Which path to take?

jetstar242

jetstar242

Well-Known Member
Hey guys! Some of you may have seen my thread "engineering to flying". I have recently received two offers from Piedmont and CommutAir. I thought the toughest choice would be switching to full time flying, but it seems like the toughest part now is choosing where to go. I live about 20 minutes away from KEWR and if I go with CommutAir, my drive to work will be simply a breeze. I can also stay on reserve and be close to base. On the other hand Piedmont offers bigger bonus and flow to American (now I do know that this may change at any second) but I will have to drive close to 2 hours if I get KPHL as a base. Some of you may also know that I have an incident as a flight instructor which occurred 1 year ago (no injuries or damages) and I am very honest about it, and initial CFI oral failure as well as single engine instrument. I also went to private engineering school and have bachelors in mechanical engineering (if that plays any role looking for a job with majors later on).

Considering all of the above, which way would you go? The choice is obviously mine to make and I leaning towards CommutAir as I have my instructors work there as well as few friends captains and it seems like a place to go to (training, location and etc.), however wanted to hear your suggestions or comments.

By the way, big thanks to @bimmerphile for his input on my case, very helpful

Big big thanks! Sorry if this topic is annoying.
 
I would go with Commutair. They are growing, going to add 145s just like Piedmont, you can live in base (huge QOL factor, no commute), and the flow at the wholly owned AA regionals is subject to change. Commutair has that United program too.
 
I would go with Commutair. IMHO, flows are mostly a recruiting tool and living in base is a totally different life than being a commuter. I know a 2 hour drive doesn't seem like much but week in and week out it gets old.
 
I'll toss my chips in for Commutair as well for the same reason outlined above. Not only that, I've heard they have a pretty progressive contract, especially their commuter policy. Admittedly if you live that close to Newark that won't initially be a big deal, but displacements happen. Pretty exciting time over there right now with the growth, jets, and their relationship with United.
 
Thanks guys, this is the main reason I am leaning towards Commutair. Plus I can also instruct on days off being close to base and not having to waste energy on commuting.
 
jetstar242 said:
I have recently received two offers from Piedmont and CommutAir. I thought the toughest choice would be switching to full time flying, but it seems like the toughest part now is choosing where to go. I live about 20 minutes away from KEWR and if I go with CommutAir, my drive to work will be simply a breeze. On the other hand Piedmont offers bigger bonus and flow to American (now I do know that this may change at any second) but I will have to drive close to 2 hours if I get KPHL as a base. Some of you may also know that I have an incident as a flight instructor which occurred 1 year ago (no injuries or damages) and I am very honest about it, and initial CFI oral failure as well as single engine instrument. I also went to private engineering school and have bachelors in mechanical engineering (if that plays any role looking for a job with majors later on). Considering all of the above, which way would you go?.... however wanted to hear your suggestions or comments.
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Doesn't China Bus make frequent 24/7 trips to PHL from Newark/Manhattan and vise versa???? I know a guy at AWC who commutes from NY to PHL all the time for trips as an FO. Said it's a breeze and really low cost and safer than him driving 2 hrs. Just FYI.

Many here do not walk in your shoes, and or feel your stress. Neither do, so beyond living 20mins from the base, I recommend you make decisions that aids in your future peace of mind, and longevity as well. How happy would you be at CommutAir for the rest of your career, if Hogan test & Interview don't work out? How about a LCC? How about Piedmont if things get crappy in 2-5yrs from now industry wide? Could you see yourself ever moving to PHL 1-2 yrs down the road or 1hr drive closer to base? It's very stressful selecting a regional.

I know pilots talk a lot of trash about flow & shiny jet but I've notices some of these same people over the years have made the decision to take a flow or work for regional flying a "huge shiny jet!" Also, people talk trash about American's Flow, Guaranteed Interviews (i.e. Endeavors DGI, Career Pathway Interviews at CommutAir and half of XJET pilot group), and Bonuses not being protected via contract, etc.

I understand the distrust with "Flow" and why its considered a Dangling Carrot Stick to bring pilots in. It is. But so are the $83K Endeavor bonuses split over 3yrs/ quarterly payments. To bring bring folks to the door, and it's working (RAH contract pay increases are working too). $15K at AAG subsidiaries. You'll hear that Envoy, PSA, Piedmont flow contracts are written in such a way that AA has discretion to stop the "Flow" numbers agreed upon which the regional union leaders had negotiated with parent company. People don't read about the precedent upheld by the Court/Judge to ensuring AA "flows 824 from previous AE contracts." Nobody considers that if AA try's to not flow per what they dangle to pilots these days like previous TA, another Court Judge could make the same ruling to ensuring AA's flows more.

