Boomer,

Like your posts and would love you here at Delta, but I got to call you out on that one.

When flying at the other wholly owned subsidiary I got the "welcome future Delta Captain" letter. Called one of the best FO's and told him what happened and suggested he get his stuff in ASAP. He did not want to for the exact same reasons you mention. The day he interviewed there were a couple of zoomies right out of central casting and a F18 demo pilot interviewing. He was embarassed when they went around the table talking about their backgrounds. They were not hired, but he was. Thanks to the class make up, he got in an earlier class and had the right SSN to go to the front of that class. Post NWA merger, he's almost 100 numbers senior to me!

Just finished the book "Brain Rules." About three times a chapter something would resonate with a part of the testing Delta uses in its interview process. I don't know who designed that thing, but it employs some cutting edge stuff.

Bottom line, never listen to the pilots who aren't on board and don't listen to rumors about why you might not make it. If your goal is to fly for Delta (as mine was) then copy the guys who did it. From first hand experience I assure you that it does not take a ton of PIC, or a family connection, to get the letter. It does take accuracy on the paperwork, the published prerequisites, an ability to do well on the testing, a friendly and professional attitude and a little volunteer work and leadership experience helps.

We will have the 2012 plan shortly and I'd say there are at least even odds that we'll hire. Hope you are at the front of that line. Beat the door down. Delta's a good place to be despite all of our carping. (and also hit FedEx, SWA, UPS, etc ....)