As i've understood it the only place really holding "firm" on something close to 1000 hrs, is skywest. Everyone else will pretty much interview you at their posted mins or possibly a little less. Last Summer guys were getting swept up at 500 hrs everywhere, this winter, it's been slower, and come this summer it might pick up again, but that'll depend an awful lot on what happens in the economy and industry during the upcoming months. Doesn't hurt to apply though....

Minimums are set at 600/100, but internal candidates and interns can apply with 500/100.

My error, don't ask me why I put March. Thanks for the correction

How does one attain the status of "internal candidate"?

Former dispatchers, rampers, flight attendants, or any other employee of the company qualifies as an internal candidate.

You're right, but I was referring to the number of pilots hired, not the hours at which they were hired. :)