I noticed something a little interesting when updating my iPad yesterday. I saw that LOA 46 was signed on May 16th. It outlines the qualifications for junior pilots that are awarded a Captain bid. It stipulates that a junior captain must (obviously) meet ATP requirements, have at least 500 hours of flight time at United, and complete probation.

Why would our NC use time and whatever negotiating capital to sign something like this? The most junior captain is about 3500-4000 numbers away from the most junior pilot at United.