Originally Posted by
RI830
That word on the street is partially correct. The internal SIC candidates have been here less than a year and are not eligible to move. Some are qualified and some are not qualified for the position, but none are eligible to move.
We, as most other companies, "seatlock" you for a year in that position after we have paid for the initial training event.
EAS is pretty straight forward in the interview process about the seat lock. For me, it was worth it to hire on as an SIC even though I have the time to be a PIC (barely). I felt the ability to bring my family back to my hometown and work at a company that I'm proud of was worth the price of admission (being an SIC for a while). I've been a PIC at other companies and can tell you that I've been treated with more respect and dignity as an SIC here than as a PIC elsewhere.
There is also something to be said for being in that right seat while you learn a new aircraft and learn policies and procedures for a new company. It takes some of the pressure off and gives you the ability to learn without looking too stupid (unless you open your mouth).