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Has the Skywest ship sailed?

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7

7574EVER

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 5, 2004
Posts
288
I realize that there is no firm answer to this question; but, curious as to everyone's opinion. With classes being canceled and whatnot, how do you all feel about the future of Skywest if someone were hired say...within the next six months or so. I know that the days of a one year upgrade have probably come and gone; but, what could one expect if hired.

I guess I don't really know too much detail of whats going on over there right now. So, just looking for the latest and greatest facts.
 
still a great company, upbeat, growth, very stable. probably one of the better ones you could work at, the way things are going now. It is non-union.
 
only takes a bit of good news to pick things back up.... from what I heard from the head of training classes my not be xncld for very long
 
Thanks. I'm beginning to consider the possibility of making a lateral move. I'm just concerned that I may regret my decision later on. It's to my understanding that a large amount of the pilot group is on reserve. I'm just not sure if I would be greatly sacrificing QOL for a faster chance at more money and quicker upgrade. I live in base right now and possibly could with Skywest as well. The reality is though, that I AM now and COULD be with Skywest.
 
Cancelling classes doesn't mean anything. There are a ton of reasons why they are slowing on the hiring for a couple months. People's knee jerk reaction is to freak out about this stuff. If Skywest is where you want to be, then go for it.
 
we aggressively geared up for some growth that is now on the back burner..still could happen eventually. Shutting down the training center for a few months to let things balance back out. Other regionals need to keep up the hiring because they can't retain their pilots. Might as well take the interview and see what happens
 
7475ever,

We are now at normal reserve staffing. Everyone is just bitching about reserve because we have been SO short for the last couple of years and they are not used to being normally staffed. Most of the pilot group (less than 4 years) have never seen normal staffing levels at SkyWest.
 
Bako Cap said:
7475ever,

We are now at normal reserve staffing. Everyone is just bitching about reserve because we have been SO short for the last couple of years and they are not used to being normally staffed. Most of the pilot group (less than 4 years) have never seen normal staffing levels at SkyWest.
Click to expand...

How long would a a newhire expect to sit on reserve. Also, what are the odds of someone with 121 jet time getting on the RJ? I don't have SJS..just curious for domicile reasons.
 
I'd say its pretty good chances you would get the jet. The last few classes if you flew a jet 121 you got the jet.
 
McNugent, you sir, are admirable for giving a positive review on an airline that you mock with your avatar.
 
7574EVER said:
How long would a a newhire expect to sit on reserve. Also, what are the odds of someone with 121 jet time getting on the RJ? I don't have SJS..just curious for domicile reasons.
Click to expand...

Depends on the base. It will atleast be several months to a year.

Getting awarded the RJ these days isn't based on your prior experience. It's simply timing. Most new hires are getting the jet. I flew with a F.O. recently who had only flight instructor experience and was originally hired for the Brasilia. They called him later and told him he's going to be going into jet class now but he was hesitant thinking it was beyond his experience. They told him if you want a job you will show up for the jet class. Of course he showed up and jet training wasn't as hard as he thought it would be.
 
the jet is leaps and bounds easier than any turboprop... what youve done before means nothing to them.. they want to know if you can learn systems and know instrument procedures.
 
What? Normal staffing? Not on the bro. I.E. 67 Fresno capts and 67 lines in march. No reserve lines. I would think this ship hasn't sailed.
 
Regional growth is pretty much over. SkyWest may get some growth this year due to Mesa losing UAL flying, but that would be divided among other UAL Express carriers as well. The 1 year upgrade is over. If you're gonna be at a regional for a long time, SkyWest is a good one to be at
 
Here is my observation of the posts thus far. I find it reassuring that none of the responses to a thoughtful question have been anything but thoughtful.

When speculation was cast on the board about other airlines you get responses like:
- Wouldn't you just love to see us die and put thousands of hard working loyal people out of work
- I bet you're waiting for that day aren't you, kool-aid drinker!
- We'd have the best numbers around if it weren't for management getting in the way of their own feet.

I see what has been posted as reflective of a quality place to work (comparitively) where folks have confidence in the organization - both workers and management.
 
SkyWest Inc.

Considering SkyWest Inc. has close to a Billion in the bank, I think the title to the thread is pretty innaccurate. Unless the author is referring to upgrades? SkyWest Inc. is quite possibly in the best position in the Airline Industry. Well, let's say the Regional Airline Industry. Southwest has 2 Billion in the bank.....With all that money you can wait out all the others, watch them die (while you bleed a little), then recover. It's a good position to be in, period.

Trojan
 
Bako Cap said:
7475ever,

We are now at normal reserve staffing. Everyone is just bitching about reserve because we have been SO short for the last couple of years and they are not used to being normally staffed. Most of the pilot group (less than 4 years) have never seen normal staffing levels at SkyWest.
Click to expand...

From what I've experienced, been told and seen, we are far above normal reserve staffing at almost all RJ domiciles, especially DEN, ORD and SLC. When you are 45+ deep in reserve on CA and F/O side there is QOL if you live in base and a never ending hell if you don't IMHO.
 
This isn't the first time SkyWest has had a slow down in training. It won't be the last either.

After I interviewed here they put a large group of us into a hiring pool. In June of that year, they cancelled classes indefinitely, telling us not to expect anything until the start of the following year.

By September things had changed and they were running classes to capacity.

My point being, things change quickly around here. Don't get caught up in all the hype from the knee jerkers. Things will turn around.

CD
 
I'm constantly amazed how one month people will tell you that Skywest has less than a 2 year upgrade and everyone should drop everything and run there.

Then you look the next month and you get a post like this.

I'm sure everything will be fine. Chalk this one up to experience and realize that what is now isn't what will always be.
 
Things will slow down across the board for awhile until merger mania and age 65 finish shaking out the system. My guess is that 3-4 year upgrade time will be pretty standard at the regionals for a little while. Otherwise, pick where your QOL appears to be best. Sucks getting stuck at a place you really don't want to be at.


:beer:
 
joeyfly55 said:
From what I've experienced, been told and seen, we are far above normal reserve staffing at almost all RJ domiciles, especially DEN, ORD and SLC. When you are 45+ deep in reserve on CA and F/O side there is QOL if you live in base and a never ending hell if you don't IMHO.
Click to expand...

Our jet reserve staffing is normal by historical airline standards, but high for PBS.
 
Today, Feb, 18th. Skywest announced some open house recruitment events for pilots and flight attendants. I'll only put the pilot dates and places.

Thurs., 2/21 at 10am
Courtyard Marriott, San Diego, Old Town

Thurs., 2/28 at 10am
Hilton Phoenix Airport, Phoenix

Bring your resume, pilots certificates, 1st. class medical, passport and drivers license.

I wouldn't be to hasty in thinking Skywest's ship has sailed.
 
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Bill ask about how many hours reserve pilots can expect a month. Then compare it to your 121 gig. I think your nuts. Look at Republic first in my opinion if your going to jump ship. I hear chances with Shuttle is pretty good right now. E170 would be bad ass.
 

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