Going to Lakes doesnt promise a career with a major. Major's havent hired in great numbers for years. The guys that usually go to the top of the list are Military guys that already have heavy jet time with international experience or Corporate guys that flew GIV's or a Global Express.
Can you go to a major from GL sure, but the likely hood is actually pretty slim. Alot of the majors are trimming down and regionals such as RAH are getting alot of the Mainline routes. If you go to Lakes dont bank on a Major to follow. Build your time and take the next best offer whether it be corporate/airmed/or a better regional.
I took a job flying cargo in a BE99 then a 1900 and still haven't been picked up by any major. I am however VERY happy with what I do. I fly 2-3 days a week and paid very well granted I fly for a private owner.

 

Nowadays, I would say it's less of a safe bet to assume you'll end up at a major after a few years at Lakes; it's impossible to say, but it's not looking the best. The flight time and experience is still a good thing to have in your back pocket, though. No one knows the combination of events that will transpire that will lead to another major airline hiring stint. It will happen. When? No one knows. Historically, though, the chances of getting to a major after a few years at Lakes were really good. Since I've been with Lakes, both my IOE captains went to a major in 2007 (My IOE was split between 2 short trips with 2 different captains), my initial sim instructor went to a major, and most captains I flew with in 2007, who had the flight time, were either hired by a major or had an interview with a major. Needless to say, however, quite a few were furloughed, or had their class dates suspended, unfortunately. At least their numbers are in the hat...

 

I know it's not your intentions, but you're Kinda making it sound like the majors aren't hiring Lakers because they're Lakers. We have the same opportunities as any other 121 pilot. It's all about who you know in the industry.

Also, very few Lakers go to a regional. The few who do are usually the ones who bail on the contract and can afford to pay the $7500.

 

Last time I checked, A corporate job in a G IV or Global to a major airline was a step backwards in both pay and QOL

 

Forget about the majors, that won't be your concern for a long time now. From your post it sounds like you're basing your decision on a future job at a major. You are only 21, grow up first and when you get 5-10K hours get a number and wait in line just like the rest of us. The only positive thing about lakes is the PIC, that is it. Flight Express has it beat on other points. If all the cons of Lakes are outweighed by the TPIC, then go to lakes. The good thing is that any job you'll have after Lakes or Flight Express will be a step up, even a major regional like Skywest, you've got a lot of time and are way ahead of the game with already 1200+ hours at 21. I would think a good career progression for a major recruiter would be a pt135 PIC then Jet regional PIC. Shows that you can be in command and fly complex airplanes.

 

I agree with all of this quote. I'm not sure if you're saying I made it sound like Lakers aren't hired at majors, or that the original poster was saying this. I'm a little confused. You're right, and my intent wasn't to make it sound like majors don't hire Lakers. Majors don't hire anyone right now; that is what I was saying. When the majors are hiring, which will happen at some point (no one can pinpoint when), Lakers are just as likely as anyone else to get hired. But, it will have taken them a 1/3 or 1/4 of the time to get the TPIC they needed to qualify. Now that people will probably be sticking around Lakes a little longer, it seems as though we're becoming way more interested in QOL, and other union issues. With the upcoming contract expiration, I feel we are building a united front to confront a lot of the issues that have to do with QOL, pay, etc. I think you will see a significant change for the better at Lakes, within the next few years. I shouldn't give details, as I think union reps want to keep the details within the pilot group.

 

This is what is wrong with our profession. A "Major Regional?" You've got to be kidding. Just because someone made the sad mistake of placing skywest and others in the "Nationals" section of this website doesn't mean it is a major airline. If you fly with someone else's colors on your back, you're a regional.

 

Of the few hundred each hired at NW, NONE of them have been furloughed.

 

I would have to disagree with this. In my experience the guys that go to the top of the list are the guys that know people: Former interns, guys with lots of LOR's, guys that have their resume walked in on their behalf. For a while UPS had a "heavy international" requirement but who knows if it'll be back.

Anyway, I would go to Lakes. It's possible to go to a major straight from Lakes, I don't know if anyone has ever gone to a major straight from Flight Express. Also if you crash at Lakes, at least you won't die alone.

 

An update...

I got an email from FLX asking me to confirm that I will be in Orlando on the 16th.

I'm still waiting to hear from Lakes whether I have a class date or not. I would rather work for Lakes so I don't want to tell FLX that I will be there and then get a call on the 15 from Lakes.

Should I call Lakes and tell them I have another offer to speed up the process?