Looking at opening this tread again and asking a couple more questions for current or previous GLA pilots.
I have 1300hrs and would be able to qualify for an upgrade soon. What I am wondering is if it would be realistic to expect to be able to upgrade before the August captain minimums kick in with a class date in early January.
Second, I live in Denver and understand that its not a junior domicile. How soon would it be realistic to expect to be able to hold a line in Denver, even if its reserve?
Third, I am curious what to expect a typical month to look like. 4 day trips 2 days off or 5 day trips 1 day off etc. Is it easy to commute if your not based in Denver but live there. How are the other pilots? Are people generally positive? How is maintenance? What to expect or how to prepare for training. General quality of life issues (I've heard the jokes)
Thanks
Question 1: What are captain minimums in August? If you mean you'd be required to get an ATP anyway and might as well upgrade, I think it will take a bit longer. By the time training, ioe, etc is all said and done, you won't be online until the end of February, at the earliest. Since we have all of these fantastic outstations, you could get stuck on reserve in FOD and rarely fly. Things also might start moving fast and it won't be a problem. Things change quick here. 6 months ago we had 2 fewer bases. The most junior captain, currently in upgrade, has been here about 8 months.
Question 2: Denver doesn't seem to be too bad on the FO side. Less than 6 months, probably 3 or 4 to get there. As a captain though, its senior. I've been here 2.5 years, and am getting DEN for the first time in January.
Reserve sucks, and thats all there is to that. Once you can hold a line, expect 10-12 days off, and we get 3 blocks of 3 in a row. The rest of the days are thrown around in no particular order. Some lines are built with 5 days off in a row though, you just pay for it elsewhere. Those lines go senior, you won't get more than 12 off in a month, out of DEN, for a year or so.
Pilots are good, jaded but a good group. Read around for training, the sim is by far the biggest hurdle for people, so make sure you can scan a 6 pack. As far as QOL, don't plan on much. If you can live rent free (ie w/ parents) in Denver then things will be much better. You make enough to pay rent, eat food, and put gas in your car (assuming its paid off). Maybe eat out twice a month. Life as a junior FO isn't glamorous in the least.