Another demonstration of ebb and flow and many pilots simply don't understand the past. Never pass up seniority when it is offered if it is somewhere you WANT to be. Pilots actually have that choice now, but it wasn't always that way.

In the mid 1980's when the regional airlines were still called "Commuter Airlines", pilots were elated to get a job with one from the flight Instructor/Charter pilot or freight dog slot and the common minimum flight time requirements were 2000TT/500ME. That was for the luxury of a right seat spot (usually throwing bags too) on a Metroliner, BE-99, BE-1900, Jetstream or Twin Otter. Later in the decade by 1990, the minimums hadn't changed much, but new generation turboprops with glass cockpits like the SAAB 340, ATR or Dash 8 came with pressurization and a flight attendant. Pilots salivated.

Enter the Gulf War and recessions and a 6-8 year stagnation cycle. Pilots cried to the heavens.

15-20 years later, the same industry had taken over half the domestic operations from the majors (and new pilots wonder why it's STILL difficult to get on with a legacy) and then it was common for me to fly with a new pilot with 1000 hours who expected to be a 70-seat jet captain within 2 years by his mid 20's, at a major by 30, on the 757 in a year or two and captain by late 30's. They had it all figured out. Reality slapped most in the face shortly thereafter. At Eagle when upgrades didn't go fast enough in the next downturn by 9/11, pilots jumped ship for street captains at other carriers because "my buddy just upgrading in 8 months at X Airlines". 500-hour pilots were common.

Now, we are back to about the middle and 1500 hours (with no real multiengine or instrument experience) being all that's necessary and even 1000 if at an accredited college. This is certainly reasonable, but crimping the profits and viability of and industry that can no longer maintain its original outsourcing goals has resulted in an increasing crisis. Along with it, are the unrealistic expectations of many pilots as has repeatedly occurred in the past in the constant ebb and flow of this profession. My, how times (and pilots) have changed, yet not changed.