Skywest Questions

[Rodger Wilco]

You guys put too much weight on those crusty old lifers.
Maybe 5 years ago they had some muscle but now I am sure that they are a minority.
A shocking 50% of the pilot group has been on property less than 2 years, and I would think another 25% less than 5.
So in reality theses hardcore company line guys that you are concerned about, actually represent a small portion of the pilot group. And the new "Pay Proposal" reflects that. Heavy increases on the front two years, turd raises for mid to long-term pilots.

What concerns me are the new guys that have an entitlement attitude and think that the regional airline is a short term stepping stone. They believe that they will "get their time and get out". They don't really care about anything long term, and if they vote yes they can double their money today. These types of guys have had such a rapid progression from Student Pilot, to Instructor Pilot, to Regional Airline Pilot, that they naively believe that Delta is just dying to hire them once they get some TPIC.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Sadly, I know of several people that were the first to peddle anti union sentiment that have since moved on to unionized majors.

My favorite were the ones that pointed to Southwest as being a successful airline without a union. Kindly pointed out Southwest has been unionized for 40 years...

Sounds about right.

 

[Cloud Surfer]

I really hope that any prospective pilot candidates take a good, hard look at what is happening at SkyWest. Things aren't going so well. Seriously consider going to Envoy, Endeavor, Horizon or Republic. SkyWest could be on the brink of having a Republic 2015-style meltdown soon.

 

[Skypilot101]

I really hope that any prospective pilot candidates take a good, hard look at what is happening at SkyWest. Things aren't going so well. Seriously consider going to Envoy, Endeavor, Horizon or Republic. SkyWest could be on the brink of having a Republic 2015-style meltdown soon.

Why do you say a republic style meltdown soon?

 

[Cloud Surfer]

Why do you say a republic style meltdown soon?

St. George keeps piling more flying upon us and more aircraft.... 20 more CRJ 700s to be based out of DFW, on top of some 20 ERJs to be delivered this summer.. Who will fly them? Attrition is close to 90 pilots for the last two months. Our seniority list has shrunk (compare to this Mike Thompson's own words spoken last summer that we would be at 5000 - 6000 pilots right now, whereas we stood at 4800, and it has dropped to 4500 - 4600). Word has spread that SkyWest has subpar pay and subpar work rules. SkyWest ONCE used to excel, now it's just cool aid that makes up for the two.

If the new turd of an agreement passes, the $30k sign-on bonuses for new-hires will draw people in. That is the only way that I see this place remaining staffed. It will come at the cost of making many folks on property VERY upset.

 

[tcco94]

I really hope that any prospective pilot candidates take a good, hard look at what is happening at SkyWest. Things aren't going so well. Seriously consider going to Envoy, Endeavor, Horizon or Republic. SkyWest could be on the brink of having a Republic 2015-style meltdown soon.

Horizon??? If we're being honest I don't see how growth = meltdown, let's all run with our head on fire. Looking at the numbers we gained 30 this month. Plus it's not "new" jets if you read it closely. If anything this is more positive than negative, as I'm sure some contracts were due to expire soon.

 

[ASpilot2be]

Horizon??? If we're being honest I don't see how growth = meltdown, let's all run with our head on fire. Looking at the numbers we gained 30 this month. Plus it's not "new" jets if you read it closely. If anything this is more positive than negative, as I'm sure some contracts were due to expire soon.

Whats wrong with Horizon?

 

[Cloud Surfer]

Horizon??? If we're being honest I don't see how growth = meltdown, let's all run with our head on fire. Looking at the numbers we gained 30 this month. Plus it's not "new" jets if you read it closely. If anything this is more positive than negative, as I'm sure some contracts were due to expire soon.

If I were living anywhere on the west coast and looking for a regional today, SkyWest would be dead last on my list. Lowest pay, no flow-throughs, and the transcontinental commute to east of the Mississippi once you upgrade would make QOL downright miserable. Horizon and Compass both fly jets, Horizon also has a flow to Alaska which appeals to me since I want to end up there. I am not surprised at all to see postings online about FOs bailing to Horizon and Compass.

We will need to net much more than 30 pilots per month if we stand any hope of maintaining our route structure. 2019 will be a firestorm. We know it, SGU knows it, they are in emergency mode right now due to their lack of foresight.

 

[tcco94]

Whats wrong with Horizon?

Nothing. But the original post is about Skywest turning into a ball of fire because they got a new contract is a bit ironic to tell someone to go to Horizon after seeing last summer. Plus, the 175 has always had good staffing so the new jets for them shouldn't be that big of a deal. Nor is shifting 20 700's we already have to DFW. I mean that's just how I see it. Hiring numbers are still high.

 

[tcco94]

If I were living anywhere on the west coast and looking for a regional today, SkyWest would be dead last on my list. Lowest pay, no flow-throughs, and the transcontinental commute to east of the Mississippi once you upgrade would make QOL downright miserable. Horizon and Compass both fly jets, Horizon also has a flow to Alaska which appeals to me since I want to end up there. I am not surprised at all to see postings online about FOs bailing to Horizon and Compass.

