Living near base- Commutair

K

kls1981

Well-Known Member
I'm currently looking to get back into flying after 8 months of attempting a career change, however it didn't work out and bottom line: I miss flying.
I'm 29, not working and have to make a move. I have about 4000tt and 800 multi when I stopped flying in Aug 09'. I did have my CFI but I let it expire at the beginning of the year and I had started my CFII. I want to get currrent again and get things up to snuff VFR & IFR wise and submit my resume to Commutair. So I'm thinking I may finish my CFII to do this. Is this a good idea? What does Commutair like to see for currency?

Also, How is life living in base? I live in Ohio(about an hour from CLE) now and I know there is a chance of getting EWR. I do have a wife and two kids, however she is a nurse and can pretty much get a job wherever so we would move to the base I was assigned, either closer to CLE or possibly EWR or just wait and try to bid back to CLE. I'm hoping her pay would make up for my low pay in the beginning, actually me making anything at this point would be a bonus. HAHA.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.
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Is there a regional worse than Colgan? Yes, Commutair.

However I will say that living in base can make a crappy airline, a good airline. Thanks to not commuting I have essentially had this whole week off due to a 4 hour reserve call out after being taken off of my trip for IOE and I wasn't called once. I actually won't mind going to work on Sunday!
 
Living in base is a huge plus. I'd say commuting to reserve in Newark is difficult. Not just on you but all those envolved, frankly you won't be home much.

So obviously the best thing would be to get based in CLE close to home. IMO dragging your family all the way out to the NY area for a Commutair job isn't worth it. Financially speaking living out in Allentown/Bethlehem PA (1:15 drive on I-78) would make the most sense, or at least would probably remind you the most of the area you're leaving. Of course if you're looking for a more urban environment, NY/NJ obviously can accommodate (at a price $).

Granted I'm looking through the eyes of a "jaded" regional pilot...I understand though the feeling of wanting to chase your dreams. Just beware, a year in you may look back and say "what the hell did I do that for?!"

Proceed carefully.
 
Yeah, I know Commutair isn't good, but I'm looking for somewhere I can get back in the game and try not to uproot things too badly and possibly get based in CLE. There isn't much in CLE. Living in Allentown is a good idea if I did get based in EWR.
If I could find a better place to work I would, I'm just not sure what's out there right now along with something that makes sense.
Unfortunately I was hired by Expressjet in 07' right before things went south and I voluntarily left training and went back to my old job. Turns out I would've been furloughed within a month or two anyway. I even got CLE as base. I wish that would've worked out. Thats my luck. I wouldn't mind just flying for Commutair for a short time then moving on to another regional. I think we are starting an upswing on hiring again, hopefully I can time things right.

Do either of you fly for Commutair?
 
That's cool, I really liked that place. I wish I would've gotten in earlier. I doubt you guys will be hiring anytime soon though.
 
Yeah, I knew the furlough count was still up there. Although some probably have found other work. Hopefully you'll go back soon.
 
kls1981 said:
I wouldn't mind just flying for Commutair for a short time then moving on to another regional. I think we are starting an upswing on hiring again, hopefully I can time things right.
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why make a lateral move? I've heard many a pilots say a regional is a regional no matter how you cut it (comparing to majors) so why not just put in your time at colgan or commutair where the upgrades might and probably are alot quicker, and see what happens?
 
kls1981 said:
Yeah, I knew the furlough count was still up there. Although some probably have found other work. Hopefully you'll go back soon.
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Not to get into the whole attitude of blah blah blah that hurts all of us as pilots... but your better off just waiting six months to a year for a better company to pick you up, than just sidestepping around for flight time. In fact just try Colgan they're pay is a little better and probably a quicker upgrade time than Eagle or many of the others...

As for Afghan, my buddy in Marjah said its great, every morning at after prayer 9AM Hadji fires a rocket at the base or a car bomb goes off like clockwork, which saves $$$$ since you don't need an alarm clock! :D

Just thinking outside the box.
 
As far as the lateral move, say I wanted to possibly move on to major or something like that? I just thought jet-time would look better to them instead of turboprop time. I wouldn't mind staying at Commutair if possible and eventually make captain, I just figured jet-time would look better to a major. But I guess PIC turbine is PIC turbine right? Any thoughts on that?

I thought about Colgan but I'm not a fan of their bases, I like the chance of getting CLE. I do know bases fluctuate like gas prices though. I know the pay is better at Colgan but I would rather make less of a move for better pay, besides the wife is a nurse and she can makeup for that. I would like to try and keep the kids in one spot and around family for now since they help with babysitting.
 
kls1981 said:
I just figured jet-time would look better to a major. But I guess PIC turbine is PIC turbine right? Any thoughts on that?
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just from asking around and talking to a few guys I know, most US majors are looking for at least 1000 pic turbine, but the guy I know that came from Cathay Pacific says they would rather see heavy jet time, even as an FO over PIC turbine. but as I see it, I figure CommutAir would be a good place to go with quicker upgrades, which would be easier to lead to heavy jet time possibly... who knows? thats my plan anyway...
 
Interesting. I'm more concerned with a better QOL than anything. I would like to upgrade eventually however I'm not going to chase an upgrade and sacrifice QOL. I wouldn't mind flying for a Jet Blue, Southwest, etc. down the line. I'm not too concerned about flying international.

Who do you fly for now?
 
I don't think most domestic companies will care too much about turboprop vs. turbojet. What you really need is 1000 multi engine turbine PIC in an airplane weighing over 30,000 carrying at least 50 pax Part 121 whatever whatever. They're more concerned with your conduct as captain and ability to make decisions.

As for the foreign guys you pretty much need a type rating in whatever they fly ahead of time +500 to be considered these days. CX is an exception and though they hire low time guys its not as common as some lead it off to be, they actually have their own speciel cadet program for that.
 
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