AA Pilots,

I’ll try to keep this short and to the point. I’m 42, have been flying Part 121 for nearly 20 years, and am trying to figure out what my final move should be.

My background: XJT → Kalitta (747/767) → some corporate → and for the past 3 years I’ve been at PSA as a Direct Entry Captain.

My ultimate goal is to retire with American. If the flow stays on pace, I’m hopeful for ~18 months. (I have not applied outside of flow.) Whatever I do next needs to be the right move — hopefully the last one, Lord willing.

I’d really appreciate input from AA pilots on a few things:

1. Is it true AA has a significant wave of retirements coming over the next 10 years?


2. If commuting isn’t an issue, how quickly could a new hire potentially hold the most junior Captain slot?


3. With AA’s 787 orders, will this eventually free up more narrow-body slots for quicker upgrades?



I’ll admit I feel a little behind some of my peers, but I’m grateful for the opportunity PSA/American gave me after COVID, and I’d love to make AA my final home.

Thanks in advance,
Dave