benairguitar23

Sure no problem, given that CHQ won't hire again unless the rumor of AA flying comes into play, which if you've heard the rumors they say that it will be E-170 flying not E-145 so that eliminates CHQ, and Shuttle doesn't have GSO or PHL bases, come to think of it neither does CHQ. So if the Republic cert does the hiring GSO is the most likely for new hires. Now since most hiring has been on the Shuttle cert I believe the hiring bases are LGA, ORD, and possibly ATL. As for GSO being the hiring base, it's because no one wants it so once people are senior enough to bid out they usually do. I know because... I was one of them

Littlebird

Thanks ben, nice of you to help out!

Bert Sampson

My $0.02:

I've been at Chautauqua for almost 5 years. I was (and still am) young when I got the job and moved to my base (CMH). I have a decent-sized apartment close to downtown and enjoy living here enormously. First year pay is tight no matter who you are, but that's the story everywhere. After that, I have found things to be easily livable. Then again, I live within my means--as I intend to do no matter where I work. I've even been able to save a little bit, for what it's worth.

The schedules are ok. I enjoy flying airplanes so I don't mind the multiple quick turns in and out of MKE and ORD, but most of the flying in Columbus is Delta so I don't do those that often unless I'm on reserve. I don't know how well I would do with non-stop 30-leg 4 days. 12-14 days off with a line is probable, depending on the month and how the flying is balanced amongst our numerous bases. Outstation basing means mostly early shows and late finishes, but again I live in base and I don't mind, if I were commuting I would start and finish at the same time anyway. The occasional 3-hour-plus sit is inevitable, but not commonplace (for me). An hour or two is to be expected once or twice on a typical trip, but a subscription to Boingo and Netflix runs about the price of two airport meals a month and is totally worth it.

The crews are great. Someone said earlier that they have only met about a dozen people they don't get along with and I agree with that, less even. I don't particularly enjoy being locked in a cockpit with captains that only talk about how miserable they are, but that happens very rarely, and when it does I usually just try to change the subject to something not related to being unhappy. I also try to avoid crew rooms. I have fun at work, and I enjoy others who make that their priority rather than simply counting down the time until the next job. A good crew absolutely makes the difference between an awesome 4 day trip and a "not awesome" 4 day trip, and we have them in spades.

This is a regional airline. Don't forget that after you interview or even after working here for a few years. Argue all you want about what you "deserve" out of this career, but you are still working at a regional airline. It's not the best there ever was, but it is certainly not the worst. Of course I have my ear to the ground about moving up and out, but that has always been the plan. I will never regret my decision to work here, and I got hired at that wacky point in time where I literally had six interview offers in one month.

I also try to stay out of the union mucky-muck. I pay my dues and I voted for the strike authorization and I wrote Bryan Bedford an email when our leadership advised us to, but I don't make it my persona. I check in every week or so to see what's going on and then I go do other things. Also, very few people actually care about the Frontier business in my experience. The loudmouths will always make it seem otherwise, but I can't remember the last time I had a conversation about it with anyone at work or on an overnight. There are lots and lots of other interesting things to talk about.

I would never advise anyone against working here. I would advise that you be realistic with your expectations wherever you end up, be it here or Skywest or if you somehow get a job at Pan Am in 1965. This career is what you make of it, and it will eat you alive if you get on the wrong side of being positive.

One caveat though, I don't commute or have kids (or both). I don't know how those guys do it.

slumav505

Chq will hire based on attrition and upgrades. When the CRJ needed people they hired onto it when they knee it was leaving. People said chq wouldn't hire last year either and we got about 30-40. There are a lot of senior FO's on chq that will jump off the plane the first chance they get. Again, don't come here chasing an airplane or a base. I did that and got burned with STL. Be prepared to get the 145 or be on reserve for a long long time when red team FO's are allowed to leave.

Chancellor

I can't decide whether to go ahead and apply right now, or wait till I get more time. I have 570TT/120M, so I feel I should wait till I get more TT which might not be till mid/late summer. Then again I know it never hurts to apply. Opinions? And yes I've read all the hoopla about 'don't come here'.. I need a job.

DrangonStar45

I applied 2 weeks ago, got the possible interview call today (wanted to fly me down to Indy next week). Too bad I need to be 21 at the time of the interview, so got the interview offer rejected. Was told to re-apply when I turn 21 (in Sept) since "We are always hiring." Anyway, no loss to me, because I make more ferrying light twins, with a better QOL than becoming regional pilot.

Chancellor

What kind of numbers you have?

Crism

I'm gonna quote your entire post because this is REALLY what people need to hear.

DrangonStar45

Just broke into 1330TT, with well over other ATP requirements expect the age thing.

Mulva

Nice post Bert Sampson.