Originally Posted by Nantonaku

This is coming soon, by the end of the year. The big three need pilots for their brand. There is a need currently but in 3-4 years without a steady source of pilots these airlines will be in a world of hurt. The first airline to innovate and make a move will be way ahead of the game. We are all focused on the shorterm, this is not a short term move, it is a move to capture the required manpower over the next 5 years and bring in the next generation of pilots. The smart airlines looking into the future are already actively working on this and recruiting from the flight schools trying to secure pilots for their brand. Regionals will eventually be the entry job for the mainline brands. This will allow a select few regionals to properly staff and provide for a more defined career path which will allow for more financing options for potential pilot candidates.

Originally Posted by Captain Tony

Because the majority of mainline pilots think regional pilots are a bunch of misfits with DUIs, no degrees, checkride failures, and no service to their country. They feel regional pilots are not properly vetted, and if they want to be Mainline Pilots they need to go through the interview process and earn it. Like they did.

Originally Posted by toomanyrjs

there is a huge amount of truth in this statement. Regionals simply do not have the same hiring standards as majors. They never have and they never will. Anyone with a freshly printed pilot certificate and a pulse automatically qualifies. The lifers at the top of such a list, are lifers for a reason. They may hide behind whatever statement to make themselves feel better, but they're still lifers at a regional. Why should someone's career failure be rewarded with a seat at a major? The continued shrinkage and eventual implosion of the regional industry is a good thing that will hopefully return flying back to mainline where it belongs. A side benefit is the purging of those who really have no business being in an airline cockpit. It's a harsh reality, but not everyone deserves a spot at a major.

Originally Posted by toomanyrjs

I didn't say a thing about "pulling up the ladder". I said mainline standards shouldn't be lowered to regional level just to fill seats. Only the best pilots should be offered a chance. The unqualified riff raff should go stock shelves at Home Depot.

Originally Posted by meah

I would rather compete for my job at a major than have everyone flow. I'm not kidding.

Originally Posted by Navmode

What I believe will happen:

Some mainline carrier will find their most profitable contract carrier, buy them out, and staple everyone to the bottom of the seniority list. No more scope to worry about limiting seat capacity, and they would be able to take advantage of the cheaper regional flying at cost. It's basically a flow without the shenanigans and technical red tape.

I can see many people at X carrier accepting a status quo contract renewal if they had a mainline seniority number, and were just waiting to move into a 737/a320 or what have you at normal mainline pay rates. Pilots would come out of the woodwork for an opportunity like that, and every class would be full. The first mainline carrier to do such a thing would not only have the pick of the litter, but would set the tone for the way the industry will look for the foreseeable future.

Originally Posted by DOGIII

I am not talking about flows, I am talking about absorbing a company entirely. Seniority numbers handed out.

Originally Posted by Bzzt

Hiring buddies and children of current pilots sure keeps those standards high doesn't it? Let's be honest, 95% of us are identical, 2.5% are chuck Yeager, and 2.5% shouldn't be in this career field. You're mistaking luck and timing for skill or lack thereof. The mainline vs regional pilot debate is just as dumb as the "my regional is better than your regional" debate. Time to get over yourself, we all do the exact same job.

Originally Posted by MEMbrain

No we don't.

Originally Posted by Bzzt

Hiring buddies and children of current pilots sure keeps those standards high doesn't it? Let's be honest, 95% of us are identical, 2.5% are chuck Yeager, and 2.5% shouldn't be in this career field. You're mistaking luck and timing for skill or lack thereof. The mainline vs regional pilot debate is just as dumb as the "my regional is better than your regional" debate. Time to get over yourself, we all do the exact same job.