web500sjc

Last I heard (sans military) was 1) 1000 121 In a CL-65 with no busts, 2) 1000 121 in non CL65 or CL65 with some previous training issues, 3) Step, 4) Everyone else.

Baradium

I still think that's simplifying it too much, but that is pretty reasonable. I'm honestly not all that familiar with the step program (so keep that in mind), but I expect the place where it is a difference is coming out of training with minimum experience. Once you have significant experience, especially in a crewed airplane, I believe it will have less of an affect.


To put it another way, I expect that Endeavor scores applications on a point system like Delta does. The Step program is worth X number of points, but that also means the whole person affects the final score.

fenix1

I would absolutely be coming out of training with minimum flying experience; if I were a STEP participant, then my only professional flying experience at reaching ATP mins would be as a CFI. With that in mind, it sounds like STEP is definitely my best foot forward if I’m set on 9E. The practical side of moving to participate in STEP will be another question (ie, can my family really pull that off?), but seems clear that STEP could really help me get on with 9E in my situation. Also, I plan to communicate heavily with 9E recruiters to confirm that I can’t be a STEP participant without moving and to candidly share my overall background with them to give them a chance to tell me I’m not hirable even as a STEP participant.

I get the whole person concept for sure. My background isn’t perfect - 4 speeding tickets in 24 years of driving although none since 2014 and my work history is rough for the last couple years in my previous industry (which was anything but a typical gig). But I’m comfortable being upfront & honest about my shortcomings and sharing what I’ve learned from them & how even those things have prepared me to succeed in the 121 environment. Also, I’m optimistic and hopeful - based on all that I’ve learned so far about what airlines typically value - that I have some positive attributes that will help my candidacy as well (combat veteran, senior manager in last industry, and plenty of technical/operational leadership & problem-solving experience).

The STEP program (from the info on 9E website, anyway) sounds like a pretty low intensity cadet program, and very different than Envoy’s, for example, where Envoy pays $5000 while working as a CFI and provides health & travel benefits while working as a CFI. But STEP seems like a great way to build a relationship with 9E recruiters, get an answer as soon as possible, and get a class date ASAP after meeting ATP mins if all goes well through the process (rather than having to wait several months potentially).

Thanks again to everyone for the insight - I’m trying to learn all I can to realize my goals in 121 and learning from folks who have been there & done that is of great help.

MIkeFavinger

Nah. They do fine. Other regionals are shelling out thousands for them in fact.

Casualinterest

Final word on this.

There is an interviewing advantage to step participants. We interview them first, we come to them to do the interviews. If we ever put a hold on hiring again, we try and continue interviewing step grads. We still did a few during this last freeze. You will get called back faster for the interview, and an earlier class date most likely.

If we're still hiring full swing and need people it won't really matter, you'll still get the call without it. But if it starts getting tight again, the step people, and the previous 121 get the first call.




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fenix1

Thanks, CI, and that only makes it more clear that I need to be a STEP participant if at all possible and move if we can swing it.

Casualinterest

Do what's best for your training and financial situation. What's here one day can be gone the next. What would be more important for me would be the cost/speed/quality ratio. If you can do it and a good school near you and live at home that's just more money you save and support you have. But there are advantages to moving also. Don't lean on this one thing to make your decision, because if it changes no one wants you to feel burned. Do what's best for you, and if that happens to be a step school, then you'll feel good about your decision no matter what you do after.

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fenix1

Understood and thanks, CI - there’s certainly lots of factors to consider in finding the right training situation, but you & others have confirmed that there’s real value toward getting hired at 9E in participating in STEP. Will continue to research, talk to folks who’ve ‘been/done that’ for advice and ultimately make the best decisions I can & hope it works out well enough.

Casualinterest

Good luck!

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fenix1

Thank you, both for the well-wishes and all your help