At a recent Republic Holdings new hire class the range was 2200 to around 10000 total hours. The class average was 5100 hours. All but one new hire had an ATP. There was one guy who came fresh out of flight instructing (he had an ATP though), and everybody else also had previous airline and/or corporate experience. All but one or two guys had extensive twin turbine experience.

That said, it's definately debatable how long they can continue to find guys on the street with that sort of experience. I've heard the ATP requirement is, or is about, to be dropped.

Also, I think they're not getting nearly the number of guys through training that they need. Some don't show up the first day of class, some leave in the middle of training for other airlines or corporate jobs, a couple guys are let go during training for PRIA issues and a couple don't pass orals or other tests. About a third of what they want to start with end up on the line.

I give RAH credit for at least taking a chance on some of these older/experienced guys though. I think they got some very good pilots for the money. I know that other regionals avoid high time guys like the plague. AWAC, for example.

So, I think a lot depends on the culture of the company and what they are looking for. I'm sure there is a broad range and soon there will be a spot somewhere for just about any good pilot who is actively looking (and willing to wait a long time for financial rewards).