US Regional Headhunting

[bafanguy]

Some time ago, I posted the following about a GoJet-Spirit "flow":

"GoJet has entered into a Pilot Pathway Program with Airbus operator Spirit Airlines that will guarantee GoJet pilots a First Officer position at Spirit in as little as two years. GoJet pilots who are accepted into the Pathway Program will be eligible to transition to Spirit after two years of service."

GoJet Airlines Announces Pilot Pathway Program with Spirit Airlines

PILOT CAREERS

And lately, I found the following about the GoJet-Spirit "flow" arrangement posted on another forum.

(1) I’m I reading this correctly? Does GoJet have a flow through to Spirt?

(2) We have a pipeline agreement with Spirit. You opt in at 24 months of longevity at which point you take Spirit's standardized Talent Assessment Test. Upon successful completion of the test you may transition to Spirit.


(3) Yes you MAY transition to Spirit.

The Spirit Flow is a pure scam. To date there is maybe 1 actual confirmed flow to Spirit while I have spoken to at least a dozen pilots that have been told they wouldn’t be allowed to flow.

In addition to the resounding no’s from Spirit, I have also spoken to Pilots that have had their interviews with Spirit cancelled or been told that they would not be eligible to interview because of the GoJet “Flow”

If you want to keep Spirit as an option in the future then your best chance of getting there is to avoid GoJet entirely.

Feel free to ask the company/recruiter for the actual names of flows since the beginning of the program. They might be able to confirm 1.

(4) Thought the wording was a little off. Unlike PSA, Envoy or PDT where as it’s stated straight out you flow into AA. The GoJet-Spirit “flow” is very vague.

So...what is the status of the GoJet-Spirit "flow" ? Real or smoke and mirrors ?

[bafanguy]

Commutair forms alliance with Ohio University flight program:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...300639215.html

[bafanguy]

Republic adds three more university av programs to their supply pipeline:


Republic Airline Adds Three Universities As Pilot Development Program Partners | Aero-News Network

[zondaracer]

From an AA company newsletter, and also reported in Bloomberg, American Airlines will not renew contracts with Trans States Airlines (18 E145s) nor Expressjet (12 CRJ700s) and flying will terminate by April 2019.

American’s contracts with regional carriers ExpressJet and Trans States to end next year

In an effort to improve consistency for our customers and simplify our regional operation, we have decided not to renew our contracts with ExpressJet and Trans States when they expire in April 2019. The changes will not affect our capacity or service levels in any of our markets, and we will work closely with all impacted partners to ensure smooth and gradual transitions from ExpressJet and Trans States to other existing American Eagle partners. Once the wind-down of these agreements is completed, American will have seven regional partners, down from 10 we had at the beginning of this year.

Bloomberg reports that the Expressjet flying will be transitioned to parent company SkyWest.
In other news, AA has purchased 15 E175s and 15 CRJ900s which will be operated by Envoy and PSA respectively (plus 15 options of each type).

[havick]

Originally Posted by zondaracer

From an AA company newsletter, and also reported in Bloomberg, American Airlines will not renew contracts with Trans States Airlines (18 E145s) nor Expressjet (12 CRJ700s) and flying will terminate by April 2019.


Bloomberg reports that the Expressjet flying will be transitioned to parent company SkyWest.
In other news, AA has purchased 15 E175s and 15 CRJ900s which will be operated by Envoy and PSA respectively (plus 15 options of each type).

Envoy just announced today we will also be taking back 15 145’s from transstates, so more consolidation afoot for wholly owned airlines being evident.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by havick

Envoy just announced today we will also be taking back 15 145’s from transstates, so more consolidation afoot for wholly owned airlines being evident.

It seems things might be starting to rumble in the regional segment here. First DL dumps a bunch of Expressjet flying and then:

https://worldairlinenews.com/2018/05...tates-in-2019/

Starting to get interesting.

[Professional Amateur]

So why the rationalisation by AA? Thinning the fleet to bring the flying under them? Don't often see insoursing in aviation.

Did any of the carrier's have flow agreements to AA.

Bafanguy, it may appear you are talking to yourself most of the time.....but your not, I'm listening!

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by Professional Amateur

So why the rationalisation by AA? Thinning the fleet to bring the flying under them? Don't often see insoursing in aviation.

PA,

Yep, more regional consolidation is not out of the question. Rumors and speculation abound lately. I certainly don't know much about the future of all this.

But, it seems unlikely the legacies will bring all "regional" flying in-house at the legacy level...too expensive. The only statement I've seen was from Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian. He has a feature called Ask Ed Anything on the company website where employees send in questions on a variety of subjects which he answers on a video. About two years ago, someone wrote in asking if Delta would ever bring Endeavor into mainline. The answer was an unequivocal "NO". He said they "...like it..." the way it is, i.e., two separate certificates.

Of course, two years is an eternity in the airline biz but I don't see anything happening to indicate a change is imminent.

And, yes, I talk to myself !