We will need to net much more than 30 pilots per month if we stand any hope of maintaining our route structure. 2019 will be a firestorm. We know it, SGU knows it, they are in emergency mode right now due to their lack of foresight.

You're right I'm not saying we are the employer of choice, but I'm also not feared we are going to be going out of business.....

 

[word302]

Nothing. But the original post is about Skywest turning into a ball of fire because they got a new contract is a bit ironic to tell someone to go to Horizon after seeing last summer. Plus, the 175 has always had good staffing so the new jets for them shouldn't be that big of a deal. Nor is shifting 20 700's we already have to DFW. I mean that's just how I see it. Hiring numbers are still high.

First of all, this is new flying. The 700s are coming from ASA/XJT. Second of all, the only reason we grew by 30 is because of the way the Thursdays fell in the month. We had 3 classes for each airplane last month.

 

[tcco94]

First of all, this is new flying. The 700s are coming from ASA/XJT. Second of all, the only reason we grew by 30 is because of the way the Thursdays fell in the month. We had 3 classes for each airplane last month.

"These 20 aircraft will be sourced from within our current fleet and will fly primarily out of American’s Dallas-Fort Worth hub"

Unless he's referring to INC aircraft. That's not how I read it.

 

[Cloud Surfer]

My friend is a recruiter. Recruitment is experiencing more and more no-shows than in the past, something that is unprecedented in a long time. This new "amendment" isn't being forced upon us for no reason. They are growing desperate and need to make this place look more attractive to those outside. You know what they say: "You reap what you sow". I feel no remorse for SGU's arrogance and lack of regard to those of us who are already here. Many will be shafted if this pay package makes it through.

 

[Karnage]

@word302 beat me to it, but yea, they are 20 frames new to us, just not new to Inc. The first two ex-ExpressJet 700s are already in MX being brought over to the OO certificate.

 

[JDean3204]

Horizon??? If we're being honest I don't see how growth = meltdown, let's all run with our head on fire. Looking at the numbers we gained 30 this month. Plus it's not "new" jets if you read it closely. If anything this is more positive than negative, as I'm sure some contracts were due to expire soon.

No offense to you or any other OO pilot... But even during the low time Horizon has been better than SkyWest exponentially, and I am on the Q400. You may be saying right now... “bulls@“t”. But nope, I joined QX at the supreme low last summer and that’s my take on it. More pay, better communication, union and commuter protection and a way faster upgrade in the NW... If I was still at OO I’d have to commute DTW or ATL to upgrade in the next year, right now at QX I can already hold PDX as a CA if I had the times to do so. Yeah maybe in a turboprop but I could care less about a shiny jet vs a turboprop... For the SJS folks the EJET in SEA is just as junior, at OO to hold SEA CA is around 5 years...When I first departed OO, I was devastated, I feel now it was a blessing in disguise. I am now 507 out of 814 on the master seniority list. That is 61% after a year... The pathway to AS may be a marketing ploy but if AS hires 300 pilots in the next 3 years I’ll be slinging gear there way sooner than an outsider applying off the street.

In no way am I trying to be a cheap Toyota salesman by any means.. wait, it’s the NW there is no such thing as a cheap Toyota! I just think OO isn’t all that I or anyone thought it was a few years ago, but it is still a solid place if you don’t care about commuting east to log PIC

 

[Cloud Surfer]

No offense to you or any other OO pilot... But even during the low time Horizon has been better than SkyWest exponentially, and I am on the Q400. You may be saying right now... “bulls@“t”. But nope, I joined QX at the supreme low last summer and that’s my take on it. More pay, better communication, union and commuter protection and a way faster upgrade in the NW... If I was still at OO I’d have to commute DTW or ATL to upgrade in the next year, right now at QX I can already hold PDX as a CA if I had the times to do so. Yeah maybe in a turboprop but I could care less about a shiny jet vs a turboprop... When I first departed OO, I was devastated, I feel now it was a blessing in disguise. I am now 507 out of 814 on the master seniority list. That is 61% after a year... The pathway to AS may be a marketing ploy but if AS hires 300 pilots in the next 3 years I’ll be slinging gear there way sooner than an outsider applying off the street.

In no way am I trying to be a cheap Toyota salesman by any means.. wait, it’s the NW there is no such thing as a cheap Toyota! I just think OO isn’t all that I or anyone thought it was a few years ago, but it is still a solid place if you don’t care about commuting east to log PIC

No, I believe you. I've done a transcontinental commute before, and it was the worst thing ever. I hated aviation while I was doing it. If you're living in base, you have it good especially with that upped pay. Congrats on the flow, too. You'll probably make it to Alaska faster than I will, but who knows with such things. I'm jealous of the union, too. I don't deem it coincidence that SkyWest has lagged behind in pay and work rules while other union shops are making significant gains, my dude. SkyWest is a decent place to build jet time and I like the people I fly with, but I am not shortsighted to its pitfalls, and there are many faults that should be fixed before we have the right to call ourselves the "employer of choice". GMAB with that cool aid....

