We aren’t hiring people as DEC’s. We are in a situation right now where there are a lot of people bypassing until they can hold a line, as Captain, in a base that they want, and in some cases at the seniority level they want. We also have a lot of FO’s that have the seniority to hold captain because of the people bypassing, but don’t have enough 121 time to do so.
As a result, a few people have been awarded captain immediately because their seniority, even as a new hire, could hold Captain and they had the 121 time to be eligible. Unless they live or plan to move to MKE or CAE, they are going to get to commute to reserve for years.
Reserve at Air Wisconsin is not desirable. Commuting to reserve at Air Wisconsin, specifically commuting to reserve at an outstation MX base, is for sadists.
Don’t come here thinking that it’s a guarantee to be awarded the left seat immediately. Things can change, and our last vacancy had zero upgrades awarded.