With the traditional competitve minimums returning let's look at an example.

You are new to jets no degree and 1500 hours and get a Regional job.

Get hired. Spend 4-6 months in training before logging your first hour. Fly 60 hours of block per month as an FO average. 17 months on the line to get upgrade. 4 months in upgrade training. Now fly 65 hours per months as a CA. 16 months to get first 1000 TPIC. Now you are on the radar for a legacy but not fully competitive yet. Apply, finish degree, hit shows, get interview, wait for class date.

5 years could also be not too long...But predicting airline hiring that far out is a Fool's game.

Yes, everyone will nitpick this timeline. This is what time accumulation at Piedmont is like if you don't trade all your days off for work away.

Good luck.