a few years.
- Skywest: Pay is lower than Comair’s.
- Comair: Their relationship seems to be tainted with some Delta pilots.
- Skywest: no union “protection.”
- Etc, etc, etc

I don't like these “which airline is best” threads, but don’t know which one might be the better choice for me. I’ve got about 2200 military hours, but have not been flying a whole lot in the last two years. I would like to get more PIC hours sooner, so I’m leaning more toward Skywest.

I would appreciate any thoughts to help guide me in this search.

Thanks in advance.

 

[skyboat]

Not sure where you get your info...

Several YEARS to get on the line at Comair. It's been awhile since I was a newhire but I don't see why you would not be starting IOE 4 months after starting class. Not sure where that info you have came from.

I don't think the pay is much different between Comair and Skywest, but don't have specifics on Skywest pay. Comair does have a company funded defined contribution retiremant plan above and beyond the usual 401(k).

IMO, I don't think you would go wrong with either. Several years from now, no one can give you an answer. Three years ago Comair was horrible, but that was leading up to a strike. Mesaba use to be the place to be, now they are stagnant. American Eagle was going to be the place to be... maybe they will be someday. Apply for both, network both like it's the only job out there, take the first class that comes to you and if you're lucky enough to get class from both airlines at the same time get down on your knees, kiss the ground and go with the one that feels right to you in the gut. Sorry, wish I could give you better advice but I don't have a crystal ball.

 

[skyhogg]

I agree with the above post. Info is all wrong. No one with one year seniority is upgrading in the RJ. It's running at about 3 years. We have seen some pretty junior people upgrade in the EMB-120 lately but just 6 months ago it was going at 2 1/2 years as well. It is really a dynamic and changing industry,

Both Comair and Skywest are good companies. I again agree that as time goes by, different companies are "the place to be". I have noticed that Skywest has always enjoyed the reputation as a great place to work overall. Skywest's current pay scale is modeled after Comair's and is virtually the same.

That being said, take the one that offers you a class. The "decision" may be academic.

 

[SkyWestCRJPilot]

I don't know much about Comair but I enjoy my job at SkyWest. I would say go somewhere with growth. SkyWest is affiliated with United, about half of our flying. But recently management made some interesting announcements about our plans in this difficult economy and how to deal with United's uncertainty. They include seeking out a third or fourth codeshare partner, doing some more at-risk flying, and seriously looking at expanding our fleet by adding "70-130 seat" aircraft. It makes me a little nervous but at the same time I'm glad that management is taking a very proactive approach in these uncertain economic times for airlines. We still have many aircraft on order and newhire classes are continuing which is great.

 

[Fred_IP]

I've heard other similar good things about the working environment at Skywest. I HEARD the morale at Comair was not too good, but that was before the strike last year.

I don't have any CURRENT info about the pilot morale at Comair. Any comments?

 

[utahpilot]

I have a friend at Comair who sat reserve for over two years, caused his moral to very low.

At SkyWest, I think someone who has been there a little over a year may be able to upgrade to EMB120 CA.

In the end, guess it depends on where you want to be. Seems like for the next while, though, you'd spend more time on reserve at Comair.

either place you end up, you'll be stoked to have a flying job.

 

[Lumber Yak]

If you prefer mostly West Coast flying (although expanding Eastward), pick Skywest. Morale is probably low at Comair because its MEC burned its bridges with Delta - if you want to fly for Delta one day, pick Skywest... I also heard that a 717 was spotted at St. George, Utah recently - nice to have the opportunity to fly that someday...

Pick Skywest if given the option!

 

[Fred_IP]

With Skywest, if you meet the hrs for the left seat, and started in the CRJ, I thought you could upgrade in about 12-18 months in the CRJ. If you went directly to the CRJ as a co-pilot, they wouldn't send you to the left seat in the EMB-120, would they?

I thought Skywest was adding enough CRJs that this wouldn't happen...

 

[sgu]

[B I also heard that a 717 was spotted at St. George, Utah recently - nice to have the opportunity to fly that someday...

[/B]

Been to st george lately? I do not have the performance charts handy but i do not think a B-717 can operate at that field.

 

[Fred_IP]

Skyboat

So what is the upgrade time to Captain in the CRJ now at Comair? Is it dependent on starting as a FO in the 70- or 50-seat CRJ?

Thanx

 

[SkyWestCRJPilot]

Fred_IP,

At SkyWest upgrade time in the RJ is about 3 to 3 1/2 years right now, not 12-18 months. It may go lower. A little over a year ago RJ upgrade time was as low as 2 years 3 months. Recently upgrade time in the Brasilia was over 3 years because they hadn't had any EMB upgrade classes in ages, then all of a sudden it went as low as just over a year. Upgrade times fluctuate all the time. If you are hired as an RJ FO you can upgrade (when your seniority allows it) in the RJ or upgrade in the EMB if you choose, not something I'd reccommend though.

 

[skyslug]

Upgrade time at Comair is around 2-2 1/2 years for the 50. May be less for the 70 but I suspect that will change as the senior folks bid over to it when the schedule improves.

