I remember an FO telling me they thought they might want to do air ambulance if things didn’t work at Spirit. I kindly said that’s because they have zero idea what they’re talking about.

 

I looked up the Dec '24 vacancy and you are indeed correct. Don't know how I missed seeing all those 320CAs. However in the last 6 months I haven't seen anyone junior to about 11,000 awarded upgrade, which I believe is about 2021 hires. That said, there really are a ton of really senior FOs who didn't put in their bid and are now sitting on the sidelines waiting for the next big vacancy. So I really don't see upgrade going much below 4--5 years. I would love to be proven wrong again....

 

I'm sure nothing will change by 2032

 

yeah squeeze indeed. I think some bases the upgrade will be close to 10 years or more to hold left seat. Wishing I never would have come here. Just put out apps to Skywest and PSA, my understanding is they still need DECs. Also probably gonna put out apps to Western Global, Kalitta, Omni, ATI and Atlas. At least my commute goes away with a home based ACMI carrier.

 

That sucks man, my buddy said the Texas bases are gonna get hit the hardest. I fault SPA 100% for not being transparent about why they all decided to abandon ship and leave us stranded! Lots of careers could have been saved a lot earlier if more was put out.

 

……..I wrote an email the day I resigned, I’m sure you saw it. “Gotta know when to walk away, and know when to run.”

 

Why would you go be perpetually junior as a regional
DEC than just downgrade to FO and enjoy better pay and quality of life? You should really get a pros and cons list and do more research before jumping into a worse situation.

 

think the only pro here is the regional DEC (absurdly) has better job security.

 

The union literally sent out a message telling every Spirit pilot that each Spirit pilot needed to do what was best for their family, thats a big hint to explore options. When you see union reps leaving for legacy airlines, that should have been the red flag to explore options elsewhere. You think SPA ALPA can literally send an email out saying "We Are ALL FOOKED, LEAVE, LEAVE NOW." Anyone with eyes partially opened would have known for a while that this isnt trending in the right direction and tough decisions will need to be explored. The only false narrative I have seen is from some on this forum and some guys on the line who act like this will all end well.

Im sorry youre in your position, I hated having to give up double digit years of seniority when I left, but I dont blame the union. I should have left 2 years earlier but that's hindsight and nobody's "fault" but mine. But when I read the 77 Vice Chairs fairway email and it basically said "this place is minor leagues and will never get better," that got me thinking. When the 77 CA, the ORD rep, a NC member and other MEC pilots left, that was the club over the head.

 

Not your fault either , I think we are in the same boat and what we did was perfect for our scenario.