purduepilot88

Hello All,

I am new to these boards. I have an interview with Piedmont later this month and am curious to know about the quality of life? I am very excited about the chance to interview and have not heard many bad things. Any input would be greatly appreciated! My times are about 800 with 250 me. turbine PIC

PDTpilotXX

Haven't heard many bad things... hm. Quite simply we are about as close to death as an airline as you can possibly be and yet still operate day to day. From over 100 planes since the PDT/ALG merger to 44 now. All of our routes can be operated by an RJ (and are) except for one (1). So you say DHC-8s are more fuel efficient than these 50 seat RJ's? Well sadly we are locked into a long term agreement with AWAC for 70 of these 50 seaters, PSA has a large number of them as well. Those aircraft have to be flown someplace and a majority of their routes are former PDT/ALG routes. Our president says that Tempe has given him the green light to spend market rate to lease more 100s and 300s and yet we are out bid by Commutair for 300s (this is a fact and the excuse given by our cp that CAL gave them money is false). So either we were in fact not authorized to spend market rates on new aircraft or our president is just afraid to spend actual market rates for new (used) aircraft. Oh... but tempe will spend money on this: US Airways expects to spend $35m on Express two-class upgrade Anyway, good luck in your interview. If you come here you will fly with some of the greatest people in the industry and that is fact. Also, please let us know what they tell you in the interview regarding the future of this place as they tell us nothing. Oh, if they tell you that we have pref hiring with USairways that is 100% false.

dashtrash300

It is not as bad as most people claim. A lot of people had to be on reserve for 3+ years so they are mad about that. Guys coming out of training right now are getting hard lines in some bases. People are leaving and a lot of our younger captains are trying to get out. It is what you make of it. Some months I wish I had gone with another airline and some I am glad I came here. You will have a blast flying the Dash 8 and the crews really are great. Best of luck

Phuz

Congrats on your interview. I remember being equally excited 4 years ago when I was given the same opportunity. If your goal is to just get 'a job' and you are not interested in building turbine pic time then you should accept an offer from pdt if they deem your pulse is strong enough. If your goal is turbine pic look elsewhere. That's the short/sweet version. If you'd like more in depth info read the pdt news & rumors thread on this board (except for any posts by meyers) and also look at USAirways' financials and determine for yourself how likely a re-fleet of pdt aircraft is within the next 2 years.

dashtrash300

That is a little dramatic don't you think? A year ago I was furloughed...today I have 60+ people below me and have seen close to 50 FO's (just FO's not captains) move onto other things. Chances are pretty good you will see an upgrade. Lets just hope we see another early retirement.

Wapilot23

Hi everyone I also have an interview coming up in early May with Piedmont. I'm a current flight instructor and my times are 780 TT and 36 ME CFI/CFII. With this type of time is it likely I have a good chance of getting the offer? Also first airline interview, any tips on what to study, etc.

Phuz

Dramatic? Haha.. No I don't think that is dramatic. Ask yourself how much turbine pic a guy getting hired today in 2011 is going to build when airplanes start timing out in 2012. It is disingenuous to convince these people of anything else because that is the reality as things stand today. Don't let the "hope" obstruct your vision of the big red blob of facts on the horizon.

LostInPA

It's a great opportunity, especially if this is your first 121 job. Best of luck with the interview.

But keep in mind, there wouldn't be such rampant turnover at the bottom of the f/o ranks if things were that great.

porqueno

If you get the interview you have a good shot of getting hired. Show them a large desire to work there and you will be fine.

stoki

It is great.

Airplanes are in great shape and make you proud.

You stay in luxury 5 star hotels, with the hotel van ALWAYS waiting for you after your last leg.

Great pay-scale, one of the best in the industry for turbo-props.

Very little aircraft swaps.

Great morale amongst crews.

If you have a line, you can really appreciate the great schedules that are put together on a montly basis.

Great base structure, especially if you are a commuter.

Fast up-grade, and a very experienced pilot group.

Planned expansion, there are Q400s on the way to replace the older aircraft.

Whatever you ever complain to company about, they always "look into it".

Best of luck man.

P.S - Did I mention the hot hosties?

*sarcasm disclaimer*