cornerpocket

If the goal is a career in aviation, I would disagree that flying outside of 121 is "limiting". Mainline draws from those pools regularly. Not to mention, the experiences that can be gained flying cargo, 135, etc. are unlike 121 in many ways and can be great for building ones experience and knowledge.

Whether or not it will get one to a major career destination faster, should that be the goal? Luck plays a large part in that equation from any pool.

amcnd

I agree. But if it’s a “hours” game. You will build way faster flying 121.. Back in the late 90’s than again just after the lost decade… will see what the 2025’s+ holds..

RippinClapBombs

Not necessarily, have you attended a career fair?Spoken one on one with recruiters? They’ll brush through your application and give you direction to improve your odds with the selection process to spark an interview invite with their Airline/Air Line.

Your application is usually more competitive at 500 hours TPIC than 1,600 hours TPIC. Why? because at 500 TPIC you’re probably still inside 1 year from a major training event (upgrade). That’s weighted heavily on applications for AA/DL/UA. The problem with 1,600 TPIC? You’re probably outside 2 years of a major training event — I was told anything outside 2 years produces zero points on your weighted application. Southwest was complaining about “resume washing” because immediately after receiving a new 737 type (major training event) said pilots were being picked off by their competitors (AA/DL/UA).

As for the title of this thread, “ashamed” no, but they will “regret” their decision. 5-6 years from now AA/DL/UA will add another 5,000-10,000 pilots to their pilot seniority lists. It will take an extremely competitive applicant to be selected just to interview at any of the big 3. If you’re able to get over that huge hurdle you’ll be junior to around 10,000+ pilots with around 30+ years until their mandatory retirement at each Airline/Air Line.

So you’ll be junior forever, 10+ years to upgrade on the most junior equipment at the most junior base. Expectations to be furloughed at least once is statistically guaranteed. This “First Officer Advancement Agreement” will be devastating for anyone who wants to maximize their career earning potential and QoL. Also it appears DL\UA won’t consider your application until 1,600 TPIC if you’re currently employed at SkyWest. Best way to describe this scenario for SkyWest new hires — one step forward and 10 steps back.

amcnd

what you say is true. For the 1 guy/gal out of maybe 10-20.. Great don’t go to SkyWest… the other 9-19 something else will work. But 100% can agree advice on this page is 100% not for everyone 10 out of 10….

Yakattack

Nobody has a crystal ball. I don't think anyone predicted just how crazy hiring would get between 2021-2023. But I can verify that if one wants to go to a major, the best thing to do is to hit the career fair circuit. It makes a big difference. Also it's true about the major training events. You have to prove that you're trainable. When I got hired at a major, I had over 3000 TPIC, so that was actually working against me. People with more recent upgrade training events didn't have as much to defend there.

But you guys are happy with SkyWest, so never mind.

amcnd

4 days are a choice. You would be shocked at how much you would have moved up after covid and the new contract and growth.. As for the new FO agreement….. there is no shortage of people willing to sign it, so just get over it and move on.. It’s just the new reality. I'm sure in ten year will be talking about something else…

Yakattack

They weren't a choice then. It's hard to bid for two-days when there aren't any to speak of in the bid package. Your seniority is only as good as what is there to pick from. I'll grant that things might have changed though, but I'm skeptical that OO management has had a change of heart in this area. I only do two day trips now, so if what you say is true, I guess it's a wash schedule-wise. I could get awarded some day trips too, but my drive to the airport is kind of a PIA and so it's just less stress to do the overnight.

And that's just the point. It's absolutely does not have to be the "new reality" unless one makes it so.

LizzyBorden

So, honest question here....if you have moved on to greener and better pastures, why are you still hanging around here?

trip

Such B.S. Not for the bottom 80 percent and you know that's a fact. That's the new normal.

amcnd

You know i was referencing the person that left after 10 years and assuming it’s been a few years they shouldn't have to do 4 days. And anyone at SkyWest can look at the bid transparency and see this… This forum is a cesspool of anger and distain. .