Am I Stuck?
 

Not sure where to post this. Sorry, if it’s in the wrong spot. Ultimately, I would like to be with American. So, I figured just post here.

I am an FO with OO. Still a little way to go until upgrade. I’m 47 with no college degree. My life before the airlines was as a mechanical engineer, believe it or not. I even got as far as department management. It took me longer than most people, but’s it’s in my history.

Do I honestly stand any chance of making it to a major? Regardless of what my work history has been, I feel like my app will get kicked before human eyes even see it.

So, I’m looking for honest answers right between the eyes. If I can’t get to a major, OO can give me a good career if I do additional jobs for the company. IOE captain, sim instructor, etc. my retirement just won’t be anywhere near as good.

Thanks in advance for replies.

SHR

At 47....You can make it to AA.

Many will tell you, one requirement that AA has today is a degree...

That’s what I thought... I believe all majors have this requirement and even if they don’t, competing with degreed applicants would be pretty fruitless.

Thanks.

Just curious - how were you a mechanical engineer without a college degree?

At 47 and already at SkyWest, I would say that if you want to work for a major you can likely attain that. You could finish your degree online while advancing your experience at OO.

I had one lucky break when I graduated high school. I became a mechanical designer and over many years worked my way up to senior levels as designer. Then, with just my work experience, I had opportunities as an engineer. Once I had that locked in, I kept advancing within engineering until I topped out in management. Executive level was out of reach as a post graduate degree was an absolute requirement.

That's great thanks for sharing. I was just curious. I'm sure you'll have no problem once you are able to "check the box"

Have you considered switching to one of AA's regionals? Even if you had a degree AA doesn't hire many civilian pilots outside of the flow from it's regionals.

I have considered that. I have the E175 type and I was considering making the move to Envoy when I have 1000hrs 121 time to get the quick upgrade. The thing that gives me pause is I can’t get a true sense of how long flow takes. The answers here on the forums are all over the place.

You're going to hear a lot of varying opinions on flow times depending on optimism/pessimism. Envoy actually has a projected flow calculator, so if you have a buddy there maybe they can look at it for you. I think i read somewhere it's currently showing 9 years for a new hire.

Not great, not terrible