Reserve is about a year (I believe), possibly less.

Moral is fine here (regardless of Mr. Lumber Yak's belief)! The proverbial bridge being burnt is just that -kind of hard to burn a bridge when there was no bridge to begin with) When hiring starts up again at Delta they will hire the ones best suited for the job be that Comair, ASA, Skywest or anyone else for that matter, just like they've done in the past. There is no animosity here towards DAL or anyone else for that matter and if you ask folks here they'll agree. All the "stories" are 4th and 5th hand accounts of something they heard from someone elses friends neighbor. All the DAL folks are wonderful to have on board and have been gracious to me when I've jumpseated. I wouldn't even let this affect your decision.

Both companies are good choices. Pick one that offers you a job. Comair only has one base right now which is lovely, scenic CVG. Skywest has many more base options. If you live out west now, go with Skywest, if you live east, go with Comair.

In the grand scheme of things Comair is a good place to work. I understand from friends that Skywest is also (they do have their problems just like every other airline on the face of the earth). Again, go with the one that offers you a job first.

 

[Fred_IP]

Which airline, Skywest or Comair, will be doing more flights out of DFW? I see that both Comair and Skywest are expanding there. I'm looking to move back to Plano.

Also, what's Skywest's Reserve time? I heard about six months or so estimated for new hires.

Thanks again for the education.

 

[SkyWestCRJPilot]

Currently SkyWest only has a miniscule DFW base of around 4 reserve pilots only. There have been rumors of a real DFW base for over a year, but management says that until our aircraft utilization at DFW increases they won't put a base there. RJ crews do the DFW flying by flowing out from the other bases for now. But things change all the time.

 

[A36DRIVER]

This will kind of go along with your conversation.
I was curious to hear what will happen to the Skywest flights with United in CH. 11? Will United get released from the contract with Skywest? I know SKW is has made and is still making good money, but what if?

 

[skyslug]

FRED_IP, to answer your question, ASA will be doing the majority of flying (new flying) out of DFW. Comair will be doing a lot more than they are now but according to our President, we will be expanding much more to the WEST (SLC), and filling in EAST plus more out of ATL. This does include more flying in DFW but that is mostly ASA. We (ASA/comair) do not have enough planes in our hands to do all the flying Delta wants us to do so they utilize Chautaqua and Skywest.

WE at Comair would love to have a new base...anywhere, we're running out of room in our ops and gates for our planes.

Skywest is shrewd, they are thinking ahead of the game and won't let UAL's Chapter 11 hurt them much.

 

[Fred_IP]

Skyboat

So what is the upgrade time to Captain in the CRJ now at Comair? Is it dependent on starting as a FO in the 70- or 50-seat CRJ?

Thanx

 

[Fred_IP]

Skyslug

So what is the latest talk at Comair about a new domicile in the west? I think I remember seeing that Comair was looking at Salt Lake or LAX. Being in the military, I can always relocate when I separate.

Living in CA, SLC would be a better gig for me. But I can't see how Comair would do that since Skywest flies so much out of SLC.

 

[bladeusa]

i think u could do fine at either place.. both were on my short list a few years back too.. kinda comes down to personal preference and who offers u the job 1st.. as far as my situation.. if it gives u any help..im at comair..my DOH is 9-99.. was a emb120fo for a month. then went to the RJ as an fo.. was on reserve til 8-00.. but with all the training of both airplanes..actually only spent 4-5 months on reserve.. i was hired with 1000 hrs.. that and because of the strike and the fact i drop some trips here n there i didnt have 3000tt until novemeber this year, otherwise i could have upgraded even sooner like others in my new hire class. anyway.. in november.. basiclly 3 years 3 months here.. i bid capt in the 70seater ill be o reserve as a capt in either plane..might as well get paid more..i am in class now with a handful below me..and an other bid that closed yestrday for (19) 70 seat and (33) 50 seat capts.. some of which should go below me again.. i plan is to stay there on reserve for a year so til i can hold a solid line as 50 capt and then bid back.. good luck in your search/choice.

 

[Fred_IP]

Bladeusa

If one would meet the 3000 TT, like I should in the next year, with 500 with the company, should I expect to upgrade within a year? I understand Comair is adding many new RJs, as opposed to Skywest which are replacing EMB-120, while also adding some to their fleet.

Thanks!

 

[skiddriver]

I was hired on 06/17/02. Started IOE in Sept, should have my 500 company hours by my 12 month anniversary (I'm flying CD lines as of this month, got another next month, not very high block time lines).

I have 160 FO's junior to me on the last bid packet with some in training not shown in that packet.

In raw numbers, if new aircraft and hiring approximate forecasts, I'd be able to bid up to CA at about the 24 month mark. Of course, that doesn't take into account the folks senior to me who won't have the 3000 hour requirement, or who for some reason don't want to upgrade. I'm sure someone has that info, but it's not available to me.

So my guess for my class is that those of us with 3000 hours will be senior enough to upgrade somewhere around the 18 month mark (Jan '04), assuming that nothing happens to change current hiring and aircraft acquisition trends either way (a bad assumption if you ask me).

