Pinnacle vs. Chautauqua

[pmordon]

I have an opportunity to start training with either one of these airlines. My dilemma is which one is more stable, and which will give better quality of life for long run.

I’m leaning towards Chautauqua because of their base location LGA flying ERJ 145, (I live in NY), code share diversification, and chance to fly brand new ERJ 170. My worry is that the code shares with Chautauqua are experiencing financial difficulty and they might not be around for too long.

On the other hand Pinnacle seems more stable because of their code sharing with NWA, but has fewer bases, the closest for my commute being Detroit, and **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**y pilot contract (lower pay).

Please guys help me out.

 

[Habib]

Read the post Headed To Pinn., The LGA base for CHQ is all USAIR, enough said.

I would go to CHQ, there is only so much possible growth with the red tail, but the thing about the new airplane should not matter, don't let that fool you into being important.

Good luck, but whatever you pick will be wrong in five years.

 

[John_W_Thompson]

Comparison

In this case I wouldn't compare CHQ and PCL as much as I'd compare NWA and USAir.

 

[sweptback]

I’m leaning towards Chautauqua because of their base location LGA flying ERJ 145, (I live in NY), code share diversification, and chance to fly brand new ERJ 170.

Tell me, what is so appealing about flying an EMB-170? Why on earth would you base your career search on the "chance" to fly one specific type of airplane? Especially since it all pays the same for a FO...

 

[aewanabe]

I'd say come to CHQ, with some caveats. We're not abused nearly as much by the company as Pinnacle seems to be (how many posts do you see on here by disgruntled CHQ guys), we have the potential for more significant growth with our current partners, and the ERJ is easier to fly I also think, reading NWA's latest TA, that PCL and Mesaba both were severely screwed by the modifications to that scope policy.

The caveats? Just the minor fact that 2 of our partners are in C11, one of which seems to be minutes/days away from C7 depending who you ask. Oh yeah, a third partner is teetering on the brink, and the fourth is a small operation that will never get any bigger. If that bothers you, go to Pinnacle. But while you're in school there, try not to think about the fact that at Chautauqua your hotel is provided, Per Diem from day one, and your guarantee from day 30 during training. Good luck in your decision

 

[Otto]

I would go to CHQ. UsAir is the only carrier with a REAL chance of failing soon and it's planes would rapidly be gobbled up into the Delta system. If several of CHQ's partners were to fail, they have the cash to strike out on their own and possibly make it. Pinnacle would be okay but I would think you would have more career oppurtunities at CHQ. Just my 2 cents.

 

[John_W_Thompson]

Where to go.

Don't forget what happens to the Jr guys during the transition phase if USAir goes under. I actually would recommend COEX as they're going to get a BUNCH of planes, and I think we all agree Continental would be one of the last Legacies standing.

 

[Tooslow]

I second that with Space Cowboy, CAL rules....................CAL is going the last legacy to be around.

 

[Stick Man]

Come to the Chicken Taco . . . It'll make you feel good!

 

[singlespeed]

But while you're in school there, try not to think about the fact that at Chautauqua your hotel is provided, Per Diem from day one, and your guarantee from day 30 during training. Good luck in your decision

30 days with no pay? Is this correct?

 

[Airpiraterob]

no it's not....re-read that post again.

you start getting your guarantee pay (based on 75 hours min./month) on day 30.....until then you get per-diem during training from day 1. this comes out to enough to buy breakfast, lunch,dinner every day youre there. housing is provided for.......so youre getting "paid" something i guess.