Originally Posted by
KYflyguy
When you say that about XJT is it because you think there won't be anything to replace the phased out 200's when it happens? or a vastly changed contract in the near future? And upgrading would be nice for the experience and bigger paycheck, but I've read several post about guys getting hired as FO's so I'm not going to chase the upgrade. I've read several occurrences where it can come back to haunt ya. Btw sorry I know I'm probably beating a dead horse but I'm a first generation pilot just looking for a little guidance from somebody on the inside. lol
There will be large regional aircraft to replace most of the 50 seaters but it won't be 1 for 1 so overall fleet wise XJT will shrink. Attrition is about to pick up which will help movement in the near term but there is a ton of uncertainly with 50 seaters coming off contract and the Delta rate reset in 2015/2016 timeframe.
I understand the not chasing upgrade advice but understand most giving that advice were scarred by the unprecedented pseudo 5 year seat lock handed down by the Age 65 rule. If your plan is to get in and out of the regionals as quickly as possible, there are much better options than XJT. If upgrade is not an immediate concern then XJT is a great place to hang your hat for a while, as the FO yearly raises continue well past year 4
. Just for perspective I've been at XJT 6 years and I'm 400 numbers away from upgrade.
You're correct there are several occurrences where chasing upgrade burned folks. But there are also a ton of occurrences where it worked out. Many pilots rode the 04/05 Mesa gravy train to fast upgrades and mainline jobs 3-5 years after being hired.
My advice is just one perspective. Gather as much advice/info as can, then make a decision based on what's best for your QOL needs and career goals. Good luck!