Flyby1206

Some generalities when picking equip/base:

If you can move to wherever your base is, your quality of life will increase ten-fold.

Check passrider.com to look at what options you will have for commuting. Keep in mind if you commute on AA/AE you will have to pay to ride until you hit 5yrs seniority. It varies by length of route, but plan on around $15 per leg. If AA/AE is your only option for commuting then it can add up very quickly(Commuting to/from DFW might get expensive).

ATR will be your best shot at getting DFW based, or if you ultimately want to transfer back to DFW. ATR has the fastest progression towards better quality of life and holding a line since everyone senior to you wants to transfer out onto the jet after a year or two.

If you have an open mind and enjoy tropical paradises then go for SJU ATR. The flying is absolutely amazing, and will be something to look back on in 30 years with fond memories.

ORD has had a lot of ERJ openings lately, so if you cant get ORD ERJ on day 1, try for NYC ERJ and the transfer shouldnt be too long.

NYC has had a lot of CRJ openings, which is good because youll hold a line quickly since the company didnt let any existing first officers bid for the CRJ slots. Keep in mind though, the only way off the CRJ is by getting displaced, or upgrading to captain, so you might be on the jet for a while. The DFW CRJ base is shrinking, so not likely to transfer back to DFW CRJ.

coldpilot

To add to this... DFW ATR is getting to be a somewhat senior status. I am a 02/2008 DOH and can just now hold a line consistently. A lot of guy hired in the 6 months before I was are going to stick it out for a bit since a lot of them can hold commutable lines but would sit on reserve or as a junior line holder on the jet. If you want the jet in DFW be prepared to spend 3+ years on reserve. The ATR is probably going to run 1 1/2 to 2 years on reserve.

inky13

This is very valuable information....thanks guys!!!

SuperDuperDude

I know a March 2010 hire that will be holding a line on the ATR as soon as he gets here in October.

onetogo

Where is "here" ?

I've heard from several sources that the ATR is considered to offer better QOL than the jets. Anyone care to comment on this?

topprospect16

Based on the post, three above yours, seems like that's an accurate statement

Fr8Master

Anyone have any information on where the new hires are going? I've heard rumors that most are headed to SJU, but I don't know if it's true. Is it a possibility to get hired and start at DFW? I don't care what I fly, I just want to live in Fort Worth and the thought of not having to commute is mighty nice!

Also, does anyone know the hard minimums for flight time in order to get an interview?

BomberGuy

I believe the mins are still 1000 and 100, but you might want to double check that. DFW has not been offered to new hires since May or June, but there are always vacancy bids.

onetogo

The August 2nd class consists of:

5 NFC (New York FO CRJ)
5 OFE (Chicago FO EMJ)
3 SFA (San Juan FO ATR)
1 MFA (Miami FO ATR)

Hope this helps!

rollercoaster

The QOL comes from the fact of holding a 'regular hard line' sooner instead of the long-term beating of jet reserve.

I mostly agree except for the last sentence. There is a February new-hire that is bidding 7 numbers below the lowest regular hard line holder for August. I count 12 DFA's on the flow plan, awaiting DFE class, that bid lines in August. I also suspect a couple more FO's to bail via the bid that closes tonight. Unless Eagle quits hiring, or reduces ATR flying in DFW, I'd guess DFA reserve drops to less than a year over the next 6 months. But then again, there is no way I'd bet my massive salary on that either

My current suggestion for anyone wanting DFW would be to bid the ATR. You might have to spend some time in SJU or MIA but hopefully able to bid DFW within a few months. There is, however, no guarantee of being DFW based promptly, regardless of equipment choice. This is after all, the airline industry we are talking about.