Originally Posted by
Future Cpt Kirk
Just want to be clear... I am not chasing an upgrade nor do I have any unrealistic expectations about upgrade times. I want to be ready for the position before I upgrade and will fully invest myself to which ever company I end up at.
Maybe "need" wasn't the right word to use when talking about the AWAC upgrade times dropping. What I am doing is weighing all of my options and researching every variable. I think this is important in such a volatile industry.
The reason I would like to see upgrade times drop from four years at AWAC is because I have a family to support. The sooner I make captain, the better off my family is financially. We have a mortgage, student loans, car payments etc... Most of us do. FO pay will be tough. This does not mean I want to chase an unrealistic upgrade. I want to be fully prepared for it. I simply see that many airlines have shorter upgrades (2-3 years) when compared with AWAC and this has to be a factor I at least consider when making my decision, as is the contract.
AWAC is my number one choice right now. I am very impressed about all the positive things I continue to hear about the company. It really does sound like a great place to work, and it does sound like a different atmosphere than most regionals. I just want to make sure I make the best decision for my family.
Hopefully, I will get to fly with some of you in the future. Very excited right now.
Don't be ashamed of wanting a quick upgrade. It's the only way to escape the regional game unless you're heavily connected. Just keep in mind that by choosing to come to AWAC, that there's probably a 50/50 chance that they won't exist in 2.5 years. While those airlines with 2-3 year upgrades you mentioned, would be offering you a spot in Upgrade Ground School around the same time.