VNGDMD80

I appreciate the insight. I'm glad to hear the hiring will continue. I selected C5 over two other regional jet operations and one national operator because of the commutability, the contract with the "commuter clause", and what seems to be a good overall pilot group and relationship with mgt. Yes, every regional has their issues, but having worked for other regionals in the past with poor pilot/mgt. relations, it helps make the flying a little more enjoyable. With nearly 6,000 hrs., I havn't flown professionally since the demise of Vanguard Airlines and after them, Southeast Airlines in 2003. After being on the MD-80, yes, it would be nice to sit in a CRJ-700 or ERJ-170 instead of a Dash-8, but at the end of the day, I think the job itself becomes just as important as the equipment. C5 is losing pilots to the majors so, it is my hope that a better QOL from my personal situation(and obviously there's not much QOL at the regional level) will surpass the benefits of flying a CRJ/ERJ with apu's, FADEC engine technology, and pax boarding through jetways. Things aren't always better in non-aviation related careers with corporate downsizing, minimal yearly pay increases even with exceptional performance reviews and rotting behind a desk everyday knowing your skill sets are not being used. Yes, you're home every night and that means a lot. However, there now is a pendulum swing in the aviation industry with a greater increase in pilot demand so the opportunities to make more $$$ in aviation vs. non-aviation is much better, especially if your end goal is the majors or a good corporate gig.

NeverHome

Commutair is not a bad place to work. The only real gripe that I have is the scheduling dept. Currently the pilots have a decent relationship with mgmnt. It is the scheduling that is really hurting us. Best way to put it (right now at least): you are either a reservist, or a line holding reservist. Either way once you come to work they really dont care about your assigned trip or seniority. With various surveys and us hurting for FOs, it is my hope that we can get the scheduling straitened out.
On a positive note though, the dash is a great plane to fly! Slow as molasses in winter, but well built- and handles everything thrown at it like a champ.

lowtimepilot

How many FO's are you getting and how many do you need/ like to have per month?

Freebreakfast11

4-8 per month, they are looking for around 10 per month.

lowtimepilot

What happens if they stop getting FO's? Seems like they are having a hard time already and it will probably will just get woarse. Does that mean no more upgrades, if people are leaving wouldn't they have to upgrade though? Start parking planes maybe....

Duke990

We had a bit of a problem filling classes earlier this year before the LOA was passed with the improved pay and benefits. Since then it's been going decently. Since we are a small company, we can manage with small class sizes because we don't have people on the top leaving in droves. CommutAir has always seemed to make it work. We also start negotiations for a new contract next year and if the company is having issues hiring, that will only make our position for an improved contract better. We are a small company and that makes us flexible to change things if needed. From the time LOA8 was proposed till the time it passed was only about a month and a half. Try to do that at a large carrier.

Crawl

Did that have more to do with the environment (fact the company NEEDED it done) or size of the company? How long did it take to get the first contract negations completed after ALPA was voted in? ...times change.

Duke990

A little bit of both I think. The company essentially called our union in and said, "we are having trouble filling new hire classes. What do you need to get new hires? Write it up and we'll work it out fast to send it for a vote." That's what I mean about flexible. It's true many companies will drag their feet if there is nothing prodding them to work fast. And I suppose C5 may be no different. With LOA8, there was no push to extend the current contract. The union didn't want that and neither did the company because both realized things can change fast. We start negotiations next year. I guess time will tell if my optimism holds true.

dr650

Not true in regards to company not wanting to extend the current contract. That was in their first offer.

Ground Point9er

Hi C5 folks. How are things at Commutair? Is the hiring still strong? I am 200 hrs short of straight 121 mins but they still want to interview me. Is this typical? If I was sucessful at the interview how long would they give me to get my hours squared away?

My interview is in two weeks and I'm pretty excited.Seems like a great place to work.So fingers crossed

Thanks in advance.

Cheers GP9