[bafanguy]

Horizon and Pen Air shakin' the bushes to see what falls out:

Airlines land in Anchorage in search of pilots - KTVA 11 - The Voice of Alaska

[bafanguy]

I can't decipher this stuff. Does it mean Air Wisconsin is requesting 4 H1B visa spots starting in September, 2018...or they've ID's four specific individuals for whom they're requesting H1B visas ?

I-200-18081-995816: Certified :H1B Visa LCA | Myvisajobs.com

Found it here under "search current system" for 2018:

http://www.myvisajobs.com/Visa-Spons...nsin/20095.htm

[havick]

Originally Posted by bafanguy

I can't decipher this stuff. Does it mean Air Wisconsin is requesting 4 H1b visa spots starting in September, 2018...or they've ID's four specific individuals for whom they're requesting H1b visas ?

I-200-18081-995816: Certified :H1B Visa LCA Myvisajobs.com

Found it here under "search current system":

Air Wisconsin, Jobs & Salary for Foreign Workers myvisajobs.com

An E3 appears as a H1B on that website for some reason so it could easily be an E3 disguised as a H1B due to constraints of the website itself.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by havick

An E3 appears as a H1B on that website for some reason so it could easily be an E3 disguised as a H1B due to constraints of the website itself.

havick,

Thanks. So it's not Canadians stealing Aussie jobs ?

I noticed that looking at the 4 LCAs from 2017, 2 were shown as H1B and 2 as E3s: http://www.myvisajobs.com/Visa-Spons...nsin/20095.htm

The reason I thought it was H1B is the first post from this avcanda thread citing contact with AW and showing their willingness/requirements for help with an H1B:

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=122708

[havick]

Originally Posted by bafanguy

havick,

Thanks. So it's not Canadians stealing Aussie jobs ?

I noticed that looking at the 4 LCAs from 2017, 2 were shown as H1B and 2 as E3s: Air Wisconsin, Jobs & Salary for Foreign Workers myvisajobs.com

The reason I thought it was H1B is the first post from this avcanda thread citing contact with AW and showing their willingness/requirements for help with an H1B:

Some U.S. regional airlines are now sponsoring Canadians for the H1B Vis - AVCANADA

honestly I have no idea, I just know that on some of the immigration type websites the E3 can appear as a H1B even though it’s still an E3.

doesnt really answer your question it just makes it more confusing for you I guess.

[Zaphod Beblebrox]

I work for AA and will venture a guess. Mr. Parker was the first to offer a "flow" program as a legacy major carrier. He believes that a properly constructed "flow" program will attract the necessary talent in the pilot pool without having to resort to a "cash war" for pilots. He has stated so in employee meetings. I believe that the reduction in flying by some contract carriers will allow AA to bring more flying on the "wholly owned", Envoy, Piedmont, & PSA, and increase the flow. Envoy already has direct entry captains.
AA will never bring all regional flying in-house. They will always want some contractors out there to keep a lid on costs. It's just that now with the pilot shortage the most effective way to control pilot costs is with the promise of a flow to mainline. AA management believes that it will reduce the pressure on pilot cost demands at contract time.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by Zaphod Beblebrox

I work for AA and will venture a guess. Mr. Parker was the first to offer a "flow" program as a legacy major carrier. He believes that a properly constructed "flow" program will attract the necessary talent in the pilot pool without having to resort to a "cash war" for pilots. He has stated so in employee meetings. I believe that the reduction in flying by some contract carriers will allow AA to bring more flying on the "wholly owned", Envoy, Piedmont, & PSA, and increase the flow. Envoy already has direct entry captains.
AA will never bring all regional flying in-house. They will always want some contractors out there to keep a lid on costs. It's just that now with the pilot shortage the most effective way to control pilot costs is with the promise of a flow to mainline. AA management believes that it will reduce the pressure on pilot cost demands at contract time.

Zap,

Based on my observations, Parker cracked the code with this "flow" thing. While there's a wild card aspect to the "when" of the flow, it's a pretty big carrot particularly for the young, low-time guys entering the hunt...gets their interest. If they're starting out, they've got to put in the time/years somewhere so why not at a place with a flow and see what happens? They can always take a run at other carriers in the meantime.

The rumor mill says Delta will announce their "University Pathway Program" later this month. My sources tell me they've been cookin' up this thing for quite a while. They even have a dedicated Manager of Pilot Outreach who oversees things like this. I'll be very curious to see how closely it resembles AA's regional-to-mainline flow thingy...if at all.

Interesting times...

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by havick

doesnt really answer your question it just makes it more confusing for you I guess.

havick,

I don't understand why these regionals don't just admit they'll consider/help expats if that's what they're doing anyway. IIRC, it took several of them a long time to put E3 info on their pilot employment websites and admit they were soliciting them. What do they have to lose?

Same for the Canadian thing. If they're having a tough time recruiting, why not just put it out there and see what happens ?

Rejecting applicants doesn't cost them anything so why not shake the bushes really hard and see what falls out ?

