Options near PHX?

[Papoo]

Hi all,

This is my first post, and I'm new to this forum. I'm from Europe, but due to marry a Phoenician in a couple of months, and consequently, I'll be making the move to the US, and once my green card is issued, I'll be looking for my first aviation job.

I spent 3 years as a Naval Officer, recently completed the Integrated course, ab-initio to (f)ATPL. For those unfamiliar with JAA Licenses, it's basically ME Instrument rating, ATPL Theory, and MCC (Jet course - 40 hrs 737FTD). Currently have about 350TT, 60ME (actual fying), 100 instrument.

I have to liaise with the FAA regarding what needs to be done to convert licenses, I presume I will have to do the US writtens, probably a flying test, too. Not sure where I stand on FCC radio license and things.

Anyhow, once all is transferred, I will be looking to work in the PHX metropolitan area. For RJ flying, should I be lucky enough to land a job there from the off, I'll consider commuting, but, I would certainly be willing to hold out for a flying position in PHX.

Could anyone be kind enough to provide this plucky Brit with a list of airlines/flight schools whereby a basing in PHX/IWA/GYR or any other Phoenix airfield would be possible?

I understand there's MESA (couldn't miss peoples opinions on this one!), and a few schools.

I'll be happy to buy you a beer for your troubles!

Kind regards.

[N826AW]

Welcome to JetCareers. There are lots of us from the Phoenix area. We get together for a beer, or two...okay we get together for numerous beers every few months.

My best recommendation would be to check out airnav.com. By inputting the airport code into AirNav, it will give you a fairly accurate list of the flight schools in the area.

Mesa is the only regional carrier with a PHX base. Skywest has a base in Tucson though they are not hiring at your TT level (rumor is they are not hiring at all).

That's all the info I have. Where in Europe are you moving from?

[Papoo]

Thanks for the reply..

Yes, from what I've gathered this evening, Mesa does seem the only regional from PHX.

I've read the various Mesa-bashing threads, and take it with the proverbial pinch of salt, as expected. In all honesty, however, I'd be more than happy working for them. Being able to live in PHX, and getting jet time is what's most important for me.

Moving to the subject of commuting.. This is an alien concept to someone from the UK (ie. me). As an off-the-bat estimate, where would seem reasonable in terms of a commute from PHX. LAX, I assume is one.. The reason I ask, is that going only for Mesa is certainly putting all my eggs in one basket...

Thanks again for the reply. Will check out airnav.com

[gomntwins]

If you want to go to Mesa, and you have the green card and proper ratings, you've probably got a pretty good shot. Now, if you want Phoenix... that'll be a little more difficult. I'm not sure the current situation, but I had a number of friends who worked for Mesa (5 left for other regionals because they disliked mesa so much, 1 just upgraded-- less than 20% retention for the people I know)... All tried to get a phoenix base as quick as possible... none did. Most left after a year and a half without getting phoenix (although I believe one could have bid Phoenix and got it). My point is, just because they do have a phoenix base doesn't mean you'll get it. I'd probably look elsewhere, commute, and work for a better company if I were in your shoes.

Good luck!