Skywest domiciles and training question

[lanilila]

I start training in the CRJ on December 9 and wondering what are the chances of getting based at FAT, TUS, and the LAX reserve line for the CRJ. Any idea how long it may take to get FAT, TUS, LAX reserve line? One other question I got put into the CRJ new hire class and I will be transitioning from flying PA44/C172 piston aircraft to the CRJ. How is the transition? Manageable? Kind of thought I would be put into the Brasilia based on my relatively low experience (no turbine time). Is the CRJ alot more difficult to learn then the Brasilia? Thanks for any insight.

 

[GuppyPuppy]

Don't know about how long it will take you to get any of those domiciles as I haven't worked there for several months.


However, I have done training for both the CRJ and the 120. I can tell you that the CRJ training isn't easy, but it is manageable. Make sure that you study every day. Make and stick to a schedule for studying and homework. Start learning the memory items and flows as soon as you can. And make sure that you set aside some time for yourself to wind down. Go skiing on a day off, even if you only ski for a half day.

Comparing the two training events (CRJ vs. EMB)...with no experience in turbine aircraft I'd say that you will have an easier time in the CRJ. You will have to get used to flying fast in the terminal area and learn to stay ahead of this airplane.

However, the most important thing during any training event, especially initial, is KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE. This will help you more than I can explain.

Congratulations and good luck!

Cheers!

GP

 

[Magneto]

I know they're hiring a ton into the CRJ right now but what about the Brasilia. Do they currently have a hiring pool for the Brasilia?

 

[meatball]

LAX reserve

Does SkyWest have a LAX reserve base? I thought the bases closest to LA was Palm Springs or Santa Barbara.

 

[propjockey]

Back about 6 months or so I seem to recall an invitation to bid LAX reserve (there is no LAX domicile). I don't know if they're still doing that or not.

The most junior RJ FO in:
FAT is 1714
TUS is 1719
COS is 1706
ORD is 1704
DEN is 1707

I know that's not all the RJ domiciles, but it paints a representative picture. As you can see, they're spread fairly evenly. The total seniority list now has 1859 pilots on it. Seniority numbers 1749 through 1859 are listed as being in training.

Basically, just bid for what you want. You may be pleasantly surprised how soon you get it. You may be awarded more than one city on your list while you're in training (e.g. you may start out with your 2nd choice, but wind up with your 1st choice by the time you get done with training).

 

[DontFeedTheBear]

Guppy puppy has it right, keep a really good attitude, study hard and take needed breaks. I was in the same boat as you, I had minimal turbine time (about 25 hrs), and only 1020TT, it was difficult but manageable. Study the packet they send you before getting there, you will have a test on it the first day of class. And as far as the LAX reserve base, it's senior, not a chance right now. I believe it's only 2 or 4 FO positions, and they are fairly senior on the CRJ. TUS and FAT are very possible right out of training. But if you get ORD, it probably won't be long til you get TUS or FAT.

Congrats and welcome aboard!

 

[difete]

Hello

I will be starting EMB-120 class this monday.
Guess I will see you around. It seems the hiring is
based on timing, need, and experience. I have
tons of turbine time, and PIC turbine, but was put
in the Brasilia class. Congratulations, and enjoy the jet.

I am excited.
Got lots of good buddys working there now
that I have not seen for quite a while.

Have fun.

 

[Mkay?]

Actually I think the CRJ training is easier. The groundschool is much more organized; the presentations are better and there are more sources to help you when class is done.

For me the hardest part of any groundschool is sorting through all the crap they through at you. Once you figure out what you really need to know, its all downhill.

Guppy had good advice, I'll add a bit to it. Don't be the guy that locks himself in his room to study all the time. Meet your class, hang out with these people, you'll see them more than you think online. Also, some may be a great source of info for you. Anyone with prior 121 experience could help you sort through the B.S..

Lastly, just because you don't have turbine experience, don't count yourself out. You will pass groundschool and sim just fine. It can be done, has been done, and will continue to be done on a regular basis. People do fail, but I think it more a result of lack of study and poor pilot skills, than the training is too hard. That said, you may want to read The turbine pilot's guide, just to brush up on some stuff before class.

Good luck to you and welcome aboard!

 

[Mkay?]

I have
tons of turbine time, and PIC turbine, but was put
in the Brasilia class.

Tons is all relative... 1500 total time seems ... well ... not like a ton!

 

[Weasil]

I would reiterate what was said in earlier posts. The guys who do best in training are the ones with the best attitudes. Don't argue with your instructor, it will just pi$$ them off. If they ask you to learn something for tomorrow, learn it, ask for extra help if you need it. Work with the other people in your class, especially if there's guys with prior 121 time, it does make a difference.
If you have no familiarity with turbine systems I highly recommend the Turbine Pilot's FLight manual, it is an excellent introduction to the concepts involved and will help you in systems training.
There's a saying where I work "Cooperate and Graduate" - don't be the guy who sits in the class and constantly goes, well why do we need to know that - or - that's not true, at "insert airline here" we did it this way. That won't win you any points.

Good Luck.

 

[pipers]

I just had a buddy who came out of ground school for the CRJ and he got TUS right away. The domicile in LAX is small and I think that it is reserve only. I haven't heard of anyone being awarded LAX lately. FAT is a bit more senior...the way things are moving over here though you won't have to wait around too long to get what you want. You would probably be able to commute to a good line in SLC relatively soon. Good luck.

 

[Bluto]

Just to echo what everyone else has already said, the LAX reserve base is pretty much unattainable right now for a newhire on the jet. With 3 positions and 17 people with bids in for it, it'll be quite a while before any newhires are able to hold it.

FAT is a much better shot. TUS shouldn't be too tough either, some newhires were recently awarded it. Good luck and bid what you want. Commuting sucks but changes happen fast.

 

[lanilila]

Thanks for all the encouragement in training. I appreciate all the positive attitudes and responses. Im looking forward to the challenge of learning how to fly the CRJ. Im probably going to have to commute from LAX as all my family is in LA and I live like 5 minutes from LAX. What is the most easy commutable base if your planning on coming from LAX? I know commuting sucks as a reserve but im going to have to give up QOL for awhile and come back to LA on my days off and stay at the base while on call. How is ORD as I know I may be put there? Commuting wise? Thanks again for all this great information and hopefully I'll see all you on the line soon.

 

[Nightmare67]

Avoid a two leg commute at all costs! A long one leg commute will work out better every time. I used to commute LAX to PHL. The good thing about it was I could J/S on the red-eye...It was full of other commuters. Got to my domicile around 0600.

LAX to ORD could work out the same. FAT would be a good place but I think its fairly senior. If it were me, I'd go for TUS. Put a beater car in PHX and commute LAX to PHX, drive to TUS.
Theres a butload of flights from LAX to PHX on some of the most J/S friendly airlines, SouthWest and AWA/Mesa. The loads from PHX to TUS are awfull...so I'd just drive it. Believe it or not, Driving to or from TUS to PHX is about the same amount of time because of all the gate holds/delays.

Good Luck...