Which regional can offer the choicest morsel of a schedule, with decent pay quickly, for FO's.

Captain upgrade time not a factor, at all. Let's say the economy tanks again... where would you want to be for the next five years in the right seat?

Unless you live in base, none.

and in many cases, thats a time limited effect...

If you live in Base, then SkyWest

If anyone is seriously thinking about entering this profession now... I feel sorry for you.

Can you elaborate? I hate to seem ignorant, but I'm a CFI who just hit ATP mins. Thanks.

I suggest you do NOT go to any regional with a large 50 seat jet operation. They are going the way of the dodo bird. Find a turbo prop operation or one with lots of large rj's.

The regional with large RJs that has long term contracts with the mainline partner.

The one that has a large hub in the same city you live in... and even that is a crap shoot. (see Comair/CVG)

Without a doubt, living in base is the single most significant QOL factor there is. It trumps a lot of things, including significant differences in pay. There is NOTHING like sitting reserve at home when you are junior. Or by choice when senior when you want a break.

Either be in a stage of life where you can be mobile, and happy to pick up and move, or go for the place most likely to have a long term base close to your home, ideally within short call reserve callout.