One or two per class are going outside of flow, which is getting hired off the street (complete interview process).

Of course they have something going on for them! These people aren't just bumps on a log with 8,000 TT, they are also attractive to DL UA etc.

If a WO pilot just wants to "wait" their turn, by all means go ahead. But if that same pilot volunteers, becomes CKA, sim instructor, Chief Pilot, union work, or whatever, it will make their app better and chances of interview much stronger.

'Jumping the list' is tough. But the three guys I've met who've done it stand out amongst their peers.

Every OTS hire stands out from the crowd in some way or another. Some of those qualities and attributes contribute to a candidate being a safe and competent pilots and a good employee, others just stand out the a recruiter and make them think, what a nice guy, "I'd like to spend 4 days flying with this guy," and others check an affirmative action/political correctness box. (All who get a chance to interview have to show up and perform to the standard of the recruitment department) Getting hired by a Legacy Airline has always been a very competitive and selective process and while the impending/on going retirement boom will invariably cause that recruitment process to be less selective, I think those who are called for an interview will always be extremely impressive or extremely lucky.

I wanted to rekindle this thread. I have about 600hrs 121 time from trans states before they went under but I'm considering going to a fractional rather than skywest to build time to get to a major. Good idea? Bad idea? Thoughts?

If I was making the decision, I would look at where there’s movement and turnover. Movement equals opportunities, like joining the training department, check airman etc. That’s the type of stuff majors look for in an applicant, as I’m sure you already know.

Regionals in the recent years have had a steady stream of people leaving, creating opportunities internally. If the fractional you’re considering is going to have opportunities like that, then it probably doesn’t matter that much that it’s not part 121. If you’re looking at an outfit with a bunch of lifers and no growth, probably want to look elsewhere.

If AA is your goal, it’s not a good move. Our OTS numbers are published, and there aren’t many corporate guys at all. It happens, but very slim numbers. Can’t speak for the other majors