Or you could spend 3 years learning how to be a real pilot and skip the regionals.

I'm sorry, but to me, your suggestion isn't even comparing apples to a food group. Ameriflight has: turbine PIC time, type rated equipment, MUCH better pay scales across the boards, vfr and IFR ops, vastly improves piloting skills, and teaches decison making/resource management beyond what a tour company could.

Nothing against tour pilots, I know quite a few, but Ameriflight seems like a much better option for anyone on the whole.

Additonally, every canyon tour person I've ever met and talked to (with the literal exception of 2 through the grapevine) will continue on to the regionals after quitting. Captains and FOs included.

Ameriflight is becoming a greater place to work every day, and I think the people that open their mouths with old information don't hold relevence towards what is happening now. Just my honest opinions.