Pinnacle ...

[Aviation.miller]

I have read tid bits here and there, but I was wondering what the outlook is for working at Pinnacle. Obviously with the strike exposure there are issues between the pilot base and management. However they have a stable flying contract, and they are in need of pilots, thus new hires are flying a lot which is attractive to me. I just wanted some insight from those who work there or know about the company. I can put up with some management bs so long as it is tolerable and I can fly often. Any information is helpful.

[GlenWimpy]

I live in Memphis. Pinnacle is number 2 on my list. There second year FO pay it a stumbling point as well as the 3 year contract negotiations.

Some call them Pinch Nickle and some say the New Mesa.

[av8sean]

They have contracts with NW and DL until 2017... Flying should be pretty stable. There is a clause in the NW contact that the planes could be switched with larger ones, I don't doubt this will happen as soon as a contract is finally signed (just like what happened with Mesaba). I was looking at the FO bid pack from Dec to Jan, and it looks like they lost 40 people month-over-month... so movement is quick. Most people seem to be booked for 75-95 hours of flying per month, and holding a line within 1 month (DTW).

ATL lines are pretty thin for now, all the layovers are in HOU and with crappy #'s of days off. I'm sure things will improve eventually.

[Aviation.miller]

Yea, the contract they have seems like it will deliver some stability. Also even though the 2nd year FO pay is extremely low it might be ofset by the competative upgrade time which would mean you would get CA pay even sooner then at most airlines. Also it seems that with the contract they might start hiring more pilots especially since many are flying up to 90+ hrs a month, which to me indicated it might be a good time to get on with the company for progression to Capt. I was just wondering other input from those who work there, also just how volatile the management really is or if it is manageable.

[blee256]

Its all about attitude. Pay sucks at pinnacle, there is no getting around that. It WILL get better with the new contract. But how much better is the question.

I like it at pinnacle. I dont love it. The crews are fun, the destinations are plentiful.So your not continuously doing out and backs to the same place like some airlines might do. There are some trips where you dont return to your to your domicile til your last leg. I like it. Some dont. If you like to fly, you'll get plenty of it at pinnacle. But once you start your airline career, believe it or not your goal will be to work as little as possible, Sleeping in your own bed is HUGE!

Where do you live? That should also be a big consideration when choosing an airline. If all you want to do is fly your @ss off. Pinnacle is it! maybe a little too much

good luck

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by Aviation.miller

also just how volatile the management really is or if it is manageable.

Management is extremely volatile. Downright hostile, in fact. Unless you have no other options, or unless you live in one of their domiciles, avoid Pinnacle like the plague.