akemps

I got PIT based right off the bat (aug 24 '15 hire), but the base is full now I believe, it's only 6 fo's 6 captains, so a very small base at the moment. I believe it will grow in the near future, there's plans for a second airplane here I think. Of the 6 fo's currently based here, I know at least 3 don't plan on staying for too much longer. My best guess would say that if you can get the bus in training, it won't take you long at all (less than a year) to get PIT. Depending on your age, your bigger issue may be getting the bus. So far it's been a good base in my opinion... good (ish) trips, very small so you know everyone, most guys pretty cool. We do turns to Punta Cana and Cancun 5 days a week for apple vacations (2 days are punta cana, 3 days are cancun), which are awesome turns, but they usually go to the top 2 maybe three guys, so the more junior half usually gets the afternoon florida turns (PIT-JAX, PIT-PIE, PIT-PGD), which aren't great, but not bad either; that or endless reserve! Hope that answers some questions

Crucero

Is the LAX base open for Allegiant?
If so, how senior? or how Senior will it go?

b190av8r

Thank you for all of the helpful info! Those FL runs don't sound too bad to me. I pretty much do that now on a regular basis at my corporate gig. What's up with getting the bus and the age thing? Do they determine seniority by age with the bus going to the senior new hires and the 80 going to the junior guys?

N1sync

Extremely junior but that can change however, lately there's been so much movement that you can get just about whatever you want while you're waiting for training to finish. The only exceptions being SFB Airbus or if you get the -80. Don't come here unless you'll be happy with the -80, plan on it and if you get the bus go out and celebrate.

Turbine

What's wrong with getting the mad dog?

The Chow

The mad dogs are old. They can be a handful and sometimes they just do weird things. They can't fly above the low 30's most days, so you will be in the weather. 4 leg days on the MD are more draining than they are on the bus. I think this is due to the pressure bumps, but what do I know. You'll also roast in the summer time, where the only time the cabin will be cool is 30 minutes after TOC.

You'll need a good list of people on the MD that you can text from time to time to see if they've ever seen what the plane is doing now. You may have to sacrifice a chicken to appease the MD Gods.

Examples: windshear test not working, turn on the hydraulic pumps to raise the flaps and slats. Autothrottles just kick off and one engine is coming back, turn on the anti-ice.

If your last plane was a newer corporate or RJ, then you'll need to transition back to your primary days. If your last plane was a B1900, welcome aboard.

I'm sure other guys have many more examples of weird things to add.

tailendcharlie

Opens in May. Very senior for captains with more from the soon-to-close HNL base displacing in. Junior for FO's - you need to be within 90 min. of the parking lot, first year pay is 40k & even at max FO pay you better have a spouse with a good job.

N1sync

The mad dogs are great and getting better! But there's only 4 bases. Good news is if you want Florida bases you'll probably get it and there's no more Punta Gorda. Don't be scared of it, it's an easy and fun plane to fly.

akemps

1. The florida turns aren't bad, they're super easy, they just don't pay very much. PIT-JAX is credited at 3.83 I believe, and PIT-PIE, PIT-PGD are around the 4.5 mark (PGD is 4.83 I think)... You'll probably get a good mix of them on your schedule and without some of the international turns thrown in, you won't be much above 80 ish hours. Guarantee is 70, so, I look at it as: bid reserve, get the 70 hrs without flying much (I've flown once on reserve so far in PIT), and pick up a trip or two on your days off and you'll be at about the same hours as a line with a whole lot more days at home (albeit not hard days off).

2. The way you get aircraft and base assignments at allegiant is by your seniority (DOB) in your new-hire class. This is a total crapshoot. New-hires here are typically on their 2nd or 3rd (or more) airline job so most tend to be in their mid to late thirties and older; guys in their twenties are the minority. As to how many 80 and airbus slots are available... that's anyone's guess. I believe the last class (Jan 17 around there) was something like 25 bus and 10 md-80 (many more bus than 80 at least). And in my class the bus went all the way down to guys 26 years of age, mainly because some of the more senior types were bidding the 80 for specific base assignments. There have also been classes of ALL md-80 and ALL airbus. There is a 2 year equipment seat lock, but they are frequently lifted depending on the needs of the company. Also, if your base transitions over to the airbus, you will automatically transition with it (seat lock or not). A lot of guys say a good conservative way to look at it is: if you're under 35, plan on the 80, and be pleasantly surprised when/if you get the bus.

But here's the caveat I tell everyone, there is so much movement right now, that as long as things stay somewhat the way they are, you'll most likely have whatever it is you want in 2 years at the most. Subject to change of course. But I don't think someone should turn this place down just because they won't get exactly what they want right out of training... it'll come.

Crucero

Thanks..I got a place to stay in LA that's 5 minutes away from LAX in the ghetto..pay is about the same at my regional..so maybe I will look into applying!.. thanks again