Thats what Roper was saying I think. Currently, guys hired 18 months ago (2006) are upgrading but 1000 guys were hired in 2007 so it will probably take them a few years to just get through the 2007 new hires! So, his buddy will certainly not have an 18 month UG, unless something wild happens.

Too many people ask "what is the UG time at 'ABC' airline?" . This is a flawed question. As Roper said, there are really only 4 main things that create upgrades and in the current economy, Aircraft orders and attrition are much less likely to occur. Best of luck job hunters and dont rule Eagle out!