ryanalber88

I am in the market looking for a job at the regionals, trying to make the best decision. I currently live in Houston working for United Airlines as a Fleet Technical Instructor on the 737 but need to get out flying full time. I realize being based where you live provides the best QOL, but I also want to be flying a lot, and would prefer to upgrade sooner rather than later. I am originally from the west coast and would not mind moving back there. Currently Sky West is at the top of my list, but any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help in the matter!

skypilot35

Skywest has a Houston domicile. Relatively junior. If you're looking for a quick upgrade and not concerned with staying in Houston then Compass, TSA, GoJet, and Mesa are fast tracks to the left seat. That's what all the propagandists say anyhow. Best of luck to you. Compass has an LA domicile.

RH1228

Mesa. E175 base @ IAH.

ryanalber88

I've seen a lot of people say to
stay away from Mesa, any clue why?

prex8390

Read just about any thread, and I mean any thread And you'll read why.

FaceBiten

Mesa treated its pilots bad in the past. Ask any current employee and they will tell you it is better now. The only people who hate on Mesa are people who used to work here or never worked here. I like it here. My friends like it here. Get treated well and quick movement. Pay isn't the best but a few bucks an hour, especially with a quick upgrade, makes pay a wash. I will make more in my first 5 years than FaceBiter did at SKW in his first 5 years. He will probably pipe in and spew some more hate soon. He either didn't work here or got fired from here...he never really is clear about it. Either way, live in base. In IAH the ejet operation is a pretty good gig. Mostly good trips, and good movement as most of the FOs are prior 121 and will be upgrading in the next 6-12 months.

VoiceOfReason

If staying close to home is your goal, the above stated options are good. Consider all things - pay, QOL, career advancement (beyond upgrade), mainline partners for travel benefits. Also understand that regionals are meant to serve as a stepping stone, so all of these things could be temporary pains/gains in order to chase your dream.

Good luck and keep us posted!

FaceBiten

We are on a bankruptcy contract...so how is that taking concessions to steal planes? You should fact check that before you spew bs. Being cheaper than another regional to gain contracts is one thing, taking concessions like PSA, among others, is a different thing. Worst work rules? Not really. 11 days off, 76 hrs a month, block or better, 1.5 hour rsv callout (but reserve time is almost nonexistent as a DFW new hire). We don't get screwed with like we did several years ago. Even on reserve life isn't bad. Pay is low, but all regional pay is low. Again, if you got hired in time to get a quick upgrade, 5 years of pay is actually more than other regionals without a quick upgrade. JO will pay pilots market price...ie if he is filling classes steadily, which he is, he won't increase pay. once the music stops and no one comes to class, he will then come to the table to talk better pay.

airborne840

Things have definitly improved at Mesa. I was a CRJ FO with Mesa in 2007-2008, I then took a long Military leave of absence and returned early this year. From 2007 to now, the overall treatment is much better and most pilots I talk to seem happy to be here.

Xdashdriver

Mesa...We are nearing the end of our current slate of EJET deliveries (end of July), but there's still time to get on board and not be stuck on reserve for too long if you don't delay. We are VERY short on FOs right now. I keep hearing persistent rumors of additional EJETs coming, but nothing official yet. If they do come, then you will probably see the left seat reasonably quickly provided we can still fill classes.

If you want to fly a lot, then our flying out of IAH will fill that need. I see several 90+ hour lines being awarded to those who want them. Most of our legs are long (BDL, YUL, YYZ among the longest) so the trips are pretty productive without being too tiring.