BLEEDBLACKNGOLD

Brian434 what is your current job? I've been at RPA for 8 years. This place is not a place to retire (what regional is). I was a CFI before that. I have 0 regrets coming over the Chautauqua from that job. Regional airlines are feeder companies. If you flight instruct or work for some other low paying job without benefits then go to the interview. Turbine 121 time is way better than some piston SEL time. There are issues @ RPA. There are issues everywhere. Piedmont/ Allegheny was the place to be in the early 90's. Comair was that place in late 90's. Chautauqua was like that from 2003-2005. There aren't quick upgrades. Our work rules are a myth. I have 0 regrets though. Beats doing 80 takeoffs and landings with private pilots for $8.00/hr. The moral here was much better in 2004 (back then we called the issues growing pains). Still had same contract/ pay though....

BXODRIVER

At last someone is writing some sense in this thread! Good word BleedBlackNGold!! Now to the others; Who said any regional is good to work for now these days. Look at AE? Comair? Transtates? PINNACLE!!! Instruct for food, or beat yourself up as a freight dog in a 135 getting paid with "turbine time" is definitely an experience that some of us will never forget. So dont come here now and cry out loud how bad RAH. Bail out like bcpilot99 did and do us a favor, dont inject negative vibes into this thread. Take them some where else!

DirectTo

I have a question for you guys. Got an interview date today. When do you find out what side of the operation they're hiring into?

STR8NLVL

They'll offer you a certificate when they offer you a class date. But even then, they've been known to take half a class and move them from one to another after showing up. Doesn't happen often. But be forewarned it can happen.

BLEEDBLACKNGOLD

I dont think they give you a choice on certificate (long time since I interviewed). Latest positions available are for Shuttle America. I am not 100% accurate with the lateral movement from RPA to S5 or CHQ. The company allows that at their discretion. Senior FOS at all 3 though. Roll the dice on which 1. Working for the 3 is the same anyway.

Great people work at all 3. Good Luck on the interview! Try not to get caught up in all of the bitterness. I still enjoy coming to work believe it or not. You make it out to be what you want. The majority of the crews are good people and fun to work with.

DirectTo

Thanks both of you. I don't really care, regardless, but didn't know if since the guy who called was from Republic if that meant it was a Republic thing (vs. a guy from Shuttle calling, etc.).

I've jumpseated on you guys several times and had nothing but great experiences...hoping for the best!

Luv2Rotate

You're a Dash FO but making a lateral move? That doesn't make much sense.

FR8DWGIE

What's wrong with people sharing their experience at RAH? It was definately the worst place I've ever worked. Working there made me want to leave aviation more than my 2 furloughs ever did. The management will screw you every chance they get. I bailed from there almost a year ago to take a recall from Mesaba (Pinnacle). Even with all the turmoil going on at Pinnacle, I have no regrets and would do it again. The only regret I do have is leaving my 135 freight dog job to go to a place like RAH in the first place. However, I do miss the crews, there are some really good people working there.

brian434

I was in 135 flying C404s and PA31s. Right now I am not working other than a AF Reserve weekend now and again. As long as I am not out chipping ice off a wing with an windshield scrapper in 30mph blowing snow RAH will be great. Those that have worked 135 freight know what I am talking about or they flew a bit further south. Seems like an outstanding opportunity to learn some more.

STR8NLVL

The guy who calls will say Republic, as in Republic Airways Holdings, the holding company that owns all three. They hire together. When they call for class, they tell you what certificate the class is for. Sometimes if there are classes for more than one coming up, they'll give you a choice (not often, though). Most of the hiring lately has been for Shuttle.

My experience has been mixed. Management is dishonest and exploits our CBA and it's numerous loopholes. But the people are awesome and I enjoy coming to work. I think pay is below average. While the hourly rates look comparable to our peers, the work rules make it hard to credit more than 90-95 hours a month. So I make less than my friends with the same time in at ASA, XJT, PNCL, and SKW. Upgrade has also been painfully slow and you have the whole F9 debacle and all the uncertainty that that brings with it.

But all in all, I still don't mind getting up and coming to work.