The lifers I refer to are those with few years remaining before retirement. My knowledge of the top of the 9E seniority list is now more than a year old, but I suspect that most of those at the top are still there. Those are the ones I am referring to. Please feel free to post some facts and submit the current 9E seniority list so that new hires can see just how many lifers there are occupying all the potential captain positions, especially after the fleet starts shrinking again next year as the C Series begins to take flying back from endeavor to Delta.

I absolutely agree with you, it is the best thing for you, me, and everyone else with more than 5 years remaining before retirement that Delta brings regional flying back to the mainline certificate. And as you pointed out, increased retirements, along with reduced military separation, means a greater percentage of pilots will come from the civilian world than previously experienced. Also you make a good point that being a regional captain is and will be less important for getting hired at a major than it previously was. However, new hires should not be misinformed that upgrades will continue to come fast at 9E. My opinon is that the will not.

In addition, the "Delta Interview" promoted by 9E recruiters requires upgrading at 9E and then spending another 2 years as a captain with a good record before being eligible to interview. My opinion is that a Delta interview can be had just as easily by going to any other regional and therefore not worth considering when chosing a career path, unlike the lifes and recruiters on here would like you to believe.

My opinion is that keeping your training record clean, getting your friends already hired to give you recommendations, upgrading when you can, working in the training dept or management, getting an advanced degree, volunteering in your community, and etc are the keys to getting hired at a mainline. NOT going to any particular regional.