OK, where do I start? I know direct entry Captains who are in liason with lawyers to sue Regional on the basis of being miss-sold a product. Transfer agreement - forget it folks. You will be promised the world at interview but it will not be delivered. Management will not release pilots even though mainline and baby keep knocking on the door. I think 4 people went to baby in 06 2 to mainline...
If you are a low houred pilot, fantastic, go for it but do not sign up for the 12K loan. You will fly 750 - 800 hours a year, great you think, that's what I need. However, other companies will work you the same but PAY you a much better salary.
Regional airlines should equal low pay but a better lifestyle. Not so with bmi regional anymore i'm afraid. bmi regional now equates to high hours (great) but low, low pay (not so great) . Oh yea, almost forgot, be prepared for lots of nightstops. For me, for half of my roster I was flying out of LHR and the other half unscheduled - ie positioning A/C to ABZ in order to save a 5 minute delay at MAN or LBA. When you do end up somewhere you should not be, the support is not there to try and get you back to base.
Good points then? The BALPA reps are amazing. Giving up all their time to help and achieving a lot with lifestyle aggrements etc , so non- balpa regional pilots , please join up. The embraer 145 is a great A/C to fly and I do miss it.
The Pilots and Crews are a great bunch of people. TRI'S and TRE'S are the best I know but I think they are worked to the bone.
It's a difficult one. If you have no job, you are going to jump at it, but if there is something else in the pipeline,(especially if you are already a Captain) it might be prudent to bide your time.
DevokeUK
Last edited by devokeuk; 18th February 2007 at 11:20.