Anything is possible in this industry for the good and bad @jetstar242 EVERYTHING IS A DANGLING CARROT. THAT IS MY POINT (FAST UPGRADES TO CAPTAIN; BONUSES; FLOWS; DGI; CAREER PATHWAY INTERVIEW w/stipulated HOGAN TEST PASSAGE and high enough score benchmark; E-145, E-170/175/E190, A320, CS300, Fleet Growth, Shiny Jet, Jumbo Jet, Pilot Friendly Jet, GulfStream IV,V, VI Jet.... Whatever! It's all a Dangling Carrot Stick. Nothing in aviation is guaranteed. Your peace of mind and QOLstyle are most important. Make a decision that makes you most comfortable deep down. The best airline can be the worst, and the worst rise quickly to be the best in a matter of a couple weeks or months.

@jetstar242 I'm playing the "Angel's advocate" here so I would just recommend you seeking your FAITH since you are at crossroad of a critical long term career decision, with prayers.

May things work out for your good no matter where you go.

FYI. Many pilots in our industry are truly mocking birds! Best advice is from those working at those two airlines you are targeting. Speak to Piedmont folks also, not just CommutAir pilots. P.M me if you'd like a contact info who can provide you with day in life info at Piedmont (good & bad), and why they choose it.

Edited: To add Image

happy-hunger-games-and-may-the-odds-be-ever-in-your-favor-13.jpg
 
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jetstar242 said:
Thanks guys, this is the main reason I am leaning towards Commutair. Plus I can also instruct on days off being close to base and not having to waste energy on commuting.
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@jetstar242 Checkout www.Theppot.org also. It's a free and growing networking organization with pilots that actually want to mentor unbiasedly those entering the regional industry, especially those who are having a hard time choosing a regional. They literally connect you with someone from a particular airline AND base (if a mentor from that airline base has signed up to be a mentor), to answer your questions, day in life, contracts, work rules, commuting, base life, etc, so you can make a BETTER informative decision.

How it works... http://www.theppot.org/faqs/ ....

There is a list on the site with Regional carrier, Pilots names, and base of mentors members, http://www.theppot.org/current-mentors/ ... Hat's off to those guys and girls for wanting to help make a difference for those behind them.

The org will also be presenting a OBAP Annual Conference in August.
 
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jetstar242 said:
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that Hogan has been passed and I am 165 hours away. My only concern about UAL interview is an incident in which I was involved in, but I think as long as I am honest about it, it should not be the only factor affecting hiring decision. Exciting times.
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Be up front and honest and be sure to let them know what you learned/how you grew as a pilot as a result.
 
jetstar242 said:
My only concern about UAL interview is an incident in which I was involved in, but I think as long as I am honest about it, it should not be the only factor affecting hiring decision.
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Bingo. Honesty and being able to admit your mistakes shows humility, while being able to talk about how you became a better pilot/person because of it shows the ability to adapt, grow and learn. All positive traits when looking for at a potential new hire. The absolute worst thing you can do is to lie/coverup your mistakes because when (not if) they find out, they'll grab you by the back of your collar and waistband and toss you out onto the curb. "And stay out!"
 
jetstar242 said:
Hey guys! Some of you may have seen my thread "engineering to flying". I have recently received two offers from Piedmont and CommutAir. I thought the toughest choice would be switching to full time flying, but it seems like the toughest part now is choosing where to go. I live about 20 minutes away from KEWR and if I go with CommutAir, my drive to work will be simply a breeze. I can also stay on reserve and be close to base. On the other hand Piedmont offers bigger bonus and flow to American (now I do know that this may change at any second) but I will have to drive close to 2 hours if I get KPHL as a base. Some of you may also know that I have an incident as a flight instructor which occurred 1 year ago (no injuries or damages) and I am very honest about it, and initial CFI oral failure as well as single engine instrument. I also went to private engineering school and have bachelors in mechanical engineering (if that plays any role looking for a job with majors later on).

Considering all of the above, which way would you go? The choice is obviously mine to make and I leaning towards CommutAir as I have my instructors work there as well as few friends captains and it seems like a place to go to (training, location and etc.), however wanted to hear your suggestions or comments.

By the way, big thanks to @bimmerphile for his input on my case, very helpful

Big big thanks! Sorry if this topic is annoying.
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I'll say what I always say. Evaluate an opportunity based on its own merits, not on where you think it might lead. Go into a job with your eye on the job, not on the door.
 
jetstar242 said:
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that Hogan has been passed and I am 165 hours away. My only concern about UAL interview is an incident in which I was involved in, but I think as long as I am honest about it, it should not be the only factor affecting hiring decision. Exciting times.
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If this is your first 121 job you won't go for the UAL interview until after you complete IOE. Mine is finally scheduled for mid September, I'm thinking about doing Cage-Marshall to prep beforehand. Will definitely keep you in the loop
 
Finny said:
30 minutes door to gate does wonders for the soul. It's even faster now that I park at the C gates in MSP!
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Well, if you don't miss the train :bang:

As far as CommutAir, the biggest complaints I've heard from my friend who's a CA there, is their reserve policy which is almost always Airport Reserve, and problems typical to DH8 flying... Not have ACARS does make 'block or better' pretty easy tho.
 
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