Originally Posted by
fenix1
Thanks to all for your thoughts/insight/perspective.
I'm white male and won't be getting on with a regional until my early 40's. (Again, no prior 121 or professional flying experience.)
I wonder if my age means that I should prioritize getting on with 1 of the 3 WO's? In other words, is 'automatic' flow my best bet of getting on with a major at an older age? Assuming comparable TT/TPIC/other individual attributes, won't a major - or even an LCC - want to get their hooks into someone younger than me who can provide more years of service?
So here is the deal. You are in a unique spot in that you won’t ever make top pay at a mainline and won’t have great seniority until the last few years of your career. Flow is ok if you feel American is your airline of choice, but there will be other options.
I find when people defend the flow so heavily, they assume AA is the only game in town, when in fact it isn’t. United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest, Jet Blue, Spirit,Frontier etc all need pilots and demand “should” only increase.
A strong argument could be made for someone in your shoes to pick an LCC like spirit and stay with them for the entirety of your career. With their pay set to nearly match AA soon you will have a much better quality of life and move up the seniority list much quicker there. This holds true for other non-mainline companies as well. I am not saying it has to be them, but rather be sure to look at your situation realistically.
Will someone getting to AA or any other mainline at 50 (ten year flow and you will be 40 when hired) get to reach the pinnacle of 121 flying? No, the chances are far to slim to bank on and too many will be ahead of you. If you were 25-30 asking this question it would be a different answer.
This entire equation leaves out one huge factor not often talked about. Overseas contract flying. While I understand it isn’t for everyone, the opportunities here will be huge with some very workable situations for US based pilots. This is the biggest growth sector in the next 20 years and if you think we have a shortage of pilots, do some research on those carriers. There are already offers out that can be commutable.
Anyway, long story short, keep your options open and realistic while avoiding the “must go mainline AA” mentality. There are lots of compelling reasons to look elsewhere while still making competitive pay and a better QOL.