Even if upgrades flipped, DL $3.1M ahead
10-06-2023, 07:22 AM
#81
Moderator
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,811
From a DL guy, a couple things to keep in mind before getting too spun up.
The junior captain award is slowing down. It’s currently at a year for the award, closer to18 months for conversion. Also, there aren’t huge numbers at that ‘juniority’. IOW, while it does happen, of almost 17,000 pilots, only about 1.5% are captains with less than 2 years on property. And only 2.5% with less than 3.
Also, the reason this has been possible in the first place is complicated, but a critical factor has been the crazy 200/month hiring pace of the post-Covid era. In a matter of a few months, we will scale way back to a ‘mere’ 100-ish/month. There will still be Captain awards less than the 7-years it apparently takes at SWA, but Junior Captain awards will slow way, way down in the next few years.
All that said, I wish you nothing but good luck. Go get a blockbuster contract! It’s your turn!!
The junior captain award is slowing down. It’s currently at a year for the award, closer to18 months for conversion. Also, there aren’t huge numbers at that ‘juniority’. IOW, while it does happen, of almost 17,000 pilots, only about 1.5% are captains with less than 2 years on property. And only 2.5% with less than 3.
Also, the reason this has been possible in the first place is complicated, but a critical factor has been the crazy 200/month hiring pace of the post-Covid era. In a matter of a few months, we will scale way back to a ‘mere’ 100-ish/month. There will still be Captain awards less than the 7-years it apparently takes at SWA, but Junior Captain awards will slow way, way down in the next few years.
All that said, I wish you nothing but good luck. Go get a blockbuster contract! It’s your turn!!
10-06-2023, 09:04 AM
#82
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,916
27+ pilots per month leaving a major airline isn't a big deal?
Many folks don't realize that a decades long career at SW is not even close to equalling that at a legacy in every measurable way.
I am constantly amazed by some of the questions newer (and not so) new folks ask about stuff that we don't have.
Their reactions often remind me of Betty Grissom's in The Right Stuff, after "the hatch just blew".
"No industry standard pay rates? No parking? No Uniforms?, No double time?, No long call?"
No, but at least we can work extra to make up for that stuff!
https://clip.cafe/the-right-stuff-19...g-hatchblower/
Many folks don't realize that a decades long career at SW is not even close to equalling that at a legacy in every measurable way.
I am constantly amazed by some of the questions newer (and not so) new folks ask about stuff that we don't have.
Their reactions often remind me of Betty Grissom's in The Right Stuff, after "the hatch just blew".
"No industry standard pay rates? No parking? No Uniforms?, No double time?, No long call?"
No, but at least we can work extra to make up for that stuff!
https://clip.cafe/the-right-stuff-19...g-hatchblower/
My buddy at Sunny said they’ve had whole classes quit before IOE. We’re at a fraction of that…
10-06-2023, 09:33 AM
#83
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,026
Nearly 30 a month is a big deal and shows that folks are starting to figure out that they'll have a far better career elsewhere.
10-06-2023, 10:38 AM
#85
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,891
Consensus on the internet seems to be if you desire to live in any specific airline base then that should be your destiny, commuting leaves more variables.
Few years Prior to Covid I had UAL pilot on my JS that lived in midtown ATL his whole life and been commuting to ORD for over 30 yrs!! Unfathomable in todays hiring market but a by product of prior decades where pilot hiring went in fits and starts.
10-06-2023, 12:41 PM
#87
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,030
That’s sort of the point, we’re degrading to that level.
10-06-2023, 02:02 PM
#88
At your mom's house
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: cpt 737
Posts: 2,796
10-06-2023, 06:38 PM
#90
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,153
Sadly Lewbronski has taken a leave of absence from us here. Last heard he has either won the lottery and quit or is being held hostage by SWAPA, possibly both. Regardless its been awhile since they have made any posts.
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