Originally Posted by
JustAMushroom
Seat lock times in the 12 month range would allow senior guys to get a new type, and if the schedules erode, move back to prior equipment without loosing too much. (Exactly what SkyWest would fear).
But if the lock were longer, you could spend your final months/years and SkyWest locked into a crap schedule, unable to drop/pu or get time/days off as easily as you're used too.
There's also the simple risk any training event inherently is.
Presumably if you're focused on going to a Legacy you'd have plenty of time logged. Also, it assumes you're qualified in the other areas needed to be competitive. One of these areas is a clean record. The argument would be -why stick your neck out there for very little reward. Focus on networking and getting ready for an interview.
I anticipate the counter argument, that is, it would show recent training and therefore show you're ready for a new hire school. My argument is it wouldn't be worth it and most would agree and therefore the E will go jr.
I think you're over analyzing it. People are going to bid the new jet if it's in their base and they think it will lead to a good pay raise. I think that's going to be the deciding factor for everyone.
Someone junior sitting reserve might make the decision to be junior sitting reserve on a higher pay scale. Someone not quite senior enough to hold good 900 trips might bid it to get the pay raise. I don't think people will put much more thought into it other than "Can I do the same thing I'm doing now but make more money?"
I do agree that someone who thinks they have a realistic shot at a major within the next year after the jet becomes available probably wouldn't want to risk multiple training events going through transition training.