I looked through pages of threads but didn’t see this topic. What is the average time to upgrade to captain, and how does it vary by aircraft type and base? It is reasonable?

 

4 years right now.

 

SFO and EWR most junior domiciles, 737 and A320 most junior aircraft.

 

Any answer given is true for one bid and one bid only. Given current conditions it is likely to continue going down in years in the coming bids, but when the music finally stops it will likely go back to more "normal" levels, and those that make captain in 2019 or 2020 at the bottom will probably end up back in the right seat. That's how this industry works when times are good they are great, but when the economy turns watch out below because the airlines will shrink more than you think is possible.

The cycle has repeated itself at least a half dozen times since Wilbur and Orville first pinned captain wings on themselves over 100 years ago. If you're thinking about making it to the airlines in a couple of years and then wondering how long to make captain . . . don't . . . you'll only drive yourself crazy in ten years thinking about what could have been.

Sorry to play Debbie Downer, but them's the facts. What's happening today is NOT the norm in history, and won't last.

 

Yep. I was an early 2000 hire and flew with some captains who had less than 3 years on property.

For those in my seniority range, the upgrade time was more like 16-17 years after DOH (including two furloughs totalling about 5.5 years).

Good luck.

Gup

 

Not to mention the fact that if you're looking at a 40 year career today in aviation, I gotta say . . . get out now. Drones fly off of carriers and people ride on a no-driver train between terminals without a second thought, and the news is full of discussion about driverless cars. The technology exists today to negate our entire profession. It's but a matter of time before the world switches to single pilot and ultimately no pilot operations. The "Hay Day" of aviation is long past. If you're contemplating this career starting today be prepared for some end of career changes because the one thing that is constant in this career is a total lack of predictability.

 

Great thoughts, thank you.

I’m retired Navy, 14 years out of the cockpit, and a freshly hired FO at SkyWest. I finished ATP-CTP last week and passed my ATP Written. I start GS next week. I’ll build currency and recency and learn the industry, and enjoy my time there for however long it lasts. It’s a good company and so far their training is excellent. But at some point I’d like to jump to the majors for the short 8 year flying career I have left before age 65 (assuming they don’t change it to 67 or beyond).

Just wondered if I’d ever get in the captain seat at a major before I retire. I get that the industry is cyclic; nobody was hiring in 2004 when I thought I might retire from the Navy right after my last flying tour and go straight to the airlines. Instead, I stayed in for another 8+ years.

I’m just grateful for the opportunity to fly again professionally this late in life.

 

It varies quite a bit from base to base, but I don't think it varies much between the Bus and 737 right now (not even going to try and talk about other frames, not much chance for you to hit CA beyond the Bus and Guppy anyways). Six months ago, I would not have guessed that we'd have four year upgrades (6-7 was my optimistic guess). But, those four year CAs were in our most junior base. If you wanted to be based in DEN or IAH, without going back to look at this most recent vacancy I'd hazard to say you are still looking at upwards of eight years. So, if you really want to make CA before you hit 65 you'll need to plan on living in one of our junior bases (unless you think you'd like commuting to reserve!). And you'll have to hope the economy doesn't tank too badly before you hit 65... someone should start a thread on what the recent market volatility might do to hiring!

 

It took 21 years and 5 days for me to hold a captain bid in Denver.

 

The JR 320 EWR Capt on the last award is 29! He was hired at 25