PotatoChip

Can't argue with any of that. It's all luck and timing, even if you're the best aviator in the world.

Exactly my point. NO ONE knows for certain. This reason alone is suspicious. To me, it simply sounds like a recruiting tool at this point.

SUX4U

That is exactly what it is... It's a nice little experiment on United's part to test the waters of a flow program without giving away too much.

Before you make any decision to give up a high paying job to go fly for CommuitAir, I would say you need to know how easy is it for us to terminate this flow program with C5? If we give this program a year and aren't happy with the results for any reason, can we shelf it at our leisure?

Next, if you are not able to pass the Hogan AND interview process prior to giving notice to your current employer I would be very hesitant to make the jump. It will be a rather sad little world you live in if you have resigned from a good paying job and don't make it passed one part of the selection process and now stuck at CommutAir with no flow. I am not sure if it works that way or not, but something to consider.

I would hope you could be competitive enough to get the call without having to feed the regional pilot shuffle game. Place your bets carefully with this one. Hopefully it will pay off if you do make the jump.

PotatoChip

Thanks.
I have carefully been considering all of those points and trying to find answers to the questions. Without answers, the choice becomes much easier.
I like my current job and think I am qualified enough for the chance of an interview with a legacy without resorting to getting back into the regionals. However, I am short of 1000tpic and have no LCA experience. It would be nice to have a back pocket flow and 1000tpic to bolster what I am selling. With C5, it is more just the TPIC, as like you said, you still have to pass the Hogan which lots of seemingly qualified people fail.

That said, at this point I believe I've come to most logical conclusion for myself. Perhaps others have more faith or different perspectives.

At the very least, I am encouraged to see C5 starting this with United, especially with United heavily involved in the hiring process.

SUX4U

Many of us hired at United recently didn't have 1000 TPIC or LCA experience. But then again, LCA's with 4000 TPIC aren't getting called as well. The whole algorithm in place to get a call is frustrating for thousands of well qualified guys.

If you can pass the process before resigning, get on at CommutAir with a flow that should trigger within 3-5 years, have the ability to get selected for an interview outside of the CPP (I think I heard that was possible), and build the TPIC time you feel you lack, then I think its not a bad game plan. As much as I hate supporting the Regional game, but if United is your absolute goal then it might be worth biting the bullet on this one.

Good luck in your decision. In the end, this really is a great place to work for.

2isclear

One note on this; I have seen the emails on those who have been accepted into the CPP. It DOES say United can terminate the program whenever they want, however, it also says those accepted into the program will flow to United even if they end the program.

Cruz5350

For the heck of it I talked to recruiters and there was just way too much uncertainty with the CPP program. No hard numbers of flow steered me away and the recruiter herself even said we can't just let big numbers of guys flow each year with nobody to replace them. From what I could gather I'd guess only 10-30 a year go and that means you'd be looking at a good 3-4 years to move on. I feel like anybody with a decent resume will have just as good a chance to move in that time frame without having to start over somewhere else.

HercDiver

If you're new to the regional industry I would encourage you to speak with some of the thousands of regional pilots who have been in for 10+ years with super resumes, who go to career fairs, who have internal recs, etc. that cannot get a call. The CPP is uncertain because it is brand new. C5 IS growing and no everyone on property is qualified for it, there are only 200 pilots on property. Also, 3-4 years to get to a major is freaking stellar.

Cruz5350

I wish I was new but I'm not, 4 years in and close to an upgrade doesn't make sense for me others maybe? I'm not so sure it will be even 3-4 years I was just using that as a best case scenario for someone hired today. The requirement calls for either 1000 TPIC or 3000 hours at C5 as a minimum as well.

HercDiver

Gotcha. Then you know then struggle. Yeah man I agree upgrade doesn't always make sense but the pay increase is nice and if one upgrade quick (12-18 months) at C5 and accepted into the CPP then probably within a year of getting that time you will start at UAL. Great opportunity for those of us who were at a stagnant regional and good for new people just coming in. If C5 does get 500-600 pilots by the end of 2017 (which we are on track to) those getting in now will be in a fantastic position.

TheDH

If you pass the C5 interview you can take the United interview and see if you pass before accepting the C5 job. Just FYI.