When you exchange a 400 for a 900 you have a 33% increase in the number of flight attendants you need for that airplane. The corresponding increase in required pilots = 0.

 

I can vouch for that. They said things are a bit uncertain at the moment for various reasons, but to expect early June, with an outside chance of May at best.

 

Without going through 200 pages; What are the mins guys are getting called at? Is 121 time a requirement?

 

My group had guys with 4000-10000 plus with a number of types. I would say it is all about attitude. I can't wait to start!

 

Every time the 121 time question gets asked, the answer is, "No, we're looking for people with diverse backgrounds," or words to that effect. Then everybody you talk to at recruiting events will ask you if you have any 121 time.

 

Which means "yes."

I don't know that I'm willing to take the paycut to hang out at a regional for a year or two. Nor do I think that would reflect positively on me as an applicant.

 

I know of a number of non-121 pilots who have been hired in the last few years, but "yes" is pretty much the conclusion I and others have come to as well. And going to a regional is no guarantee that you'll get called, either, but I wouldn't be worried about how it reflects on you as an applicant. There's nothing wrong with making a move in order to gain applicable experience.

At some point you have to look at where you are and where you're going and decide if that's good enough. In my case, it was not, so I've made the move to 121, albeit to an ACMI carrier rather than a regional. The long-term prospects are good, and 121 international heavy time may be worth something to somebody down the road. My Alaska application is still active, but I harbor no illusions about Alaska calling me any time soon just because I have some of that magic 121 time, and it won't be long before it simply doesn't make sense to make another move like that anyway.

 

The key to getting an interview is having a friend set up a chief pilot meeting. I know 4 people hired in the last few months and it happened after they got a meeting with one of the base chief pilots.

 

Absolutely second this!

 

Totally agree. Having someone with a good reputation at the airline vouch for you and then set up a meet and greet is key.