Remember, UAL hired Zero time guys in the 60's who went on to become excellent airline captains. These guys are often referred to as the "last generation of real airline pilots" according to experts in the field of aviation. Now how did all those guys manage to become so good without "paying their dues" before arriving at United?

Just asking....[/QUOTE]

The "Tracy Aces" were kind of a disaster.

I don't know where you're getting your information.

Some of these people are interns...

Exactly. Intern doesn't necessarily equal low time. Some of us have been waiting a while to get on.

Also - my interview was four months long. How long was your interview?

As has been mentioned multiple times elsewhere, there's a whole slew of other demographics that could fit the bill also. Sons & Daughters, inter company transfers, or whatever affiliation/group that could be considered before a more competitive candidate. Of course, "competitive" can be a moving target.

Goes back to the standard point, there's a difference between simply being "qualified" and being "competitive".

But again, the point that others are making. If somebody was an intern, son/daughter, inter company, has another affiliation AS WELL as the 1000TPIC+, LCA, instructor, whatever, then that's just simply networking as well as not only being "qualified" per the airline's mins but being competitive.

And unlike pre 9/11, or even in the 2007 time frame, there's a TON of pilots that meet that criteria.

Would an intern still have any chance if he/she has a incident/accident on their record?

Sure, just like any other applicant. It all depends upon the circumstances.

Most interns I've known are professional brown nosers. Lets hire good pilots: period.

FWIW from a late 90's intern:

I can see the argument from both sides. Some of the other interns I met during my time at United were the most arrogant people I have ever come across. I can see how interns get that stigma. Most interns were in their early 20's, and like any group, the bad ones are remembered more than the good. I hope they have grown up since.

In the exit class, the hiring directors did say they had a problem with the low time interns. They recommended going to Great Lakes and building time as fast as possible. They said you had to be as qualified as all the other applicants, so don't waste your interview slot if you don't have competitive times.

I don't think the internship should trump experience, but successfully completing the process was suppose to guarantee an interview. (And yes, I know what a guarantee is worth in this industry;))

I have only kept in touch with a couple interns, but I am the low time one with over 9000 hours. I would hope there will not be a need for the "unqualified intern" conversation. Even with that time, a clean record, and a couple of recs, I still don't feel like I will be one of the first ones through the process. There are just so many great, connected, qualified pilots out there. Often what airlines think are "qualified" doesn't jive with what pilots think are "qualified". It all comes down to what United wants and that is what stirs the hiring debate.

A couple of questions:
1) Is there even still and internship program at United?


2) Will "silver bullet" resumes trump interns?

United's hiring process will be interesting to watch.

I look forward to attending a job fair in the future and appreciate any info.

About thirty minutes. Easy peasy.

I was an intern in '98, I've been at the same regional since '01 (that's 12 years...), and I have 9000+ hours and I can assure you I am the least arrogant person on the planet. When we were hired for the internships, there was an understanding that after completing the internship, that we would be eligible for interviews when the time came. Then 9-11 happened, and I'm pretty sure (check that-almost positive) that those "stamped applications" were disregarded due to the now permanently changed industry, which I can totally understand due to the fact that hiring, up until now, was at a stand still. Now that we have a shot again, I just hope I get the chance to interview for a slot at the new United...and if I get that shot--I'm taking it!! My point is this...we're not all bad!!

Fingers crossed,
121PyLut