Eagle vs Corporate

[TDK90]

Got an interview with AE, also been offerred a contract flying a twin-cessna for over twice the money I could make with AE for I guess at least a couple of years, with a possibility of switching to a C90 in a year. I'm obviously leaning toward the corporate job, but I had a couple of Eagle questions.

Realistically, including per diem, what would be my year 1 and 2 salary?
I've heard upgrades are anywhere between 3-5 years, I'll be in my late thirties my then, as a 3-5 year FO what would I be making?
I have a buddy at SkyWest who is going to walk my app in when they start hiring again, how does Eagle compare to Skywest in terms of pay, condition, QOL.

I'm also thinking about going to the AE interview, just for the experience, I might not get offerred the job anyway.

Thanks

 

[jetexas]

Most newhires at Eagle now are getting the jet with only a few going to turbos. At your age, getting the jet (maybe even the CRJ)would be no problem. First year pay is the same no matter what you fly. It's around 20 an hour so about 20K for the first year with perdiem. Second year pay on the jet is in the high 20's an hour. Perdiem is $1.40 an hour or so (Sorry I don't know the 'exact' numbers) so second year pay would be in the mid 20K range.
Eagle is supposed to hire a lot this year, so QOL should jump up pretty quick..ie not much time on reserve, etc.
Upgrades are right at 4.5 years now. A fifth year Jet FO makes about 35-40K including perdiem with a high time line/open time.
How does Eagle compare to Skywest? I have some friends that made the jump over there. One really likes it. The other says "it's all the same..a regional is a regional". Probably best to get some input from some Skywest guys. I don't know what their upgrade, QOL is, etc... I do know their guys seem pretty content.
If I were you I'd do the corporate thing (assuming it's not a dirt bag fly junk kinda place) and try to get that 1000PIC in the C90 'then' look towards a regional to get some 121 time or get lucky and go to Southwest. Or, if you could get on with a quick upgrade Part 121, do that. That's just what I would do if I could do it all over again.
Eagle has had some rough times times and controversial treatment by management and APA. Things seem to be looking up a bit now. Lot's of hiring going on and upgrades 'finally' happening. We are optimistic that things will only get better as we are in negotiations and hope to again be in the top par for pay.
I can tell you that the training here is top notch and the line guys, instructors, etc. are all really good folks.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[LAXSaabdude]

If I were you I'd do the corporate thing (assuming it's not a dirt bag fly junk kinda place) and try to get that 1000PIC in the C90 'then' look towards a regional to get some 121 time or get lucky and go to Southwest.

I agree with most of what you said, but my concern with TDK90s scenario is that he would have to spend some time in the twin Cessna first, and then there is the "possibility" of moving into the C-90. I have become extremely distrustful of any kind of carrots that are held out to lure prospective pilots. I would demand the C-90 right now, or at the very least a writtne guarantee that you will be trained in it within a set period of time. If they balk, go to the regionals.

Regardless, take the interview, if nothing else for the practice. If you don't get the offer it's kind of a moot point, anyway.

LAXSaabdude

 

[English]

I agree with everything LAX Saabdude wrote (as always!) Many corporate operators will talk the big talk about the next airplane they're getting, and many times it never comes to fruition. There's a saying, something about until it's on the ramp, don't believe anything you hear...well, that was coined in the corporate/charter world. Even if the company already has the airplane, how do you know for sure you'll be the one to fly it? that's where the other cliche was coined...until you are sitting in the airplane bringing up the gear, don't believe anything...

Now, you say twin-cessna..that's a little vague...are we talking Conquest (a twin cessna turboprop) or 310/421 flavor? If we are talking conquest, that makes a huge difference. That's turbine PIC time, and I'd say run with it! Good pay, turbine PIC in a plane where you'd be home everynight...no brainer. But if you mean C421, 402, 310, etc...I'd recommend Eagle or SkyWest, then once onboard, keep looking for a King Air/Conquest/light jet PIC job. You can always bail on Eagle after you find a turbine PIC job. But having Eagle training, IMHO, is invaluable. I think it's the best regional airline training out there. Although there are alot of morale issues at Eagle, having Eagle on your resume looks good to future employers, both corporate and airline. Also, SIC turbine is better than PIC piston because it will lead you to PIC turbine.

Good luck on the interview. Keep bugging your buddy about an interview at SkyWest, too.

Hey, LAXSaabdude, when are you going to change your username?

 

[TDK90]

Thanks, I really appreciate the advice I get here on this board! I'm definetely going to the Eagle interview, but right now the 40K or so being offered by the Corporate [piston] job is very attractive with a wife, mortgage, rug-rat on the way etc...

 

[English]

Well now the scenario is completely different. You didn't mention the family and your priorities in your post. I made the wrong assumption, based on your first paragraph, that you were interested in getting into a C90 for what I assumed was the opportunity to build PIC turbine time. It sounds as if your family is actually your priority. In that case I'd recommend the piston job. Stay away from the regionals unless you value flying over supporting your family and getting to spend time with them. And a baby on the way? I assume your wife will be staying home with baby rug-rat? Then yet another reason not to go on the road four days every week only to bring home 20k a year.

Good luck! It's good to have options.

 

[TDK90]

Yeah, it's hard to justify going to the airlines to the wife, she's put up with enough already...shame though, looks like the shiny jet job might have to wait a while!