kalyx522

One of my friends recently got hired by Pinnacle... according to him, upgrades there are quick - two years. That sounds about right, from what I gather on Pinnacle's page on this website.

Right now, I have an interview lined up with PDT (btw Rickair, if you're reading this, thanks for the advice last time... I managed to get a later date), which I would much prefer over Pinnacle because PDT has an LGA base, whereas I don't want to live in any of Pinnacle's domiciles. But we all know PDT has long upgrades (if ever). From what I hear of current and former PDT pilots, the work rules and bennies seem good. I don't know much about Pinnacle except their pay seems kind of low.

All the veterans here say you should consider all the different things before choosing a regional... things that add up to QOL. Not singularly pay, or upgrade, etc. So what is really important? Is a fast upgrade worth having to live in a crashpad in Detroit or wherever for two years? Or should I just try for PDT, which I think I might be happy with, but not get to upgrade for many years?

BTW, I don't have enough ME time to apply to places like Xjet or RAH in case you're wondering. I considered applying to Comair too since they have a JFK base, but obviously their future is up in the air right now, so I wasn't sure if that was the direction to take.

And another thing, that same friend is doing ATP's regional jet training prior to his class for Pinnacle, because apparently, "4 out of 10 people wash out of training." That seems excessive to me.. is my friend drunk on ATP koolaid?

CL65driver

Most of the people I saw wash out of training were the 400 hour wonders that came from that very program.

As for which airline- go with QOL. At the end of the day, a quick upgrade is gonna suck monkey balls if you hate going to work everyday. Been there, done that. Good luck with your search!!

ToiletDuck

My old cfi who's moved on to 737's told me this. Think of those few extra years as captain pay instead of FO pay. Career wise I'd say the upgrade comes first. Look at your longterm goal and see which one will help you get there.

par8head

Go where you can get a job, don't be choosy, You may think you can be right now but after you don't get the job at a few places you will see what I mean. I tried being choosy and didn't get the job I wanted now i am very happy with where I work, Airlines are hurting but they don't hire everyone, take the job you can get and fly!

POPA

With the way that majors are picking pilots up right now, hiring will probably have slowed down by the time you're ready to move on. I think that if you go somewhere for a quick upgrade and completely disregard QOL, you'll end up being a 5-year captain who wishes he was a 3.5-year captain who'd had a better experience as an FO.

MustangFa1con

I know two guys who had the same problem exactly...interviewed with PDT, but had an opportunity to go to Pinnacle...they're flying jets for Pinnacle now.
Not really sure if that helps, but just remember PDT's 5+ year upgrade and no jet time...but hell, I'd like to go to PDT too for the QOL

POPA

Dash 8s burn JetA, last I checked.
Turbine time is turbine time.

MustangFa1con

I agree with you completely, but every thime I say that to people they argue back that it's still a turboprop (even though I would rather be flying the Dash)...so I figure that I'm in the minority when that is concerned (some people really have to fly a jet).

I've been trying to get into PDT for months because its a good company, hopefully will be in their March class.

POPA

They just want you to be jealous that they're driving something without a propeller up front.
The -300 seats as many people as the jet that I fly, and the Q400 seats even more. Heck, the Q400 flight deck is every bit as advanced as the EMB's, and they have real yokes!

MustangFa1con

PDT's first year pay is actually better than a lot of places flying jets too (Pinnacle, GoJet, TSA, Mesa, PSA, ExpressJet, etc, etc)...how about that!
...second year pay is another story, but still