Guys, don't put a whole lot of weight into "average times" of guys hired last year. As one of 4 purely civilian, regional guys in my UAL new hire class I can say with certainty that only 1 of us had the total time and PIC times listed above. If you're going to the open houses and keeping the app updated then you're doing the right thing. Volunteer for something, that's huge. Be a well rounded person, not just a stick in the mud pilot. I honestly think they're looking for someone who's self motivated, has a good attitude and will assimilate well into the culture. Good luck!

It was open for all ALPA regionals. Not just United Express.

It was for all Alpa Carriers. It was not a lottery, it was by a first come first serve basis.

I saw people from Compass, Xjet, Commute Air, TranStates, Envoy and Endeavor.

Is there something special about a major job or is the job the same as the regionals just with more money?

More money, yes, but also a better contract, by far, with better work rules. Also the flying varies from plane to plane, and with a more varied fleet you can have more options for the types of schedules you want to fly (once you build some seniority and are able to bid to other equipment). This, along with the better work rules, makes it a very different job than the regionals, despite doing essentially the same work (flying passengers under 121).

Also, more money. Did I mention the money?

Gotcha, after almost six years in the regionals I left and I just can't stomach the thought of doing that job again. That's what I was wondering, should I even bother trying to fly for a major. I'm currently flying on-demand 135 and if this doesn't work out I'll most likely leave aviation. The last 10 years has sucked any passion I had for this job out of me.

Then please dont come to a major.

Fair enough.

Oh my gosh where do I start- btw I was at a regional for several years. First off retirement, you don't feel as fatigued anymore, you have nice hotels, you have a contract that is better in (almost) every single way, retirement, did I say retirement? Pay, layovers in cool cities, diversity of flying, better standing on the non-rev list, retirement, working for a company that owns its own destiny... The list could go on and on. I am flying places now that I never thought I would go. It is awesome and I hope my many regional friends will get to experience the same joy I have found from this job. Plus I don't have to be embarrassed anymore when someone asks me where I work with a drawn out explanation of what a delta connection or united express is

When you meet with the pilot recruiter, what do they ask? Will they take a resume?