Originally Posted by Flyboy68

So they were hiring flight instructors instead of experienced captains. That's a bold, and stupid strategy.

Originally Posted by Packrat

They were also hiring people with specific DNA strings. As a result, United as a fairly large contingent of permanent F/Os these days.

Originally Posted by Packrat

They were also hiring people with specific DNA strings. As a result, United as a fairly large contingent of permanent F/Os these days.

Originally Posted by Fixnem2Flyinem

I honestly don’t see what the big deal is, if someone is happy to stay at a regional then that is okay. Just 7 years ago it was taking the better part of a decade for people to even upgrade at a regional. They let life happen in the meantime, and not everyone wants to take a financial hit even for a year or two to go to a major. Chances are those folks now have kids in high school, saving for college or maybe a mortgage that doesn’t allow a pay cut from 120k down to 50-80k.

We have to remember that in almost every other industry, a top out pay of 130-140k is pretty damn good money, we as airline pilots .0002% of the population seem to lose sight of that. I agree if one can financially absorb the initial blow of moving on, it will mean they will have a much better financial long term career. But for some the rat race is over, the lost decade made some comfortable and that is okay. I fly with many guys that have a degree, have volunteering and other accolades and no DUI’s. They just don’t want to commute to SFO for reserve in their late 40’s early 50’s missing Timmy’s baseball games. There is more to life than money, those that already have a good financial life, drive to work and see their families 15-18 days a month see that as well.

Originally Posted by Utah

I'll say I should have tried a lot harder at moving on. It'll probably be one of my life's biggest regrets that I didn't. I've got three degrees, two of them in aviation, 3.6 gpa, never failed a check ride, etc.. Haven't applied anywhere in a decade... but I've used my overnight bag for only one night in the last four months, been home every single day, usually get the days off I want, and should do over $140 -150K this year. I'm already at $37k ytd for the first three months.

The wife works and it should push our income near $200k. We get by OK. I live in a state with a cheap cost of living and my family doesn't want to leave. My hobbies involve the outdoors and that's 10 minutes from my house. I can't do them living in California or the east coast without a lot more hassle and swore off commuting years ago. I'm old and hopefully looking at an early retirement in 10 years barring a big market crash.

And I'm not even all that senior in my domicile.

Originally Posted by Flyboy68

I remember those days well. I'd imagine my former coworker may be one of those permanent FO's.

It was quite disheartening for others with certain chromosomes and fair skin.

Originally Posted by Rahlifer

A common theme I’ve noticed among many lifers is the old “Poor me. No one will hire me because all these women and dark skinned people are taking my job.” attitude. If you’re not getting the call, the problem is you. Nothing else.

Originally Posted by Flyboy68

This was a long time ago bud when we were all relatively young lower time pilots.

When you have 3000 hrs and >1000 TSIC and can't get a response from the majors, yet your coworkers with a certain DNA make-up and less time are being hired by the majors, it can be discouraging and disheartening.

I guess think preferential hiring practices and lowered standards for some is fair?

Originally Posted by Rahlifer

A common theme I’ve noticed among many lifers is the old “Poor me. No one will hire me because all these women and dark skinned people are taking my job.” attitude.

Originally Posted by Rahlifer

A common theme I’ve noticed among many lifers is the old “Poor me. No one will hire me because all these women and dark skinned people are taking my job.” attitude. If you’re not getting the call, the problem is you. Nothing else.