Originally Posted by
PilotCrusader
Well let's consider that:
PSA has 1100 pilots right now and originally had a mix of 49 CRJs. Plus 30 900s. Plus 47 700s. Plus 24 900s.
So total fleet now going to 150 aircraft.
Figure 13 pilots per plane, so 1950 pilots total. If it is only 11 pilots per plane like many other regionals right now, 1650. So at best, 850 pilots more is what they need, 550 at worst. That is right seat hiring my friend.
Let's say you get hired today, your class date will be some time around late April, seniority around 1250. When will you make Captain? You need to get to number 925, or 325 numbers right? PSA said their attrition was around 100 last year. Let's say this year they get an increase in flow and their attrition is 150. It will take a little over 2 years to upgrade. That isn't too bad. Every month will add another year to upgrade basically.
The super fast, less than a year upgrade, going on for people in he right spot right now, IS gone. PSA will have a decent upgrade if hired before may or so, IMHO.
UAL plans to hire 769 pilots this year, DAL numbers are about the same or more, and AAG will have off the street hires as well (I know there are a lot of recalls right now, but they'll be hiring off the street in no time). Your math is based on a static industry that doesn't exist. Now if you're just peeing in the PSA pool then by all means have at it as I don't blame you, but the facts support movement at all regionals as the majors attrit, take on more aircraft, and rely less on regionals.