imasaluki

I'm going to risk getting my feathers flamed for posting this outrageous post, but hear me out. I will begin in earnest trying to find my own answers, but could someone attempt to give me the scoop on the regionals since, oh, say, 2009?

My situation was/is: I was a new hire furloughed Comair guy at the end of 2008. Once I figured out I couldn't even buy a job during the recession, I left the industry and never looked back. My brief experience was just... ridiculous.

Anywho, I get words from others about hiring at the regionals, but is it worth it yet? My short experience with the airlines was so bad that I'm not sure I want to risk it again... especially with the economy possibly about to turn on its head again...? Who knows?

I'm not current; in fact, I haven't logged anything since 2009.

Advice, opinions?

Please forgive me if I'm in the wrong forum for this type of question. THANKS!

CaptYoda

It all depends. Do you want to fly for the airlines again? If the answer is Yes, begin by preparing for your interview and while currency may not be a deal breaker it certainly helps. If you were prior FAR 121 you stand a very good chance of getting an interview call. There is always a chance of another downturn but I think if you get on now, you stand a very good chance of perhaps escaping some of it depending on your acquired seniority and the airline you wind up with.

bedrock

The highlights are years of concessions and the 1500 hr rule have dried up the cheap pilot market. Regionals are just now coming to terms with that. They are crying extremely loudly to get the rule changed. Almost any regional will take you now, though I would at least get current in a frasca first.

Several regional airlines are offering bonus money to new hires and training incentives are being offered by American/Envoy.

QOL at regionals is still atrocious. 11 days off for new hires, 5+ legs a day, expensive costs such as healthcare on still low salaries. A lot of turmoil going on. Contract negotiations at XJT, RJET, AWAC and other LCCs and majors. They are still hoping to get pilots by offering a little more here and there--overall compensation is still not commensurate with job responsibilities and requirements. I think economy will stay good another year due to election coming up. The govt. will devalue the USD again in attempt to stimulate the stock mkt; they just want to keep their powder dry for now. Record profits at majors, out of touch regionals still asking for concessions--but not getting them except at Envoy who offers a flowthrough, but a 4 yr cap on FO salaries and 12 on CA.

CaptYoda

I hear the regionals are pushing to have the 1500 hr rule dropped, then....................................

Check Complete

If you meet the minimums, SkyWest will hire you.

We will hire ANYONE!

3inthegreen

If you have a pulse, a telephone, and 5 minutes of your time you can interview and get hired at Mesa all while sipping a beer in your underwear with the college football game muted.

JetDoc

Not gonna happen. It is a political 3rd rail and would literally take an act of congress to change. If it was repealed and another accident happened with a pilot in the cockpit with less time that is required now it would end the political career of any senator or congressman/woman who's name was attached to the legislation.

imasaluki

LMAO, thanks.

imasaluki

When I was furloughed, I told myself I would consider going back when someone from HR picked up the phone and started "dialing for dollars!" (Sales lingo) That being said, I can be reached at 844.782.5835. Leave a message. Do they have an incentive or anything to get current? Why should I spend my money when I was chewed up and spit out like a piece of gum.

By the way, all of this started when I saw an ad for UPS FOs. I had to pinch myself.

I know I sound like I've been living under a rock!

yimke

I wouldn't quit your job until we find out about the ATP ruling, by Sep. 30th. If they push it through, goodbye bonuses!!