For folks who get hired several hundred numbers junior to us, I wouldn't even want to hazard a guess.

 

[skyslug]

Fred, I believe they are also jr manning FO's into the 70 seat.

Upgrade is around 2-2 1/2 years even with the growth (my best guestimate) and with the company minimums BUT you might be able to upgrade into the 70 quicker IF the senior folks don't start bidding into it. They WILL start bidding into it when they know they won't be on reserve in the 70 and / or when the lines improve, which they are. There are folks who are going to 70 seat captain who can't hold 50 seat captain.

No new base in '03 at least for this week anyways. I think our management is very clever at keeping these secrets. We won't find out until a press release is issued or an ops note is issued or a Jepp revision with strange cities shows up in our boxes.

We are now flying to SLC, SBA, HLN and soon to RNO and other places to be announced west. Hub integration.

I think we will have to put a base somewhere because it's too logistically challenging if there are delayed or MX's flights when the only crews are in CVG. Right now we have an awful lot of trips that leave CVG on day one and don't come back to CVG until day 4. If there is any delay or snafu it's a scheduling nightmare to deadhead and or ferry crews and planes to catch the schedule up. Lots of cost involved.

Lot's of good rumors from some of my friends upgrading but none include bases out west.

Again, please try not to have any concerns about either company. Both are good. When you get hired make the best of it and try to keep a positive attitude. It will make you job more enjoyable for you and those around you. Good luck to ya! Keep flying and apply!

 

[Fred_IP]

CRJ FO to EMB-120 CA?

Does Skywest allow for CRJ FOs to become EMB-120 CAs?

Someone suggested to me that it might be quicker to do that to later return to the left seat of the CRJ, if you meet the hours. This is because of Skywest's replacement of their EMB fleet. Of course it would depend on what senior EMB CA seat would want to do with their senority.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again.

 

[Mookie]

"Does Skywest allow for CRJ FOs to become EMB-120 CAs?

Someone suggested to me that it might be quicker to do that to later return to the left seat of the CRJ, if you meet the hours. This is because of Skywest's replacement of their EMB fleet. Of course it would depend on what senior EMB CA seat would want to do with their senority."


If your seniority can hold it, and your not within an initial seatlock, go for it. Right now...there is a one year seatlock for your initial equipment. But, you can upgrade within equipment before that year is over. confused??? Bra F/O can take upgrade before one year is up if their seniority can hold it, but cannot take CRJ upgrade or transition because of seat lock until the initial year is up. Also, you are required to have 2,500 tt, and 1,000 hrs of "crew" time to upgrade, and they are pretty firm on that one. Bro Upgrade class next week starts with the junior guy with 10 months with the company.

Hopefully more upgrade classes on the horizon will continue this path. Right now we are losing, I believe, 8 more emb's this year, and receiving 25-30 rj's. Also no plans to fully retire all of the Emb's anytime soon. Crj upgrade has gone much more senior lately because of new bases that have opened...PSP, SBA, SMF, DEN.

OUT!!!
-Mookie

 

[Jiminmem]

Oe Yar RJ Captains

Fred_IP I tink the days fone year RJ upgrades are gone for quite a while. Although most RJ operators are growing, they have very litle attrition. 2 years ago, Pinnacle where I am at, was gaining aircraft and loosing people to the nationals and majors, so this forced us to hire Captains off the street for the Saab and CRJ. Today we ar still growing, but with the recent loose of the Saab fleet and lack of attrition we have upgardes taking about 2 years.

I believe Comair and Skywest are in the sameboat, they may be grwing adding quite a few airplanes, but they aren't loosing mny pilots so the upgrades probably won't go down to the 1 year mark. They are still very good airlines and you wouldn't go wrong with either one. Your best bet is to go with the one that will have a crew base where you want to live, commuting isn't fun. Another consideration is how fast you could get into class with either. Good luck with your decision

 

[Lumber Yak]

Skywest just allowed some new hires with a certain number of hours to upgrade directly to Capt on the E120 because there was a lack of pilots wanting to upgrade. I guess the "up or out" policy at Skywest is strict, but it seems like a good deal to me.


Cheers! Yakkety Yak, don't talk back!

 

[NDPILOT]

Lumber Yak-

What's the deal with the "up or out" policy?..

Do you fly Yak's? Pretty cool aeroplanes huh.

thanks
nd

 

[Socalplt]

Lumber Yak

I believe your information about Brasilia upgrades going to newhires is incorrect. It has gone very junior -- seniority #1150 or so out of 1300+ on the list. As a previous poster said about 10 months.

 

[skyhogg]

There will not be any newhires in upgrade. There will be a few recently rehired Skywest pilots who are on furlough from a major carrier. All had to requalify in the right seat and all have extensive time with Skywest and in the E-120. In fact one was a check airman Captain on the equipment before he left. They will be on reserve forever though as they come in at the bottom of the seniority list.

 

[Fred_IP]

What are Skywest flight previledges for family and friends? From what I've seen, SW's offers some privs to immediate family but no friend passes. And I'm not entirely sure who those privs are with.

Thanks