Considering the numbers it'd only make sense that the odds of coming from the corporate arena to a legacy 121 carrier are 1:100. You have regional pilots looking to leave their regional CA jobs to land a job with a stable, high paying, corporate flight department. Not to mention that many of the corporate fliers have decent lifestyles that the airlines simply won't provide, even if there's a slight increase in compensation in the long run. Add to that the simple fact that there are thousands upon thousands of current regional pilots in the mix who are searching for the "next step" it'd only make sense that the majority of legacy pilots will come from the regional ranks.

What about a hybrid: a regional FO who was previously with a 135 operator and has 500-1000 multi turbine PIC?

That's pretty much where I am. No calls from anybody. Thanks but no thanks from US Air 3 times.

Several 14-20 year Air Force pilots I know are in training or flying at a regional in order to enhance their resumes. While each airline is different, will the majors "recast" them as regional pilots, or consider them "military pilots with some 121 time?"

In just about every case, these folks have 1500+ hours of turbine PIC (fighters or heavies). If "recast," they have low hours when compared to other 121 pilots with similar years or experience, which obviously hurts their chances of getting to a major at the beginning of this wave.

Just a guess, but I would think they woul be considered military.

Going to a regional is not going to automatically remove all their military experience.

They're military guys.

IMO they're doing a start thing advancing their knowledge of the civilian/121 world. That should show up in their overall experience, the interview, or during training at a major.

I tried like crazy to avoid the regionals... I flight instructed, flew 135, and flew part 91. It's a long and flaky road trying to network into a GOOD corporate job. There are a lot of bull****ters out there, a lot of owners that can't afford the jets, and a lot of insecure weirdo chief pilots that can make your employment miserable.

I finally said screw it, and decided to try the 121 world. I've been at a regional (SkyWest) for a couple years now. I'm a comfortable line holder living in a large base in an area I love. Honestly, it's been the best aviation job I've had yet. The pay could be better, but once past first year pay it's enough to live comfortably if your finances are in order. Wouldn't want to do it forever, but I would only leave this job for a very good one - a major, legacy, or very good and professionally run corporate flight department.

There are hundreds, may be even thousands of regional guys who got the dear John letter from airways too, and I'm sure no response from United or Alaska, and soon American.
If you were a recruiter, would you not be impressed by someones ability to fly multi engine turbine PIC single pilot? CRM, 121 rest rules and multi crew environment can be covered in a few classes.
I still don't think the regional route is mandatory.