Linebacker35

Does anyone know anything about the American eagle bridge programs? Like how effective it is, does AE hire lots of pilots that have gone through the bridge program. They say the hiring mins are lowered to 500 total, 100 multi.
I was just wondering how many bridge program pilots they hire and how close to the minimums.
If any one knows anything, i would apreciate any info.

rickair7777

It would probably depend on the program, but I was involved in one pre- 9/11 as a CFI, and NOBODY got hired after 9/11. But eagle has low pay and probably the longest upgrade time in the industry. But the benefits are good, and after 15 or 20 years you get like 5 weeks vacation (you'll be there that long too...)

They also give you an AA mainline medical exam, similar to a military flight physical. If you're not in PERFECT condition, you'd better think twice about spending money on an eagle bridge. Mesa for example just wants to make a photocopy of your FAA medical cert...

Linebacker35

Thanks. Yah i was just wondering because one of the schools I was talking to had one. I still think I would prefer to go into mesa's program after I get a degree. But yah the upgrade time at AE is insane.
Well hopefuly by the time I get out of university the industry will be back in high gear.

fosters

A good friend was hired on with times around 500/100. I was invited to interview but declined (again, it's Eagle we're talking about).

We both went to ERAU, and if you made honor roll and had 500/100 you received an interview.

Many people have been hired there, but most jump ship after 6-10 months to greener pastures.

I instructed at the MAPD program in FMN and it is, by far, the only program that delivers what it promises. ATP's program is good as well, however if you don't get on with them as a CFI you're hosed...

GliderCFI

You thinkin about MTSU? That's where I am...they have the bridge. Man don't go to Mesa. Put in for Air Wisconsin or Chataqua. Freakin not Mesa.

GliderCFI

Yeah, too many people out there with shiny jet syndrome.

rickair7777

Better upgrade than EAGLE??? Lots. Unless something has changed since I last talked to my eagle friend the eight year ERJ FO. Please correct with me recent numbers if I'm wrong.

Skywest: Guys have upgraded to 50 seat jet CA in 18 (or less) months last year.
Mesa: 18-24 months.

These upgrades times obviously depend on being willing to go WHEREVER, be on reserve, and on having ATP mins. Everybody from my eagle interview group that I kept in touch with quit after 6-8 months to go somewhere else. I had two job offers, and took the other one. Now if you already have a lot of years at eagle the benefits are certainly good, and it is remotely possible that you might flow up to AA mainline in 70-80 years. Do they still even do that?

I also heard that AA mainline was negotiating to move all RJs > 50 seats to mainline...that would REALLY enhance eagle upgrade times.

swaayze

Don't tell us what HAS happened, let's look at what will happen in the future. The days of rapid upgrade at the decent regionals is gone for the near future IMO.

rickair7777

True, I think 2004-2005 was a growth spurt.

rickair7777

BS ALERT!

Lowest REALISTIC pay for a reserve Mesa RJ CA (50 seat) would be $52,000 (some of which is non-taxable per diem). If you went a whole year and NEVER FLEW ONCE and NEVER SAT READY RESERVE (LOL) , it would be about $50,000.

I don't know if you're bitter or something, but I'm here spending my time to try to help inform people who are trying to make decisions. You (and I) are stuck with the decisions we made, but posting lies and BS won't really justify your situation or help anyone else. Are you trying to fool yourself into thinking that as a 6 year eagle FO you make more than a 2 year mesa captain? I am certainly NOT a big Mesa advocate (read my other posts), but it is far better than some other options. For me, the eagle interview was a fallback position only, actually taking the job would have been an act of desperation.

In my opinion eagle's only redeeming quality is that it could be useful for someone who needs some more multi or turbine time to get the job they really want. This is not an indictment of eagle pilots in any way, just the situation facing a new hire today. Many long-time eagle FO's got hired pre-9/11 and obviously had different expectations compared with today...