2026 class drops
03-23-2026 | 10:58 AM
#181
On Reserve
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 11
Everyone has their specific reasons for why and what they are doing. For me, I came over 2.5 years ago from the Corp Flying world when the hiring was at a frenzy. I had been a Captain, Check Airman, and Chief Pilot, previously over the past 25 years and now towards the tail end of my career, I needed to make as much money heading into the career home stretch as possible. Hence, me taking the first available upgrade possible (perhaps with this next vacancy announcement, we'll see...). My own career had been pockmarked by the various hits (Gulf wars, one and two, 911, Great recession, Covid, etc) which resulted in flight depts closing, planes being sold, etc. You roll with the punches. In coming over to AA, I saw an opportunity to try and recoup some of those losses. Honestly, I have no ego left at my age (my wife beat it out of me years ago, lol) and I don't relish the hassles I see the Capt here put up with at times, but, I will never be "senior one day" to enjoy the perks of a nice FO pay and lifestyle so, here I am, awaiting upgrade. We do what we have to do when we have to do it.
03-23-2026 | 07:45 PM
#183
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 465
Likes: 56
As a senior ish FO who put in for upgrade, I can hold a CA line.
I get some good PPROJ as an FO but the idea of being attached to my phone some days looking for easy PM that works for me and my family is a pain sometimes, especially when you don’t get anything.
I think I’d rather skip the hustle and just work my line, try to trade down (lol good luck), and not bother with extra flying unless it falls in my lap.
Let’s see, not first captain gig, don’t need it for my ego, don’t post to social media about aviation, what else
I get some good PPROJ as an FO but the idea of being attached to my phone some days looking for easy PM that works for me and my family is a pain sometimes, especially when you don’t get anything.
I think I’d rather skip the hustle and just work my line, try to trade down (lol good luck), and not bother with extra flying unless it falls in my lap.
Let’s see, not first captain gig, don’t need it for my ego, don’t post to social media about aviation, what else
I’m not ever tied to my phone. I commute so that’s not really even an option. If I’m going for PM I wait for IROPS…which, let’s face it…it’s never a long wait.
03-23-2026 | 07:51 PM
#184
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 465
Likes: 56
Maybe the vast majority do NOW…but 3-4 years ago that was not the case.
I would like to see it become a requirement that any candidate hired at AA has an absolute minimum of 1,000 jet PIC.
03-24-2026 | 07:40 AM
#185
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 441
Likes: 96
As a senior ish FO who put in for upgrade, I can hold a CA line.
I get some good PPROJ as an FO but the idea of being attached to my phone some days looking for easy PM that works for me and my family is a pain sometimes, especially when you don’t get anything.
I think I’d rather skip the hustle and just work my line, try to trade down (lol good luck), and not bother with extra flying unless it falls in my lap.
Let’s see, not first captain gig, don’t need it for my ego, don’t post to social media about aviation, what else
I get some good PPROJ as an FO but the idea of being attached to my phone some days looking for easy PM that works for me and my family is a pain sometimes, especially when you don’t get anything.
I think I’d rather skip the hustle and just work my line, try to trade down (lol good luck), and not bother with extra flying unless it falls in my lap.
Let’s see, not first captain gig, don’t need it for my ego, don’t post to social media about aviation, what else
03-27-2026 | 02:15 PM
#190
On Reserve
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
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