Hi all. This is my post post on Jetcareers I would like to introduce myself as well as seek your opinion and recommendations on my current dilemma.
I'm Any, have been flight instructing for 3 years now with over 1100 of dual time, 1000 G1000, and 1800 TT. I do have some experience in King Air B200 over this past summer and 60 hrs multi. I am 27 and married living in NJ. No kids as of yet and not planning for now (maybe in the next 3-4 years). Work and education experience as follows: 5 years of mechanical engineering experience and plenty of savings to help me get through the first 1-2 years of regional flying. Graduated from a private university in the North East with 3.1 GPA (was slacking and had to pay bills....lol) and full scholarship. My end goal is Legacy of course but I wouldn't mind flying for a LLC and become sim instructor, base CP, assistant CP or anything related to that.
Okay, now that you guys know what is going on, here is my dilemma. I have offers from both Republic and Piedmont and of course not sure which one to take. I live close to LGA and EWR, very close! PHL on the other hand is close to 2 hrs away. My big concern is schedules at PDT as everything else looks great with salary, equipment, people, and flow (for what it's worth). It seems like I will be looking to fly almost every single weekend and have 11-12 days off even with seniority and very little ability to control the schedule. I spoke to few friends at Republic and they really enjoy 1-2 trips on top of being close to base with 15-17 days off, more control of schedule, however takes a little longer to upgrade (not an issue with me) and no flow. I do have 2 training failures (Private IFR and initial CFI oral through FSDO). I really like the idea of 1-2 day trips which will allow me to be home A LOT and use that time for family activities or work part time job. From what I have heard it is also easy to pick up trips on days off at RAH to credit over 100 hrs if needed.
Any suggestions, pointers, words of wisdom will be much appreciated. Sorry for a long write up.