htdaniels93

I just started mf CFI training and looking into cadet programs/regional airlines in general. My end goal is to end up at American. I’m wondering if it makes a difference what regional you end up with. I’m trying to steer clear of envoy due to it being “9 years and increasing” for a flow through. Does it have to be someone partnered with American?

PontiusPilot

You can take your chances, but I think avoiding an AA regional would be a poor strategy if AA is your ultimate goal. You should also consider that those flow projections like the one you mentioned are not taking non-flow attrition into account.

If you want to end up with American, go to the AA carriers. Piedmont likely has the fastest flow, but I don't think any of them would be bad options.

PotatoChip

If you are set on ending up at AA, with today's information, your best chances are becoming a military fighter pilot or going to one of the three wholly-owned carriers.

That said, I wouldn't limit myself to AA.

Excargodog

Peak mandatory retirements - which are really the only openings at the majors you can really take to the bank will occur in the 2022-2023 timeframe. The real question, IMHO, should be 'what can I do to be sure I am competitive for a call from the majors by 2023.'

What that means is that you should plan to get your ATP rating minimums as quickly as feasible, then go to whoever will fly you the most and upgrade you the quickest because to be competitive you are going to need:

1000 hours of Second in Command (FO) 121 time in a turbine powered aircraft.
1000 hours of Pilot in Command (Captain) 121 time in a turbine powered aircraft.
A four year college degree.

Yes, there will be guys and gals that get the call with less than that, but there will be a lot more guys and gals who will not get the call until they have MORE than that. Those are just going to get you in the ballpark. Other things, like airline trainer and check airman jobs would certainly be pluses, but at a minimum you want those three things and you want them by the retirement peak in early 2023.

Chemtrail1

What is the consensus on just this. I am at 1050+TT now and anticipate crossing 1500TT certainly by March 2019. I'm from the northeast so have been considering Endeavor, but I am willing to sacrifice QOL for few more years to get there faster. I'm getting older so I would rather push hard for a few more years.



So lets bottom line it. What is the best route to quickly get the 1000TPIC once you hit 1500TT in today's environment.

Otterbox

At the AA WO, upgrade to CA is as soon as you hit 1000 121 SIC time or equivalent... that realistically tales 18-36 months... Last I checked Republic and Endeavor were upgrading to Captain within 36 months, as was Skywest so for most places it’s pretty much a wash.

dera

The whole 9 years and increasing has nothing to do with real life.
Based on this years attrition/hiring numbers, a realistic estimate is somewhere around 6-7 years.