Snuffaluffagus

I've been through both XJT ERJ and Compass programs. Both are great programs but I seemed to like Compass better. Instructors were great guys and nice. Examiners were cool guys and laid back. A lot of the instructors at Compass are line pilots so they know how to separate sim world and real line flying. Never got a mean vibe or an out to get you feeling from anyone at Compass.

Lavdumper

I'm a huge mesa cheerleader but there are guys online that shouldn't be there.

That being said the training department is great.

Ar Pilot

Agreed with this, except coming from envoy. envoy instructors taught you how to fly the crap out of the sim and do V1 cuts all day, with little emphasis on line flying since you'll have 7-8 year of sitting in the right seat to get the hang of it. Compass was more oriented towards line flying because of AQP and the quick upgrade, also responsible for captain and FO flows so you have a little bit better understanding of how the whole system works. I'm sure the envoy training has changed up and become more comprehensive now that they're AQP though. No longer "sit on your hands and watch the guy fail his PC" attitude.

The environments couldn't be more different as far as envoy having grown men who'd nearly wet their pants when they'd come back for recurrent because they're afraid of failures.

Yazzoo

I've been through 2 Part 121 programs and 1 Part 135 program.

ASA's takes the crown. They spend lots of time teaching procedures, systems, regulations, etc. ASA's training program was geared for pilots with 250 hours and a wet commercial ticket (back before 1500 hours was required, so it might have changed since then). It was a long training program but a thorough one. We had a whole week of systems training and FMS training. We'd go through 1-2 systems a day, never more than that, and then hit FMS. It didn't feel rushed and there was very little "go home, teach yourself this and come back." Since it was my first 121 jet job, I think that helped a lot.

Compass has a solid training department, but you can tell it was designed for people with prior 121 experience. You get a disk, go home for a month, and come back "knowing everything." I did fine but my prior 121 jet experience was helpful. I would have had to work a lot harder if I was straight from a CFI or 135 job.

I also flew at Ameriflight, and their training program is outstanding. Not just by 135 standards, but by training standards in general, they take safety very seriously and make sure you 100% know your sh*t before you go out on the line. Their training department is filled with good, knowledgeable people.

Cruz5350

I've been through more than I'd like to admit lol, but here's a quick run down. Horizon was awesome I'll give it a slightly better than SkyWest CRJ. SkyWest CRJ was good, but when you compare it to the 175 it's night and day different and not in a better way. Our 175 program just plain rocks.

NewPil0t

4 pages and PDT hasn't been mentioned once?

Yazzoo

They've been mentioned at least 5 times...

NewPil0t

Oops. Normally, PDT Training talk goes on for pages.

I can see how some people complain. Lots of new blood in the department, and they'll be moving soon with the flow.

Whatmeworry

Yea the pre class INDOC test is a beatch!! They don't even tell u which ones you miss if you don't pass it!! ***, how am I supposed to know and correct it!! Not impressed so far!!!
And I still have that dam systems test to complete!!!

NewPil0t

PDT? It's an open book home test with no time constraint.

Ground school, OTOH, is like drinking from a fire-hose!