Hello,
When a pilot gets hired at a Major Airline coming from a Regional, does the Major Airline choose what type of plane they will fly? Or does the pilot have some say? Thanks for your time!
Jack
Jack,
As with any airline, when new hires start class they will bid on equipment (airplane type) and bases in seniority order. Generally speaking, the smaller, narrow body airplanes like the A320 or the 737 are where most new hires end up, but occasionally new hires end up on the bigger airplanes as that is sometimes where the vacancies are. That being said, I would plan on starting on the smaller equipment and being there for several years before progressing onward.
Chris
1 Like
Jack,
Just to clarify what Chris has said, newhires will get to bid on AVAILABLE aircraft (and bases) based on the needs of the airline and open slots. If the airline only has EWR 737 slots then that’s what you’ll be getting. As Chris said in most cases the most junior aircraft (and therefore the available slots) will be on the smaller aircraft but that’s not because they’re smaller and therefore easier. At most airlines the pay is based on the size of the aircraft so the smaller aircraft being junior is really a function of pay.
Adam
1 Like
So, let’s say that I’ve been at a major for 12 years, and just made Captain (or El Capitan, as I like to call @Adam). Would I start at first year Captain pay, or would my seniority get me a different pay year?
LaMorris
Pay is based on longevity. so if you are an FO for 12 years and upgrade to Captain then your pay also will be 12th year Captain pay
1 Like
LaMorris,
Nugzari is correct. It’s years of service at the airline, not in the seat.
El Capitan 
1 Like
LaMorris,
Your Captain pay would be at 12th year captain pay.
Chris
Wow this means no captain is paid first year captain’s salary since you have to fly for a couple of years before being a captain. What if you were moving from regionals to majors, does the same rule apply?
Kings,
No. When you transition to a Major the clock resets back to year 1.
Adam
I assume the clock also resets if you change between majors as well?
Does a multi-year captain from one airline ever change airlines and start as a year 1 captain with the new airline, or do they start over as a FO?
Jared,
Pilots almost never change between major airlines. Once on is set at a major, they tend to stay there. One of the primary reasons is that if one were to change airlines, they would lose all seniority and start back at the bottom of the First Officer list and on first year pay.
Chris
1 Like
Jared,
People often ask if there’s any downside to our career and this is probably the biggest. Airlines aren’t like any other industry I’m aware of in this regard. Even other “trades” that have seniority based systems maintain a seniority within the system (ie, if I’m a senior Journeyman plumber and go to a different company I retain my seniority). As Chris said once you’ve built seniority it’s ONLY at the specific airline you’re employed by. You could literally be a 20yr Capt at a Major making $350K flying a 787. That company folds, you quit or get fired and go to another carrier the next day, you’ll be a Day1 FO on the most junior aircraft making first year pay.
Adam
1 Like