Jazz vs Encore FO Pros/Cons

[goldfingeraviation]

Hey everyone,

I have interviews with both Jazz and Encore as an FO, I am trying to weigh out the pro’s and con’s of either one to go to and I would love some advice or guidance. Looking at both forums from people already working at each company, it sounds like don’t go to either one haha. I think with Jazz my pro’s would be jet time and a potential Vancouver base. Encore would be a little more base pay to start, but you are on the Dash and no jet time.

Anyways roast me if you want, but I would like some advice on either one pro’s and con’s to help my decision.
Appreciate you all,

[Optimus Primer]

I can't recommend either, but I will say that at Jazz, you are not guaranteed the CRJ nor base for that matter. It shouldn't be too difficult to get the base you want, but you could be frozen on the Q400 for up to 4 years. It seems you favour the jet which is why I bring it up. Just something to think about.

[Bede]

Easy. Want to end up at AC? Go to encore. Want to end up at WJ? Go to Jazz.

Want to avoid the grind of airline flying? Go make some decent money at a reputable 703 operator.

[Canadaflyer46]

Easy. Want to end up at AC? Go to encore. Want to end up at WJ? Go to Jazz.

Want to avoid the grind of airline flying? Go make some decent money at a reputable 703 operator.

This is so true.

If you go to Jazz for AC, or Encore for WJ, you'll be stuck for several years waiting to be allowed to "flow" while watching hundreds of other people (often with less experience than you) leapfrog you to the mothership.

[canadian_aviator_4]

Jazz = Westjet, Encore = AC.

[careerpilot?]

Jazz = Westjet, Encore = AC.

As messed up as it sounds, I understand why this is... But is it really that bad (ie is it really that long)?

For someone who values basing in YYC for both the regional step and eventual mainline upgrade, and for whom money is less of an issue (pension from previous career), is relying on the flow from Encore to WJ that bad? How long would one be looking at, entering Encore as an FO, to flow to mainline?

[Bede]

Jazz = Westjet, Encore = AC.

As messed up as it sounds, I understand why this is... But is it really that bad (ie is it really that long)?

For someone who values basing in YYC for both the regional step and eventual mainline upgrade, and for whom money is less of an issue (pension from previous career), is relying on the flow from Encore to WJ that bad? How long would one be looking at, entering Encore as an FO, to flow to mainline?

6 years, but remember, the Pilot Transfer Agreement is no more so when you come over, you're at the bottom of the list. Better to spend 3 years at Jazz and then come over.

[Canadaflyer46]

To echo what others have said, if your goal is WJ mainline then do not get marooned at Encore.
The 6+ years to flow was a reason in itself, but now that the PTA is gone it has become an even easier decision to stay far away from Encore (unless you’re using it as a stepping stone to AC).
Far better apply directly to WJ mainline after you’ve got 1500+ hours and an ATPL; from Jazz or another operator. FYI the class list I saw for December was pretty much 100% Jazz hires.
It’s a shame that the Encore pilots continue to get kicked to the kerb and encouraged to leave for Big Red. The company has had every chance to change that, especially considering they’re currently at the bargaining table. Yet here we are.
Best of luck.

[PostmasterGeneral]

Just playing devils advocate here, but you've only got interviews at those places. You may only get an offer at one of them, you might have further considerations if that turns out to be the case.

[careerpilot?]

Jazz = Westjet, Encore = AC.

As messed up as it sounds, I understand why this is... But is it really that bad (ie is it really that long)?

For someone who values basing in YYC for both the regional step and eventual mainline upgrade, and for whom money is less of an issue (pension from previous career), is relying on the flow from Encore to WJ that bad? How long would one be looking at, entering Encore as an FO, to flow to mainline?

6 years, but remember, the Pilot Transfer Agreement is no more so when you come over, you're at the bottom of the list. Better to spend 3 years at Jazz and then come over.

Thanks for the reply. So if one wanted to stay based out of YYC or even YEG (commute), is Jazz even a viable option? Or would the 3(ish) years at Jazz need to be done commuting to YVR or even as far as YYZ/YUL? A commute to YYC from YEG is do-able, but any further gets scary, especially when on reserve.

Forgive me if I'm asking very basic questions or not fully yet understanding how things work, as I'm only beginning my research and planning. I'm two years out from this being an issue for me, but I'm trying to put together my likely flow so I can focus my efforts over the next two years. QoL and basing is more important to me than money and "big iron" (within reason OFC).

[Bede]

If I were you, I'd work for the best company (lifestyle, interesting flying, etc.) you can (earning PIC/multi/turbine time) until you have the experience to go to WJ or AC. I'd avoid the regionals. It has all the downsides of airline flying (boring, BS, etc.) and none of the upsides (pay).

[Hysteria]

You could go fly a king air. I know of some in Alberta with a 20K plus bond. Mind you king air flying is fun and valuable experience.

You could go to CMA yeg base and get paid 40K/year but then you don’t have to commute.

You could commute to jazz and get 66K/year. = WJ later
You could commute to Encore and 57K/year. = AC later

You can go up north.

Strategize your career - of course there are more options than what I just mentioned.

[careerpilot?]

If I were you, I'd work for the best company (lifestyle, interesting flying, etc.) you can (earning PIC/multi/turbine time) until you have the experience to go to WJ or AC. I'd avoid the regionals. It has all the downsides of airline flying (boring, BS, etc.) and none of the upsides (pay).

I'm not sure if this was in response to me or OP, so forgive me if it's not for me.

In terms of interesting flying, I've done almost 15 years flying for the RCAF (25 years total service) - TBH I've had my fill of interesting flying! I'm at the point in my life where I'm ready for boring, lol.

I'm not welded to flying regionals, I'm looking for lifestyle. I'd always thought the airline lifestyle was pretty good (guaranteed 12 days off, lots of travel), but maybe I'm idealizing it a bit too much. Not terribly worried about pay initially, I'll have a good pension to top that up. Even in YEG, I live an hour from the airport, so the idea of doing 4 day pairings is ideal to me - do the hour drive once every 4 days, vice doing it every day...

[Hysteria]

If I were you, I'd work for the best company (lifestyle, interesting flying, etc.) you can (earning PIC/multi/turbine time) until you have the experience to go to WJ or AC. I'd avoid the regionals. It has all the downsides of airline flying (boring, BS, etc.) and none of the upsides (pay).

I'm not sure if this was in response to me or OP, so forgive me if it's not for me.

In terms of interesting flying, I've done almost 15 years flying for the RCAF (25 years total service) - TBH I've had my fill of interesting flying! I'm at the point in my life where I'm ready for boring, lol.

I'm not welded to flying regionals, I'm looking for lifestyle. I'd always thought the airline lifestyle was pretty good (guaranteed 12 days off, lots of travel), but maybe I'm idealizing it a bit too much. Not terribly worried about pay initially, I'll have a good pension to top that up. Even in YEG, I live an hour from the airport, so the idea of doing 4 day pairings is ideal to me - do the hour drive once every 4 days, vice doing it every day...

That’s awesome, thank you for your service.
If you live in YEG area, WJ mainline has a base there.