Nope, I applied through OO's website. There was no field for an available date, to my recollection. And, at the time of my application and interview, I had no commitments preventing me from starting training immediately.

The very first thing on OO's Pilot Performance Agreement says "I will not accept a training assignment that I do not fully intend to complete without interruption. While certain life events cannot be foreseen, I will not accept an assignment when events known to me could interrupt a training course." I signed that, and I certainly intend to stand by it. I would never accept a class date with another obligation.

Had OO offered me the job right out of the interview, I would have accepted it immediately and declined the other contract. However, they did not.

I really, really want to fly for them; I was deeply impressed by everyone I met, and a perusal of these forums indicates the high regard that most of us pilots hold for OO, and their strong position in the industry. But given Skywest's culture and ethos, I doubt they would want to hire someone who's willing to abrogate a contract they'd just signed in order to start at the first available class.

Anyhow we'll see how it goes. I'm already working things out so I can hopefully end my other contract early, without breaking its terms.