Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Some of the regionals may hiring at the wet commercial level, but I can guarantee you that Delta is not
Off the street competetive for DAL is probably something like 10,000 hours, 6,000+ Jet PIC.
Most of us aren't really happy about it...there's a lot to be learned by spending 1000-1500 hours in general aviation/135. Personally I think any 121 pilot should hold an ATP.
I have to disagree for several reasons. One, times have changed. When there is a shortage of applicants, you have to adjust hiring practices. Second, a pilot's flight time is not always a good indicator of their skill. I am an instructor and have instructed individuals with thousands of hours of time, and in some cases a student pilot could fly better than them.
Last, hiring and promotions should be done by qualifications. In addition to flight time, a college degree, veteran status, work experience, etc., is just as important as flight time in considering an applicant. Personally, if I were the hiring manager, I would take an instructor with 600 hours that has a college degree over someone with no education and 2000 hours.