Originally Posted by KiloAlpha
Do 1900 captains transition directly to Saab captain, or do they start in the Saab as a FO?
To date directly to the left seat of the Saab. Here's the progression currently:
1900 FO (8 - 12 months) - 1900 Captain (1 yr) - Saab Captain OR
Saab FO (15 - 18 months) - Saab Captain
Of course upgrade times are subject to change. They are currently the longest they have been for the Saab and about the same for the 1900. They also assume you'll meet the insurance requirements for upgrade when your seniority number comes up. Guys with less than 1000 hours when hired can expect to sit as FO in either aircraft a few months longer. By starting in the 1900 you lose about 4 - 6 months to "1000 hours PIC in an aircraft over 20000 lbs", but you gain two type ratings and the Beech is a wonderful aircraft to fly (the Saab is great too, but more of a "tank" compared to the Beech).