Originally Posted by Magpuller

Ahhhhhhh ye'ole upgrade time question....

The truth is that regardless of what movement there is today referring to a projected upgrade time at any carrier you simply cannot use that as any measure towards an accurate forecast.

With current movement at "carrier A" you can say okay, upgrade times are about 3 years. However, making that kind of forecast assumes the movement will continue at the current pace. Since airlines classically hire and upgrade right up to the point they start to furlough making any kind of decision as to where you will upgrade first is pointless.

You could get hired at the aforementioned "carrier A" then six months later something happens, hiring stops, upgrades stop and talks of furloughs start happening. All the while the other carrier which you had an offer at but turned down just got so desperate they started hiring street captains and you buddy that went there the same time you went to "carrier a" will probably see upgrade in 6 months.

Make your decision based on "Quality of life", base choices, commutability if applicable, pay and contract considerations etc. not upgrade times.

The way the industry is these days you really need to go somewhere that you think you can be happy at for 5 to 7 years as an FO on FO pay. Expecting upgrade has been the "elephant in the room" for many a regional pilot.

Never chase upgrade or equipment!