Dubz

So if I were the parent of a youngster about to embark on his career... I'm paying for their health coverage on my insurance until they hit 26; youngster doesn't earn anything yet so if he's out blowing my college investment money on travel we have other issues; his/her first year compensation won't change but may be able to take a portion of it early; and the timeline to airline is exactly the same.

Anyone who has been around the airline industry for 2 minutes knows that today's prom queen is tomorrow's gutter girl (edited for those with sensitive ears). I'm still struggling with where the significant advantage is to committing to an airline early when an individual that has ATP minimums and half a personality can be hired at any regional airline in the next few weeks. The only mildly enticing advantage mentioned was "super seniority"; who offers that? Still not enough for me to be sold on endorsing Junior to sign on for a cadet program.

Am I missing something?

Quarryman

Nope. Options are wide open these days. Keep your options open.

futurav8r

For Dubz, I don't think enrolling as a cadet commits that person to coming to SkyWest. It DOES start their date for getting healthcare coverage and financial incentives before their class start date. For someone that's not on their parent's insurance, waiting 2-3 months to get insurance could be a pain (bad pun intended). And, starting to get financial rewards that your fellow new-hires will only get after a year can be worth it.

For the OP: if you're interested in SkyWest, here's a link to their pilot pathway program: Pilot » SkyWest Airlines.

That said, I agree with others' advice to choose carefully--figure out where you would want to be based, see what airlines offer those bases, and start from there. Commuting to reserve can drain the life out of you.

PM me if you have any questions about SkyWest. If you have ??s about the cadet program, better call SkyWest...I did not have it available when I started.