There's probably a million threads about this BUT, as I'm too lazy to find them, I'll just post my questions here...


I'm new here and currently exploring options for training to be a pilot. Currently I've been accepted into Embry-Riddle (with a fat scholarship to start with) and will be sending in an app to UND soon. So since I plan on investing a lot of money into this career, I just have a few questions regarding advancement, etc.

1.) How long does it take to go from FO to captain in a regional airline?

2.) How long do pilots fly for the regionals before progressing to a larger national airline?

3.) How long does it usually take pilots to progress from FO to Captain at the larger national airlines (Southwest, etc.)

4.) About how many years can I expect to elapse from the time I start flying for a regional until the time when I am in the left seat of a national airline?

I realize that there are many factors at work here, including but certainly not limited to the differing promotions at different airlines. I'm just looking for an estimate. Should I plan on living off of terrible pay for 5 or 10 years? Will I be stuck in the right seat indefinitely for nearly 10 years or more (with regional or major airlines)?

Also, I've always considered the question of military vs. civilian training. Does that make a big difference anymore? Do pilots that come from the military start out making more at an airline by default? Is civilian training even worth it?

Most of your questions cannot be answered with any degree of accuracy due to the ever changing variables. I will say this; you seem to be taking a business like attitude at considering cost vs reward. That's a good thing. Most jump in without looking. They make the decision on emotion then feel bad when the payoff never arrives.

The next 5 years are going to be rough for several reasons.

- Age 65
- Mergers
- Economy cycle winding down
- Jet fuel
- EPA issues
- ATC issues
- MPL on line before the current 60 year olds turn 65

For the first time in history the airline management teams are speaking with one voice and saying something they have never said before in unison: "Capacity needs to come down".

We will see if they really mean it.

Good luck to you.

I'm too lazy to answer them for you ...

Good luck in your career choice !

Exactly!!! Me too.... Sorry

There is no way to predict the future. Many of us have been in the industry for 20+ years and have still not upgraded to captain of a major airline due to many factors. You never know what bumps may come down the road. However, if you have a positive attitude and a high work ethic, you will achieve your goals.

ComeFlyWithMe I am accepted to Embry-Riddle also! I start January 9th! I am doing early graduation from HS! Senority is the key in this business! I have talked to A LOT of people before making my decision, and some people might say DON'T go to riddle but my PERSONAL opinion is riddle is the right CHOICE for me! If you want to make the right choice for yourself DO THE RESEARCH! Don't be lazy! MY best friend is a flight instructor at riddle and takes pride in what he does! Email me if you want [email protected] I will try to give you more info!

Also if you have a scholarship then you might want to think about ER

The best track of success these days would be to go to med school and buy your own plane someday.

You could do everything perfect (training, CFI, small cargo, then regional FO then Regional CA) and the job you want the most may never call you.
You could get on with a 2nd or 3rd choice airline job (regional or major) living in a city you never ever imagined living in. Or you might get lucky and get on early with the carrier of your choice, the economy turns upoward, you marry the girl of your dreams and she understands all the 4am wake-up calls, the late night reserve call for an all nighter, and your being gone for most holidays .
One word of advice, it's ok to miss Christmas, NY's and Halloween, but never ever miss your significant others best friends wedding. Because ther'll be a long line of guys working on her. Call in sick, never let your girl go to a wedding alone.

Man, senior year was one of the best years of my life...I can't imagine giving it up for a Semester's head start at Riddle....sounds crazy to me.

Agreed. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up kid.