You asked the question on here, I gave the answer. Sure you're not looking to get hired 5 years ago but if you're going to think about going there you need to know that this is a tired song that that management group at TSA loves to sing in the interview. The song doesn't sound so pretty when you're 4 weeks into class, the growth falls through and you're scrambling to find a job because they just sent you home. It has happened before, and will happen again. If the contract isn't signed, it probably isn't going to be.

My advice, don't chase the fast upgrade. If it happens, great. If it doesn't, you just screwed yourself into spending the next 5 years broke.

This was my advice also. I try not to presume anything, but it really seems the OP wants to go to TSA. The only benefit I could even think of to going there were the great crews to work with. A lot of people have made the Trans Mistake, myself included. But I feel a warning should be given to those considering. At the end of the day, it's their life, their career, and their choice.

Gentlemen, I do appreciate the advice. I'm not necessarily married to the idea of TSA, but I am working hard on finding a gig with some decent QOL right out of the gate. Currently TSA is putting FOs into IAD right out of training and very shortly onto a line. Sounds like some open time to be had as well if one was willing. Apparently the contract for the new aircraft has been signed so those 6 renewed airframes plus 7 new ones are finalized. If there's something I'm missing here please tell me.

Does airline management tend to oversell their company to prospective new hires? Absolutely, not saying TSA isn't. But the facts as I see them seem to suggest some stability for an FO over the next couple of years. Bottom line I'm looking for some place to be at the next 5 years or so and see what shakes loose beyond that. I'm not looking to retire from the place.

Neither am I focused on TSA exclusively. AWAC, CommutAir, XJT, SkyWest, etc, all have my applications in hand. We'll see what shakes loose.

How long is the TSA contract for? (The seven additional jets)

Unfortunately, not very long. Something to consider as well.

But who knows what will happen when/if the Mitsubishi jets arrive....

Correct me if I'm wrong but that's a Trans States Holding purchase which means it could go to any one of three certificates. Since this is the same outfit that brought us the GoJets whipsaw I don't have much hope of something positive.

Besides, flying mainline size aircraft at regional rates is something I'd rather avoid.

When is the EIS on that thing anyway?

Edit: looks like 2015-2016 timeframe, which probably translates to 2017-2018.

TSA contract says they get the first 10 Mitsubishi jets. Not saying I don't want to fly mainline, I'm just the messenger. Of course who knows what will happen or if any of us will still be worried about it in 2 years...

I take it you're at TSA now? Any thoughts to the longevity of the company or its flying?

IMO, the difference is that TSA is a privately owned business vs. these other airlines. If the business fails, the owner takes a personal hit/loss whereas these other CEO's just take their farewell bonus and move on. Bad as it's been, TSA has withstood the test of time and they continue to be profitable even if it has sometimes been at the expense of their employees. Who knows about longevity but as I said, it's not as easy for a privately held business to just shut down like they did Comair. The regional airline business has been cut throat and much as we hate it, TSA's penny pinching has kept us in jobs (most of us).