Eaglepilot84

I haven't interviewed in years, but missionhckey has given some great direction and advise. Study those things, don't be a dumba$$, and you will be fine. He is 100% right in that the mentality on the line is much more positive then it has been in the past. There are many envoy haters on APC who have animosity for their own personal reasons, but the general consensus is that things are finally on the upswing here.

The best thing you have going for you is your age. Regionals suck no matter where you are, but putting up with the BS is a lot easier when you're young and have a light at the end of the tunnel. I will have been 10 years in by the time I flow but luckily I started young. You will hopefully be able to flow in 5-6 and still be 30 or less. That will set you up for a very nice and prosperous career. It's been a wild ride, but I still have no regrets in coming here. Especially when hearing stories about the operations at other regionals.

iFlyRC

The largest group of haters are Envoy pilots towards anyone not Envoy.

OkStateBryan

I'm also looking at Envoy once I hit 1,000 because they're hiring for the base I want and will give me a nice signing bonus because of where I got my four year degree. The people I have talked to that work there seem to enjoy it.

Enjoy the CFI life if you ultimately go that route. I'm glad I'm out of it.

Smutter

This kind of sounds like Envoy recruitment, just acting skeptical to make the poster seem real.

wmichflyer

Welcome! The most important thing for you right now is getting your hours. Since it sounds like you don't qualify for the R-ATP, it'll be realistically 1.5-2 years before you get to that number. Keep an eye out on the industry as a whole and remember how dynamic it is. Think of how much the regional landscape has changed since 2006. The best place to go today may be the worst tomorrow or vice versa. For example, you can make $50k as a first year FO. If you'd have told anybody that two years ago, they'd have laughed in your face. Build up some good relationships with people in the airlines.

Living in base means a lot for QOL, but it's not the only factor. Pay, work rules, soft money, flow, etc. all are important to decide what's right for you. This career is great, but seniority is everything. The sooner you get in the better.

iFlyRC

Not being on reserve as a commuter for 4.5 to 5 years is far more important than a good contract / work rules.

skypine27

I'm not sure if this has been covered in this thread but:

Your 2 year associates will not get you hired at UAL, DAL, AMR, or FedEx (unless you know someone really special at the company)

This is not likely to change by the time you are ready to apply.

I can't speak for SWA, JetBlue, Virgin, etc.

The guy who said finish college (meaning get a real 4 year bachelors degree) was spot on.

So was the guy who said use capitalization. It's not any harder to use the shift key and your iPhone will even do it for you.

Jesus millenials....

Imapilot2

Just my opinion.

Online? If you were 30+ and already in the career I'd say yes....but 22? Man you'll never feel as good as you do today at 22. Go to a brick-and-mortar school, do well in your classes studying what you love, football games on the weekends. Parties with friends. Enjoy 22 man. The cost of a college versus saving two years because you did it online while you're working won't matter as much as you think it will later in life. You'll never get that time back. It's priceless.

Crazy Canuck

BMRD,

I was in a similar situation as you. I'm 24 currently with no degree. Have some PIC and heavy time. I'd say do whatever gets your hours up first. That's the most important part.

The bachelors degree I'd do on the side. I'm doing mine through Riddle in aviation. All the yahoos on these boards yell and scream till they're red in the face "DONT GET AN AVIATON DEGREE" blah blah blah. And I agree with them, if that's the highest level of education you intend to pursue. I did aviation because it was the quickest ticket to a bachelors and I'll be finishing up next summer. This is purely for hire-ability. Afterwards I'm going to be pursuing my MBA as my REAL plan B. Who knows, maybe one day I'll even have a side business?

Just my 2 cents and my method. I really think at your stage of the game getting your experience and qualifications are up. You'll have time to think about plan B later once you are a bit more comfortable in the industry and closer to where you want to be.

Otterbox

I just met an Envoy FO who lives in Miami and commutes to Dallas for work. He's in his 3rd year at the company enjoys it, is applying to everywhere else but is happy about the idea of flowing to AA and getting to live in base in MIA when his number comes up in about 3.5 years.

All of the AAG Regionals have a pipeline program. Check the travel
Websites to see how easy it is to get a direct flight to one of their bases. Go with the company that has the easiest commute for you, quickest upgrade, or fastest flow. You may not find they're all the same company but you're off to a good start with Envoy in your situation.