Originally Posted by
Blackhawk
I will be somewhat of a contraction.
First let me say up front that I put the odds of ExpressJet surviving at 50/50.
Upgrade times can be like stock prices. People tend to chase the “sure thing” and a quick upgrade today may turn into years when you are hired.
XJT’s “price” has been driven down. Moral is low and upgrade times are... long.
Frankly I think about 4-5 years in most cases is ideal in regionals. The one year upgrades except where the person has prior 121 experience worry me.
So the possible up side of coming here. If the stars align and we are purchased it could be a home run for anyone hired here recently. But that’s a big “if”. It must mean UAL really wants to buy us and work that out with its unions and Inc would be willing to sell their potential hang man the rope. If INC tries to demand too much UAL may have other options. TSH (all or part). Republic (though it would be a mess untangling their other contracts), maybe even Mesa. Others?
My advice, however, is to look elsewhere. If you do come here be ready to make a lateral move.
How long was your upgrade? There are far too many guys who upgraded in like 1-2 years and are now critical of the possibility of upgrading at 1,000 hours of 121. But I do agree at least 4 years of experience seems to be a well rounded threshold.
I still can't imagine how it was legal to have a 1500 hour captain with an ATP and a green guy in the right seat with 250 hours and a commercial. It's no wonder more accidents occurred back in the day.