Originally Posted by
Aeronut2003
Just to understand the industry a little better (I'm currently in the pool at United). What happens if I do make Captain in 5 years and then a large economic downturn happens? Would I be bumped back to FO? Or would I be furloughed as the low man on the Capt totem pole? Is there more job security in not upgrading? Thanks in advance!
Hired 2 Jan 96, was told at the time I would make Capt in 7-8 years. I was on the line as a Capt in 3 yrs 11 months. Bumped back to FO on the 777 10 months after 9-11. Bumped off the 777 after 1 year due to Asia flying cutbacks because of SARS. Spent 1 year as a very senior LCO airbus FO. Summer of 2004 back on the line as an Airbus Capt and spent 11+ years on reserve due to age 65 and the Guppy fleet going away for the merger. Now back to being a Guppy Capt again 15 years later.
Strap in and hang on!