Here is my take on it from limited word/rumors. From what I understand roughly 400/yr planned. Target goal is somewhere around 5000 pilots. We have approx 2800-2850 on the seniority list right now. Our biggest hurdle to hiring is the ability of Flight Safety to handle the volume. Right now interviewing is going to pause until approx. Sept (to get the goat through the python) I actually heard that from a buddy who interviewed last week. We do not have a lot of attrition right now so hiring is on pure expansion. Probably looking at upwards of 5 years for upgrade unless there is a surge in retirement-nobody wants to leave a job that is giving them 4 weeks vacation(on the 7n7 that means 4 months of 21 days off) plus PTO.
The plan in Columbus is for a enormous training facility in conjunction with Flight Safety, 2-3 years for completion. So a little while before training can be completed en masse.
But, the water is warm and I recommend diving in.
Last edited by arjmjj; 07-31-2008 at 04:16 AM.