[bafanguy]

Stumbled across this memo from the Commutair chief pilot on another forum. I suppose there's a certain "sales pitch" to it but it seems interesting to read anyway. Aren't ALL regionals offering sales pitches these days ?:


Growth Talk with Chief Pilot David Fitzgerald

Corporate Growth and You

My name is David Fitzgerald, Chief Pilot at CommutAir. Two years ago, I joined CommutAir after 18 years at a larger Regional airline. I came to help shape the future of this United Express carrier after it reached an agreement with United for a 40% ownership stake, a commitment to triple the size of its fleet to up to 61 aircraft in 4 years, and first and fastest United Career Path Program.

Corporate growth landed me at CommutAir, but the most common question asked by current and future pilots is “David, how will CommutAir’s corporate growth benefit me?”

Here’s my answer:

Corporate Growth = Fly more, sit less: Every new jet that we receive adds about 275 hours of flying – requiring us to hire 11-12 new pilots. And practically every month, United’s appetite for requisitioning Career Path Program (CPP) pilots continues unabated. Monthly aircraft deliveries, combined with United CPP graduations means YOU move up the seniority list while accumulating hours for the UA-CPP.

So, get used to life on the line. With reserve periods of 5 months or less, the majority of our First Officers average 80+hours a month with 13-15 days off. And if you are looking for additional hours, simply sign up with Crew Scheduling for flying at incentive pay rates.

Corporate Growth increases the need for Captains: Why wear 3 stripes when we give you 4? As soon as you are near the 1,000 Part 121 equivalent hours mark, expect a call from me to sign you up for Captain Upgrade Training. As much as we need First Officers, our demand for Captains is even greater, which is why we guarantee Captain pay after 1 year.

Are you a seasoned Part 121 Pro? If so,keep your phone handy. Upgrade times are projected to be under 6 months with our next round of awards. By June,our junior-most Captain will be a November 2017 hire!

Corporate Growth is good for your logbook and your resume: Stand out from the pack when you interview with the network airlines with a well-rounded resume! A tripling fleet requires a capable infrastructure, and we planto double our Flight Training Department, opening opportunities for line pilots to serve as Ground and Simulator Instructors, as well as Line Check Airmen. And no, you will not lose out on hours by becoming an instructor. Unlike other Regionals, at CommutAir, your instructor hours count towards your CPP requirements. It is your CFI days on steroids!

Finally,Corporate Growth quickly gets you in the RIGHT seat at United: CommutAir’s CPP commitment to United is based on the size of CommutAir’s pilot cadre. So the faster we grow, the faster you go to United. Punch your ticket to United Airlines soon after you accumulate 1,000 PIC hours. Where is the catch? There is none! Our United CPP is the fastest among competitors, and our growth will allow you to accumulate 1,000 PIC hours in 18 months or less.

Come beat the fastest CommutAir indoc to United indoc of 2 years and 10 days! The “final” call you receive at CommutAir is from United Airlines Pilot Recruiting – with your Class Date!

Every airline, including CommutAir, is offering similar compensation and similar sign-on bonuses. Every other airline markets “quick upgrades” and their equivalent of the CPP. Every airline is announcing growth plans (e.g., “10 airplanes soon”). So how do you make sense of the clutter? CORPORATE GROWTH! CommutAir is the only Regional with a confirmed triple-digit growth plan (300%). As an example, SkyWest will have to add 800 airplanes to rival our “corporate growth.”

And finally – a word about “culture.”
Leaving CommutAir for United within 2 years may be your goal. However, my job - and part of our mission statement - is to provide for your comfort and maintain our family-like culture both in and out of the flight deck. You will notice it from Day 1 of Ground School, which culminates in an informal social at a local pub hosted by our CEO. You will notice it if you overnight in Cleveland and walk across to our HQ to minglewith the Dispatchers, Crew Schedulers and the rest of the office staff. And when on the line, I guarantee that you will create lifelong friends no matter where your career takes you.

If you have any questions for me or anyone at CommutAir, contact me at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter or visit us on AirlineApps and Airline Pilot Central!

David
Chief Pilot, CommutAir


And then this meet & greet event:

https://www.airlineapps.com/news/item.aspx?nid=515

[bafanguy]

This is somewhat related to regional headhunting as the regionals are pilfering the ranks of CFIs. This is what the government has to say:

https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/691748.pdf

And this is what another study found re CFIs, among other issues (scroll down about half way):


“All schools are reporting CFI staffing issues with top concerns focused on high turnover and the lack of multi-engine instrument (MEI) and initial CFI instructors. “

https://raccablog.wordpress.com/2018...e-pilot-front/

[bafanguy]

Ths is the latest on the Department of Transportation's Forces to Flyers program. In broad terms, get them to a CFI, instruct and off to the regionals:

https://www.volpe.dot.gov/forcestoflyers

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot3518

[bafanguy]

Latest comments from AA on their "Cadet Academy" regional headhunting program:


“Candidates who complete the program will land interviews with an American regional carrier, although a job is not guaranteed.”

American Airlines? new pilot program attracts more than 2,000 applicants | Training content from ATWOnline