Originally Posted by
Celeste
They have done all in their power not to hire too many from the regionals. Next year may be the year they are actually forced to absorb a bigger number of the regional feed pilots than in past years. Before covid they hit the tip of the iceberg on hiring, but prior to that it was really a trickle of rj pilots to keep the hope alive to people slogging it out at the regionals that if you "keep doing what you're doing someday you'll get the call".
When I finally made the jump to an ACMI I had offers from every legacy within months of leaving the regionals after applying for years without getting a call. I really believe no longer being a part of their feed helped more than adding a new type rating. Just Imho.
Not only do I think you’re onto something, but I think you nailed it. After some conversations with my new hire classmates during initial I came to the same consensus. I spoke with more than a few who had your scenario. They couldn’t get a call at XYZ regional for years while in the left seat, but a short while after joining an LCC or ACMI, some while still in initial training, “got the call”.
It makes sense, the business model of the legacy airlines depends on regional feed, why intentionally dry it up if you don’t have too.