That didn't take long. I knew somebody would soon bring the intl argument up. I figured I'd follow along with the discussion and stick to U.S. ops. Obviously, if you want to fly overseas you have no choice but to do what you have to do so you can. I wish any who aspire to fly overseas the best.

To further address that concern, there are some quite lucrative U.S. carriers that still require that elusive TPIC, such as 5X and FX. In that case, again, you do what you have to do. However, they may not be too far behind in dropping it as well. FX alone will have about 2000 forced out over the next 10 years.

Of course you make more $ as a CA. How obvious is that? That's why recruiters use it to bait you in and is at least part of why the op established this thread for the purpose of discussing the -perils- of chasing a regional upgrade.

It's no secret that if you don't have attractive pay and work rules, the best way to get enough FOs to fly with your quickly upgraded CAs is to tell them they will upgrade quick too. The only reason people will put up with sucking it is if you can make them believe they won't suck it for long. It's working VERY well for YV.

-It is NOT a good decision to base your employment decision on something that is not guaranteed in any way; unless of course you're young and/or willing to potentially "crap out" and start over.

-Everybody can't be upgraded to a regional CA. They need FOs too. Who's happy not grossing over $30K while waiting for the "quick upgrade"? Oh, and don't count on it only being that way for 2-3 years; you wait sub $30K for a WHILE. -Oh the grief- if you commute on top of that. Be smart and run the numbers.

Some regionals give you a more livable wage while waiting as an FO (EV, OO, etc.) 2nd year EV gross = $35100. 2nd year YV gross = $26100. YV even pays $1000 less the -first- year AND has the nerve to have a training contract! ROTFLMAO ***