And you can really state something more accurate? Taking it a little too serious?

It is anyone's guess. 18 months is a good round estimation. There are going to be some that get it sooner because there will be a number of guys that don't meet the 1000 hrs SIC requirement when the upgrade comes calling. It takes about 15-18 months to get 1000 hrs SIC...which is where I was getting my figure.

Honestly, I'd set the bar at 18 months and be happy if you get it sooner.

Good call can't argue with that, but I'd lean towards sooner if they have the 1000 SIC.

Whats the crashpad situation like in LAX? Are they easy to get to? Additionally are reserves spending a lot of nights in base?

Are there many Chicago overnights at Compass? (MDW or ORD)

Tons of MDW

How strict is Compass on degrees these days? I'll probably apply late this year:

2000TT & atp mins
Atp written
Safety Officer and assistant chief at flight school
No degree

It really all depends on what your % of seniority will be when it comes to upgrade times. 60% seniority is the common % for the most Jr captain at most airlines to account for union positions, training positions, management, ect. The major variables to account for are pilot group size and estimated attrition. With the flows at CPZ, calculating attrition becomes a little easier and predictable. It was also stated that they plan to hire 440 pilots from now through the end of next year, so the pilot group size could reach about 700-720.

From other posts: 478 (current pilots) - 200 (170 flows and 30 other attrition est by Dec'15) = 278. If you're a new hire, add your place in line from the 440 to be hired. Divide by 700-720 and get your estimated percent by the end of 2015. Anyone 60% or less should very well be able upgrade, but perhaps even a bit higher due to FOs not having upgrade minimums.

People starting class by the end of the year will be sub 60% of the pilot group. My math says 12 month upgrade feasible for the first 100ish guys hired of the 440 target. Biggest curveball will be hiring 440 by the end of next year.

Not true, there is a headset in the plane, it's actually a required equipment. So you can use that, if you choose to, I believe it's a DC, don't know exactly what model. I personally use the Bose/uflymike setup.

Any conference calls scheduled to discuss future bases or AA flying?

That headset is for the observer only. It is a DC. I found out I needed a headset a few days before IOE and emailed a CP if I could just use that one - the answer was no as it is req equipment for the observer station only - the CP let me borrow one until mine came in the mail. But you are correct there is one in the airplane.