In my crazy made up world, pilots would gain seniority at their own airline just as they do now. But! this twist is that they would also gain a "blanket" seniority with the FAA. Just as an example, each 3-5 years a pilot is at a 121 carrier, they get a recognition of some sort put on there record and or license. (I'm sure they could work something out for the 135 folks too )This seniority if you will, could be taken anywhere they wish to go once they've earned it.

This only works if the FAA would require certain seats to be filled only by those who have certain accolades or seniority points (with ANY carrier, not just their own) this would make a lateral move for certain pilots possible due to the fact that Company "A" would be required to bring in a certain calibar pilot if one wasnt readily available within the company. (i'll use the same example I have been; a 10 year 121 time requirement to get into the left seat of a 74) I know what you're thinking... they already do reward experience, via hours logged! But they don't when you switch companies or airlines. If a 20 year CA at AA wanted to make a move to DAL he/she would start off in the right seat of whatever was available and lose a large amount of income in the process. This is why airlines have pilots over the coals. They know these people aren't going anywhere any time soon.

This model would be much closer to any other corporation in the free world. Take the company "Blockbuster" for example. Lets say a regional manager position opens up in the company. Typically, if someone within the company cuts the mustard to take that position, they're in. If no one is qualified, they hire from outside the company.

NOW, new hire candidates for BB would be looking at this job as a direct entry into the manager position. I mean why not? they've been a manager at their current job for 5-10 years making descent money and have come to EXPECT it. If Blockbuster comes along offering a similar position for better money and closer to home, I have a feeling a prospective new hire would want this position. If they knew there was a chance he/she would be sent to a random blockbuster in the middle of nowhere, to stock shelves before they are able work there way back up to a regional manager (or assistent TO the regional manager ) things might be different.

I do see potential problems with airlines having a certain position open up and going outside their own pilots to hire. This would be due to training costs I'm sure. It would make sense for an airline to get a pilot who is already typed in the 747. This raises the issue of keeping pilots underneath without the type, essentially stuck. BUT if the unions stepped in and made certain pay after a certain amount of seniority points (i.e. the FAA blanket) a requirement, it could ease the pain. This brings up another point that I don't really want to get started on because I'm already writing a small novel here. But, I think they should completely get away from the entire SIC, PIC scenario anyway. Call a CA or an FO what you will but I think if you're the Flying Pilot, you should be able to log PIC time. We need to get away from the SIC type. Back to my previous rant.

My point is this. Airlines could possibly have to compete for pilots!!! Crazy notion I know. Pilots are a caliber of people that should be competed for. Good Doctors and Lawyers are a coveted commodity. We spend just as much on our education and training as most doctors. Experience should be rewarded! Not just at one airline!!!