I have a unique situation and would appreciate any honest feedback.
As a former US Navy helicopter pilot with my Commercial - Airplane single- and multiengine land, and Instrument - Airplane ratings, I seriously considered going into the airlines back in 2007. To make a long story short, it was ultimately the low pay as a regional FO I would have to endure which led me to not pursue this path. After making this decision, I have been flying civilian medical helicopters for the past 7 years.

My family and I recently moved to Phoenix, and a lot of my neighbors are airline pilots. A couple weeks ago, I was chatting with a FO for a major airline, and when he learned of my background, he said that I may be more competitive now than in the past for an airline gig because of the upcoming "pilot shortage" and the new hiring mins.

I wonder, do you all foresee the majors being more lenient in hiring standards with a guy like me who's a former Navy helo pilot, dual rated, 3000+ TT, 1300+ Multiengine Helicopter time, 225+ hours Actual Instrument, 125 hours of fixed wing time (mostly T-34C single engine turboprop), BS Aerospace Engineering and a graduate of the Navy School of Aviation Safety? In 2007, I was told I would have to pay my dues in the regionals due to my low fixed-wing time, but that would be very challenging now as a 40 year old with a family to support. Unless, of course, the new FAA mandated hiring mins (1500 TT) and the upcoming age 65 retirements will drive FO pay at the regionals way up.

Also, if I was hired by say, the new American, I wonder roughly how long I could expect before upgrading to captain. With a 25 year flying career before turning 65, I wonder how much of that I could reasonably expect to be sitting in the left seat.

Thank you in advance for the helpful replies!