Pass it on if you do!

I hear upgrades at Waterski are going pretty junior ;)

...but seriously, how bad was it....because that's what I've heard. Apparently there's a few 2013 hires in the left seat due to most FOs not having 1000 121 time

Hard to imagine this now as this shortage is just getting started, but try and imagine what it will be like in 2 years. The small players will likely have to shut their doors. Some now are going 135 from what I read. Even the largest regionals will have trouble such as AE. Major airlines will likely have to acquire some of the larger regionals.

I've had almost the same thought recently.. A lot of people aren't seeing upgrades happening here due to lack of incoming FOs to fill their seat, so they go somewhere that they could upgrade in 2-3 years. What they have to realize is that in those 2-3 years when it's time for their upgrade, will that airline also be able to get FOs in the door? Or will they potentially be in the same situation Silver's in now? Do you hang here and see what happens, or tempt fate and hope whatever airline you go to will be as attractive later as it is now.

It was bad enough for me to come here...and I'm a glutton for punishment...

I would personally bet my Easter Eggs on a larger regional carrier for a few reasons.

1.) There is a possibility of getting stuck for whatever reason at the regionals
2.) Likelihood of carrier being acquired by a major
3.) Smaller carriers forced to go out of business
4.) Larger regional carrier flying larger airplanes with better pay scales

Here is another thought. You might see the very real possibility of all pilots coming through the doors will be Captains on the spot if they have the 1000 hour 121 time. Your line could include trips where you fly as either a Captain or FO, pay based accordingly. Or, some regionals could go to one payscale for both Captain and FO, thereby flattening the pay rates. Higher pay for the new hire, lower pay for the senior captain. They will try to do whatever it takes to survive.

Those are some interesting thoughts... I don't know if that will ever happen but they are interesting.

I guess you could call it co-captaining, it happens in the corporate aviation world.

@Cruz5350

Where do you go after Silver?