V1Rotate

I just thought I would issue a word to the wise for people considering what regional to go to. You may have better options for a path to the majors, such as a regional that has flow or other hiring agreements with AA, DL, and UA. I’m a fairly senior Captain who was enrolled in the so-called Guaranteed Pilot Interview Program (GPI). I played the game for a year and a half, trying to meet the attendance requirements and submitting doctors notes when I had to call in sick and such. I did indeed get a referral for DL but didn’t get passed the online assessment. UA however was basically a huge joke. I FINALLY got a message from the director of SkyWest operations saying that I had been referred for a guaranteed pilot interview but then a month later I had still not heard back and logged into the UA app and was greeted with a screen informing me my application was no-longer under consideration. I didn’t even get a Hogan invite. I’d say at this point that this program is basically a fraud, at least with respect to UA.

Furthermore it is no secret that majors, UA especially throttle their hiring from the regionals and of the regionals I’d say SkyWest is probably the very worst if your goal is a job at UA. Go to a carrier that has a formal agreement, preferably flow vs, the GPI.

It pains me a bit to write this, as I’ve had a fairly good and long tenure at SkyWest but this GPI business has sadly left a bitter taste in my mouth. The good news is if Southwest if your goal they're hireing us like crazy, GPI or not; which happens to be where I’m off to.

Flightexpress

I'm desperately trying to get in with them 😩

LAXtoDEN

Everything you stated has been well known for at least the last 6 months. Anyone who sticks around to upgrade at SkyWest is a massive idiot. Get your apps out to the LCC’s including SWA and move on before upgrade. All Captains are being pigeonholed but SkyWest is in a unique situation where they fly for all three legacy’s so you’re basically untouchable by all three.

Again OP this has been known for MONTHS. I don’t blame the pilots who upgraded a year ago under false pretenses that it would help their resume. But at this point If you’re waiting around for the legacy airlines to call as a Captain at SkyWest you’re a fool.

TFAYD

Very nice LAXtoDEN - just rub it in some more.

Every additional data point is helpful for folks. A “told you so” does t really help other than maybe making you feel good

LAXtoDEN

LOL well have we not been stating SkyWest Captain’s are being pigeonholed. I mean it was almost a year ago where daily discussions exposed what was going on yet this fool stuck it out.

I felt bad for them 6 months to a year ago. I don’t feel bad anymore.

TFAYD

fair enough

RippinClapBombs

Well look at the positive, you received a job offer at Southwest. Congratulations btw!! Heck, you’ll probably hit the line flying under a sweet new contract. Have you considered American? They seem to like us SkyWest Captains haha.

I do feel your pain, this was actually hard for me to read. You definitely got shafted but everything happens for a reason.

I didn’t spend much time in the left seat at OO but I had issues being considered by United as well. I did receive CJO’s from American, Delta, and Southwest.

I attended a career fair earlier this year and had the opportunity to listen to United’s presentation from pilot recruitment. Someone in the back just couldn’t resist asking the pilot recruiter directly if United was “metering” SkyWest pilots. The answer was concerning… basically they said “I would just keep your application updated at all airlines and keep updating your United application as you “advance” in your career”. It wasn’t a “yes, we’re not touching SkyWest at this moment” but it basically was haha. Bottom line United wants you at a competitor before they consider your application.

It was still a great experience, especially the one on one with the United pilot recruiter. It was good practice for my upcoming American and Delta interviews 😉.

cornerpocket

It's clear the company is trying to hide something. Management won't share any hiring data with SAPA.

It's a downside to SKW being as large as it is - SKW is too big to be purchased as a wholly owned, and SKW has no formal flow agreements...go get hired at a wholly owned carrier.

cornerpocket

Staying for upgrade isn't a bad thing. It's insurance in your back pocket - and you're still hireable by the LCC's.

WHEN, not IF, the music stops - you can be sure that the Big 3 will start bringing back PIC time requirements again.

When will that happen? That is the $64 question...

FyrePilot

At NGPA it was confirmed that at least UA has a "quota" that they are permitted to pull from their regional feed. Its metering. Anyone that stays past their 1000 hours SIC at skywest is shooting themselves in the foot in terms of career progression