Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
It wasn't at the time. Flying Tigers (later FedEx, had a 21 year old 727 Captain) both he and his son are friends. Jets brought explosive growth to the carriers in the middle to late 1960's. The "competitive qualifications" back then would shock you. United was hiring with a PPL and training!
Another dear family friend, recently departed, made Captain at Delta in his second year of employment (Capt. Sonny McDowell)
A of of us made captain in our second year here. At least two of us were under 30. You just never know when and under what circumstances the opportunity will arise.