Hello all,
My first post, however I have looked around and read quite a few threads. This seems like a great place, full of usefull information.
First, a bit of background. I am currently a Senior at a major university, completing a four year "Professional Flight" degree. I saw reference to "Puppy Mills", and I would imagine that is what you might call this school. The vast majority of my peers will be applying to regionals, and moving into the scheduled service part of the industry. I am a bit different in that I am in ROTC, and will be moving into Army flight school sometime after graduation. This means that I am a couple of years removed from the job market (flight school, and all secondary schools is expected to take anywhere from 14-16 months). I will graduate with my commercial ticket, Instrument and Multi ratings (all fixed wing, land) and about 375 TT.
Anyway, on to the questions. My ultimate dream would be to fly a United 747. In reality, I would love to end up at any airline, flying any aircraft internationally, but I have a special place for United in my heart.
As I understand it, the only way to get a United 747 flight seat (for example..any company works) is to build seniority through many years of service with United, and then bid the seat.

Does this mean that I have to just hope that I can sustain a career with a single company long enough to earn the seniority to bid these choice routes? (Incidentally, what is an average length of employment before that becomes realistic?)

My worry is that I would get furloughed, or something would happen prior to reaching that seniority status where I would have to switch carriers, and thus lose whatever seniority I have worked to earn with (in this case) United.

Also, somewhat related, when applying to regionals, is it better to apply to one of the companies that provides the regional service for whatever airline I am seeking employment with? For example, United Express is operated by several independant companies. I would assume, that because these companies are actually seperate companies that working for them would have no bearing on what the majors think when it comes to interview but its worth a shot.

And finally, it seems that not many of the American airlines operate 747s, and not many 777s. The numbers I can find say that United has about 24, while Delta has 16, and I can't find another airline that operates them, except for UPS, which has more than both United and Delta combined (as far as I can find). Am I aiming for something relatively impossible to get? 24 aircraft with United (with who knows how many actually flying by the time I get to that point in my career). Would I be better off trying to get on with UPS, seeing as they have more aircraft?

Too long? Didn't read? That's ok! Quick summary:

- Soon to be college grad, going Army aviation; ~375TT, Commercial, Instrument, Multi

- Generally, what is the best way to get into the flight deck of an international aircraft (dreaming of a 747).

- Would building time at a regional carier that operates for a major be beneficial? Should I try to seek out United Express carriers to help myself get on with United proper?


Thanks for your time, and expertise. It may seem a bit odd that I've not even graduated yet, and I am looking forward many years, but that's how I operate. I can very rarely not plan on what's going to happen, particularly with something like this that requires a great deal of forethought.


-Kris

 

If you are set on flying a Seven Four, try cargo. UPS, Southern, World, Atlas and Kalitta all have 747s. You've covered the basics of upgrade and industry risks. Five years down the road there's no telling who will be flying what or who will be hiring. Some of the regionals have "flow through" agreements so it could be a foot in the door.

 

Expect the UAL 747's to all be in the desert in about 5 years. The new CEO will get rid of them ASAP. Expect to fly the 777 or 787, if you are lucky enough to get a job.