Regional FO -> Mainline FO directly?

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05-12-2012 | 07:33 AM

skylover

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Regional FO -> Mainline FO directly?

Stupid question: could a regional FO technically move directly up to a mainline without becoming a regional Captain first? Or is it an "unwritten rule" that you have to make it to regional Captain before getting accepted by a mainline?

Thanks

05-12-2012 | 07:40 AM

BlueMoon

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From: FO

I know a few people who have done that.

05-12-2012 | 07:43 AM

What

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From: French-Canadian

Quote:

Originally Posted by skylover

Minimums are minimums, if no TPiC is required and you meet the minimums there you go, but a pilot who has been a captain, check airman or instructor should have more experience than the average regional FO and thus gets hired!!! The whole point of the 1,000 T-PIC requirement is to weed down the possible applicants. Now Virgin and JetBlue don't require you to have T-PIc and have been hiring regional FO! The legacy carriers haven't done serious hiring since 9/11 so it will be interesting to see what their requirements will be but initially expect the 1,000 hr requirement to be there!

05-12-2012 | 07:43 AM

DeadStick

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Happens all the time. In my observation it helps to be a badass or a minority, ideally a badass minority...

Network, network, network, volunteer, join professional associations, and never get too comfortable.

05-12-2012 | 07:46 AM

skylover

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That's what I thought. For example, here is what Delta has to say:

Quote:

Flight Time Requirements

Minimum of 1,200 hours of total documented flight time
Minimum of 1,000 hours of fixed wing turboprop or turbofan time

When evaluating the flight time of applicants meeting the basic qualifications, consideration will be given to, among other things, quality, quantity, recency, and verifiability of training; complexity of aircraft flown; types of flight operations; and hours flown as PIC in turbine powered aircraft. Applicants invited to interview must provide appropriate documentation of all flight hours.

05-12-2012 | 07:47 AM

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by skylover

That's what I thought. For example, here is what Delta has to say:

Delta will hire regional FO's, but you will need to be well connected, or affirmative-action eligible.

05-12-2012 | 08:07 AM

atooraya

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People are being ridiculous in this thread.....

They seem to forget that if you have a relative who is a line pilot, or especially somewhere in the training/management department, you're golden for that major.

05-12-2012 | 08:11 AM

yeah sure

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From: emb145 cpt

My father is a senior Delta pilot, hasn't helped me a bit and I have more than enough hours to go.

05-12-2012 | 08:32 AM

lolwut

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From: Doing what you do, for less.

With the right connections and a good bit of luck, even the most unqualified pilots can find themselves at mainline... passing up much more qualified aviators in the process. It really is unfortunate.