Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 146527)

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At least half of all new hires are ex-military pilots. Since 911 I am sure that the percentage has increased due to the larger number of military pilots trained.

Originally Posted by 1Seat 1Engine (Post 146547)

I think the numbers of pilots going through UPT has been pretty steady or actually declined some. Additionally, the guys going through now are being locked up by longer and longer commitments. I think that in the near future there's going to be a lot more "pull" on the civilian market of pilots.

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 136398)

Strike one Not an ex-military pilot. That is one strike against you.

Strike two You don't come from a prominent aviation family with strong ties in the airlines. That is strike two.

Strike three You have a DUI, are overweight, no college, older than most, took to long to upgrade, was fired during initial training at a regional, are not overly attractive, can not play golf, Lack people skills, HR gal was having a bad day and a huge number of other silly reasons that you can have your dreams rubbed out.

It is possible to get hired at a major with three strikes but not very likely. If anyone does a little research on new hire classes at the majors it becomes easy to find a pattern.

Skyhigh

Originally Posted by jsled (Post 146743)

Dang, Skyhigh. I have 2 strikes (arguably 3) and I was hired at a major at age 28!! I guess I am just lucky. BTW, I read your story. It sounds a lot like my story. Even the same time frame. We must be about the same age. Anyway, my story was hard too. Nothing like a family of 4 on 22K per year. WIC (public assistance) came in handy for milk and cheese while I was an engineer on the B727 for a major cargo hauler. First year pay is a beotch!! I just did not quit. Thought about it, but hung around. You have to pay your dues, not quit and whine about what might have been.