MavAv8r

We needs lots and lots of both. Anyone making the move to TSA now will turn out to be smart choice. Take a look at the Comair guys that did it when we only added 7 airplanes. Many of those guys were captains within 6 months, and all of them within a year.

Take the safe choice at a "cushy" regional job, or get the PIC. For those of us that want to move on, I'll take 12 days off and work at 150% pay to get TPIC, and GTFO.

MavAv8r

B/c if they are CQFO's and for some reason we become staffed, then the current FO's on property are protected and will upgrade and the CQFO's will be displaced back to the right seat.

If they are hired as street captains, the only way they get moved back to the right seat is if we downgrade due to shrinkage.

The likelihood of either of those happening is very, very slim. Especially since these CQFO's will be able to hold straight captain soon anyway. This is just the companies way of circumnavigating the contract to get "street captains" on property.

Dukeuno

My theory is that TSA right now has around 300 pilots I believe, and not all those are CA qualified yet. When the get done getting all the planes they will have around 75 or 80 ACs if I am right. The most they will need is 1000 pilots total ( that is being very optimistic, really they would only need 10 pilots per aircraft so 800 would be more reasonable.) Around half would be CAs and the other half FOs. So If they need 500 CAs the first 200 hired as CQFOs would probably hold CA and then the rest would hold CA until TSA FOs on property get the time to hold CA, and then the CQFOs would be FOs till their seniority could hold it. (Realistically the first 150 CQFOs would be CA the remainder of the time will 80 ACs.) I would bet that most of their FOs on property right now only need another 6 months to year and half to get the time needed to hold CA, and that is when they are suppose to get their last airplane. So basically they only need CQFOs to cover until their own FOs get their time and can hold CA. Plus they won't do street CA because they don't want to pay CA rate while in the right seat. The FAA will let you fly CA on CA we do it at LXJT, but we get paid our CA rate when in the right seat. I think they need to staff more FOs and this is a ploy to get them there.

PeezDog

Right, they need the FOs, and the promises of fast upgrades and a higher starting salary will get people in the door. Or at least consider it. No matter how you dress up the title, an FO at a regional is still and FO at a regional. Its all well and good if you're "captain qualified", but not if you're stuck in the right seat. Aren't we all "captain qualified" since we have ATPs? This is all speculation by me, and all the people I talked to at TSA were very nice and helpful, so I wish them the best. I just hope that the people who take the deal don't get burned and take into consideration all these risk factors before making the move.

gvinflight

Probably tomorrow.

PeezDog

I hope it works out that way, but the things you are saying are admitting to the inherent risk of taking the deal. Like you say though, the likelihood of that happening are slim, but we all know how fickle the regional industry is. Today's best bet, is tomorrow's worst nightmare. Plus, so what if they have to downgrade? Wouldn't that save them money anyway? Downgrades happen all the time. You just said the CQFOs could be displaced anyway. I here what you are saying about the chance for PIC time. I just think its a big risk, depending on what an individuals situation is of course. I also know that there have been quite a few FOs hired without the PIC time. Not saying PIC time isn't valuable. Just that if you can round out your resume with other, non aviation related things, it might be a safer bet. We shall see in the future.

Pilottim79

CQFOs will not be displaced to right seat. Most CQFOs will get full upgrade very quickly.

Why are people trying so hard too look this gift horse in the mouth. I know personally we are getting plenty of CQFOs so if you don't like the deal fine. Don't take it. If you do like the deal don't sit around.

Timma

Thing people are forgetting... Even if you would get "displaced" to the right seat as a CQFO you keep the blended higher pay rate! Which is still WAY higher than maxed out top of any regional airlines FO pay scale!

Dukeuno

Like I said about 150 will hold CA, but anyone hired after that will be an FO if you all only have 75 to 80 ACs ( this is without attrition.) They are not displaced to the right seat they fly the right seat because that is where you will need them once all your FOs on property get there time to hold CA. 150 is still a lot of guys and gals that would not be able to hold Ca somewhere else. I did not down the program. I think its actually smart of them to up first year pay. My question is that is states only 12 months on the CQFOs so does it mean its a contract thing? What I am saying do guys have to sign a contract when hired as a CQFOs? "
**The Trans States PIC Direct Plan is based upon:
• 3 months of training at year one First Officer pay
• Trans States PIC Direct Plan is based upon:
3 months of training at year one First Officer pay
9 months of service as a Captain Qualified First Office.
So that is why I ask if its only a 12 month deal. ( I am probably reading it wrong)

**The Trans States PIC Direct Plan is based upon:
• 3 months of training at year one First Officer pay
**The Trans States PIC Direct Plan is based upon:
• 3 months of training at year one First Officer pay

DenverPilot8

Jesus it's pretty simple. They have 350-400 pilots now. They need to hire another 400-500 pilots. If you are hired today you will be a captain soon. CQFO or not. Period. If you are hired next Summer you Prob won't be a captain. That's when it will get interesting staffing wise.