spirit interview

[megreene]

Recently got a call for an interview as well. Same question, CHQ CA, been there 6+ years, got 13 days off and working thanksgiving. Almost to the point of trying to go anywhere, but don't want to leave a good thing for a questionable thing. Ideas?

 

[critterair2]

My short time here, six months, I can't believe there is a regional that is better than NK. Crews are great to work with, training was very good, and the seniority list has some movement. Like I said, six monthes, got my 9th pick out of 111 bids. Thanksgiving off. Looks like chances for good growth, time will tell.

 

[hockeypilot44]

I received a call from Spirit and have not yet returned it. I also have an interview with Northwest lined up. Any thoughts?

 

[iflysky]

NK without a question has been the best QOL of life that I've yet had out of my previous 3 regional airlines. Have been on property 5 months and have 14 days and thanksgiving off in Nov.
Training has been very good and the instructors are very fair and friendly.
In general very good, down-to-earth people work here. In my opinion (and again that is my opinion) NK will do very well.

 

[mu2]

What times are people getting hired with now?

 

[andyd]

I received a call from Spirit and have not yet returned it. I also have an interview with Northwest lined up. Any thoughts?

In my humble opinion, and it is just that...mine (before everyone starts attacking me). As much as I dislike what NWA did to thier pilot group (as well as mechanics, flight attendants, rampers, gate agents and reservation agents)...I think NWA would be my choice over Spirit for a number of reasons. NWA has emerged as a lean and mean operator, is turning huge profits (albiet at the cost of the employees) and has the ability to weather a domestic meltdown with the real possiblity of a recession by making fist over dollar in the international market, particuallarly ASIA, which is where most all of the explosive growth will take place the next 20 years. NWA pilots have gotten most of thier work rules back taken in bk and although they will have to fight for pay increases and maybe shut the red tail down for 2-3 days to get the $$, ultimately I believe they will get the pay back.

No offense to ANY Spirit pilot out there, but I think for the long haul NWA is in a better position for stability, career earnings and growth. I think that Spirt is being grown and capitalized for one reason and one reason only: To make it a ripe candidate for sale to the highest bidder. Oaktree did not invest in Spirt out of the kindness of their heart, they did it to turn a profit! Best guess is than with 3-5 years Spirit will be absorbed by the Borg....aka United, US Air or NWA. You will not HURT yourself by going to Spirt, eventually you will be merged into someones seniority list....but I think you will be better off if you are on the giving end of a merger rather than the recieving end. Just ask the US East guys.

Ok, I'm all done.....Let the hate mail commence!

 

[kwick]

It probably boils down to whether you want to be a career Captain at Spirit, or a career F/O at Northwest, based on growth and upgrade possibilities.

 

[critterair2]

Whats the chances of a new hire at NWA ending up at Compass?

 

[lionflyer]

It probably boils down to whether you want to be a career Captain at Spirit, or a career F/O at Northwest, based on growth and upgrade possibilities.

Assumming Spirit is around in 5yrs.

 

[gatorbird]

1st choice for Nov. Hire date Jan07. 15 days off (17 counting 30+ hr overnights in hometown). Weekends/thanksgiving off. No redeyes.

So far, I've gotten nothing worse than my 7th choice in bidding. I bid like any other commuter (days off/commutable trips). Haven't experienced QOL at any legacy, but I'd put mine up against anyone's that isn't super-senior in their seat.

As for the regional vs. Spirit QOL...a family member of mine has been at a big regional for 19 years and my QOL runs circles around his. This is consistent with other friends at other regionals.

Downside? Pay is low, especially in the right seat. Possible stability questions that were mentioned earlier (most likely in the form of being acquired by a legacy). Also, the do-it-cheapest-no-matter-what mentality wears on you, especially if you walk around in terminal 4 around mid-morning (if i could just hide my ID...).

To each their own. It works for me; I like it here. Will that ever change? Maybe. If it does, I may look elsewhere. What I WON'T do is stay here and b*tch and be miserable...every company has that guy...

TEBOW FOR PRESIDENT

gator