It's like this now anyway. Most RJ guys/girls who get hired here are younger than most the military new hires, unless they are guard/reserve types. Typically at least.

 

You did hit a nerve. I’ve heard of complaints about flow pilots, but to paint a broad brush over all of the DCI pilots is extreme. You backpedaled by blaming a line check pilot and then explained your own position “off” your pedestal. That sits with me like the guy that starts each trip with the “I’m very laid back” speech. If you have to say it, it ain’t true. In the event that you didn’t know, DCI covers every pilot who flies Delta Connection. Not a specific group or company. Whatever your beef is with flow pilots or guaranteed interview pilots, maybe you should at least arrange your b$&@hing with some facts before you let loose. Gains you some credibility and what not..

 

I’m sorry for invading your “safe space”.

 

This type of program has existed before. Back 15-20 years ago Delta had it set up with several select colleges. Once accepted into the program and after graduating with their wet commercial certificates they went to Comair. At Comair they got the regular training, 100 hrs of IOE and after a set time (3 years if I recall) then a straight transfer to Delta. No further interviews. As I recall it was set up mostly for “disadvantaged” students. I still know at least one Delta pilot that went through this program who currently flies at Delta.

 

The new easy escape maneuver; make a completely foolish statement then proceed to call everyone else a snowflake, safe space etc.

 

I don’t need a “safe space.” I feel plenty comfortable calling you out for your arrogant and misguided post.

 

It seems that Delta already has a pool of pilots who fly thousands of their customers safely every day. They work for SkyWest, Republic, Gojet, Compass, Expressjet, Delta Private Jets etc. These folks have ATPs and airline experience. Would it not make sense for Delta is set up a program to help these pilots get hired? Why set up a college program when you have group of experienced aviators already representing your brand on a daily basis?

 

I quess my point would be if you want to be an airline pilot, you'd do well to skip militarily service, if you can afford an aviation college. The a seniority boost alone could be worth millions.

 

It makes me sense for Delta to try and keep them parked right were they’re at. Representing the Delta brand for subpar wages. That way you can keep the connection flying staffed with experienced pilots and shape the minds of future Delta pilots without tarnishing their experience by working at a regional with inferior work rules and compensation.

 

They're already pulling from the regionals, but they'll need to replenish those seats (unless we can pull all of our flying up to mainline, which would be nice), to keep the operation going. They just don't think that hiring from the mil/regionals will be enough in the coming decade. Last time I was at Mecca it was mentioned that they expected to get 1/3rd from Military, 1/3rd from Regionals/135/et.., and 1/3rd from direct hire programs like this.

The first book I ever read about professional aviation (the name escapes me) was about a dude that retired as a WB Captain. The book starts out in the 60s or 70s, when he was flying home from college and he had no idea what he was going to do. Flipping through the pages of the airline magazine, he saw an add that said come fly for XX airline (I think AAL). They paid for all his training, got him experience and put him in the right seat. While they're not so desperate that they're paying for training (yet), what's old is new again...