beech_nut

You have got to be kidding with that last post. Pilots don't feel they need protection from management? Thats a good one!

E1Out

While I understand in today's airline culture how this may be hard to believe... I'm being totally genuine. If the majority of pilots felt they had needed protection, they would have voted in ALPA. Most felt the ALPA drive was unnecessary, and were highly reluctant to vote yes, because they didn't want to turn their relationship with management into something adversarial.

The implication of your post suggests you are familiar with the working conditions at CommutAir. Maybe your insight could help the original poster in making his decision.

C172MQI

I had a buddy who had an issue with the FAA while working for UCA. He said management was extremely supportive of him and helped him through the whole ordeal.

Piston6565

Go where the growth is. Mesaba has nearly doubled in size in the past year. However with this cyclical industry that will probably change about 12 more times in the next year.

MrBigAir

Here's another post to help:

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...d.php?p=303389

E1Out

I saw the same type of stuff while I was there as C172MQI described. CommutAir's management acted in the same capacity as most airlines' unions. They really do their best to protect their pilots.

Here's another thread from October... I'm hoping current pilots from both CommutAir and Mesaba will chime in. Second hand and years old information only goes so far. Good luck.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=17440

beech_nut

You are absolutely correct regarding how management acts to protect the pilots at Commutair. They are to be commended for that. Unfortunately, over the last few years we have seen a constant erosion of benefits, worse and worse trips with longer hours and shorter overnights, and a general worsening of the quality of life. Upgrade is a bit long right now, perhaps a bit longer than 2 years. Hopefully once the transition to just one aircraft type again is completed things will get a bit better but honestly, this a place to go get your time and get out as quick as possible. I have enjoyed my time here but if I had it to do all over again I would go to a place with better work rules, pay, and nice shiny jets. Oh, and least I forget I would go someplace with a union.

E1Out

beech_nut... I'm really sorry to hear that things have deteriorated a bit at CommutAir. Although, I guess I shouldn't be surprised - from what I can tell, it's happening everywhere. Transitioning fleet types always seems to create a bit of discontinuity within a company - I hope things get better soon.

As for nice shiny jets... The grass is always greener, as they say. I spent a year on the Beech, and 4 years on a nice shiny jet. A lav, flight attendant, and good air conditioning & heat are great perks - but nothing replaces the comraderie that you guys have with a smaller pilot group, and the bonding moments in hand flying ILS's down to minimums in the middle of snow storms. Me and my friends from CommutAir still fondly reminisce about "the good old days." You have no idea how much I long for the days of the Beech. (And yes, I was based in both Plattsburgh and Cleveland... I know how crazy I sound!!!)

The Juice

That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. The Saab is the mack daddy of T-Props.

WMU2006

Hey, thanks for the info. I just got a rejection letter from Messaba. Don't really understand why but I guess it dosen't really matter. Hope the Commute air interview comes through. I am pretty upset by the whole process after my last experience. I guess it doesn't matter if you fly turboprop before you become a captain in that aircraft (Like messaba you could be in the 900 but than to make captain everyone goes to the Sabb). I am excited about CLE base but hopefully it all works out I here it is pretty backed up with the transition. I will keep on instructing until I get the job. Have fun flying the big iron and I will hold down the C-172.

Peace