 

[tcco94]

My friend is a recruiter. Recruitment is experiencing more and more no-shows than in the past, something that is unprecedented in a long time. This new "amendment" isn't being forced upon us for no reason. They are growing desperate and need to make this place look more attractive to those outside. You know what they say: "You reap what you sow". I feel no remorse for SGU's arrogance and lack of regard to those of us who are already here. Many will be shafted if this pay package makes it through.

Yeah I've got some friends in recruiting. Heard the same thing, people aren't showing up to interviews. My mistake then, I read both the email and post in a wrong context. I read it as we are going to crumble and fall to pieces, where as you're more suggesting that QOL is diminishing and our future pay agreement doesn't look good. I agree, by no means am I a company kool-aid man. I was happy because I figured more jets weren't going east of MSP on the CRJ side (news I haven't heard since being hired here), but I see the point. 20 new jets requires a decent amount of crews.

I was in no means bashing Horizon. I'm sure you have a better QOL than we do. Honestly, a lot of places do. Not only have we fallen behind but we are in denial. Pilots on the line too, guys out west have no idea the airline we have out east. It's a shame, honestly. It does appear Horizon got their ducks in a row and hopefully won't have the issues they had last summer again (we all hope).

I do find it convenient how this news is dropped just a few days before voting opens. Much like last year with base announcements, reserve rules, massive transfer bids right before the vote comes out. Bring up morale, put confidence in the company, vote yes. That's the strategy I've assumed they have to get us to vote yes.

TBH, I am jealous of the guys who can upgrade west coast and have union representation. I won't touch a west coast base in the left seat for yearssssss

 

[JDean3204]

No, I believe you. I've done a transcontinental commute before, and it was the worst thing ever. I hated aviation while I was doing it. If you're living in base, you have it good especially with that upped pay. Congrats on the flow, too. You'll probably make it to Alaska faster than I will, but who knows with such things. I'm jealous of the union, too. I don't deem it coincidence that SkyWest has lagged behind in pay and work rules while other union shops are making significant gains, my dude. SkyWest is a decent place to build jet time and I like the people I fly with, but I am not shortsighted to its pitfalls, and there are many faults that should be fixed before we have the right to call ourselves the "employer of choice". GMAB with that cool aid....

As I said before and totally agree, no ties?? SkyWest is a good option if you like the motor city or the good ole south...

Also the AS pathway isn’t a flow by any means, there are some weird stipulations that make all of us skeptical of that “opportunity”.

 

[JDean3204]

Yeah I've got some friends in recruiting. Heard the same thing, people aren't showing up to interviews. My mistake then, I read both the email and post in a wrong context. I read it as we are going to crumble and fall to pieces, where as you're more suggesting that QOL is diminishing and our future pay agreement doesn't look good. I agree, by no means am I a company kool-aid man. I was happy because I figured more jets weren't going east of MSP on the CRJ side (news I haven't heard since being hired here), but I see the point. 20 new jets requires a decent amount of crews.

I was in no means bashing Horizon. I'm sure you have a better QOL than we do. Honestly, a lot of places do. Not only have we fallen behind but we are in denial. Pilots on the line too, guys out west have no idea the airline we have out east. It's a shame, honestly. It does appear Horizon got their ducks in a row and hopefully won't have the issues they had last summer again (we all hope).

I do find it convenient how this news is dropped just a few days before voting opens. Much like last year with base announcements, reserve rules, massive transfer bids right before the vote comes out. Bring up morale, put confidence in the company, vote yes. That's the strategy I've assumed they have to get us to vote yes.

TBH, I am jealous of the guys who can upgrade west coast and have union representation. I won't touch a west coast base in the left seat for yearssssss

At the end of the day buddy, we are all regional pilots right?? Flying metal that doesn’t match the name of our paycheck, therefore why we should measure our peters to one another, we are all taken advantage of by the system that is currently in place. In 15 years when 38000 pilots retire let’s see where this conversation will go, of course by then we will all be super dispatchers controlling RJ drones for 30k a year

** Posting this knowing I just measured my less than average peter a few posts ago!! Maybe we’re all growers and not showers right??**

 

[Cloud Surfer]

At the end of the day buddy, we are all regional pilots right?? Flying metal that doesn’t match the name of our paycheck, therefore why we should measure our peters to one another, we are all taken advantage of by the system that is currently in place. In 15 years when 38000 pilots retire let’s see where this conversation will go, of course by then we will all be super dispatchers controlling RJ drones for 30k a year

The worst thing about being a regional pilot: "I've never heard of your airline before. So, can I purchase a ticket on your airline if I wanted?" No, ma'am, it doesn't work that way. "Since your airline flies for United, do you actually fly their planes?" Ha, I wish, ma'am. "Wait, so you guys fly frieght?" Ok I quit.