Originally Posted by
ThreeStripe
Something doesn't add up here. No problem filling classes and a quick upgrade, yet lowering mins and paying for hotel rooms. What am I missing?
Here's one thing that they probably aren't telling the new hires at PSA, Mesa, and Compass. It's not a quick upgrade anymore. The quick upgrade is for new hires close to or at the 1000 121 SIC, 1000 135 PIC requirement for upgrade to a 121 PIC.
I wouldn't be surprised to see new hires this fall at Compass holding CA while in training if they meet the minimums. Basically we'll be hiring street CA. PSA and Mesa may see similar results. This only lasts for a short while, until the rate the current pilots start meeting the minimums catches up to the upgrade requirements.
Because those pilots will leap frog seniority in a way, that means those coming to PSA, Mesa, and Compass needing 1000 121 SIC time, will be seeing longer upgrades than their seniority could hold, since a bunch of junior pilots will be upgrading before them. It will take at least 1.5 years or longer for a new hire without the 1000 hours to achieve it. Possibly 2 years. Maybe a pilot or two can pull of 1000 hours in 1 year and 3 months (expect 3 months in training before you have a chance to bid for a lot of flying), but that will be very tough to pull off.
Normally you can guarantee upgrade at 50-55%, but now you will have to move up to 35-45% before you can hold it. Those hired without the time are looking at a 2-4 year upgrade now. Subject to change, depending on attrition of those that upgrade.