Originally Posted by
Trip7
IMO, the unprecedented stagnation that occurred in the airline industry due to the Age 65 rule won't ever happen again unless there is a complete collapse of the US economy in which the airline industry will be the least of our concern.
Due to recent trends in the industry, I wouldn't recommend XJT if you're looking to get in and out quickly as possible. A new hire today a XJT will likely have a 5-6 year upgrade at best. Too many senior pilots, too many 50 seaters, and a ton of uncertainty.
I recommend going to a regional that has little to no exposure to 50 seat market and is growing. Any pilot furloughed 3 years ago at ASA that went to GoJet is a lineholding Captain on the CRJ700 holding weekends off making 70k. Furloughed pilots that returned to ASA are currently barely line holding FOs on the CRJ700 flying weekends for 45k if you work hard.
Mesa is a great choice. Likely 2 year or less upgrade. Compass also
One thing you dont mention though is the vacuum of little to no hiring between 2008 and late 2010. Once late 2007 hires upgrade, it will drop significantly. ERJ side didn't hire anybody all of 2008 to early 2011. Your doom and gloom points are valid but you have to admit the only clear picture of anything in the airline industry doesnt happen until way after any decisions have been made.