I’m curious about the practices of major airlines, specifically United, when it comes to hiring pilots from their regional affiliates. I understand that major airlines may limit hiring from their partnered regionals to keep them staffed. Does this mean that, for example, if your goal is United, a regional like Endeavor, PSA, or any regional not partnered with United would be a better option? I’ve consulted a few people on this and was hoping to get a few more opinions. They stated that a regional partnered with the airline of your goal is the best choice. Is this something United (and others) do with their regional partners like SkyWest and Republic?
Additionally, I’m wondering if United’s SkyWest Career Program is a good pathway to United, or if it’s similar to United’s Aviate Program, where the flow to United might not be as fast as advertised?
Final question. When is it time to apply for a major while at a regional. Is there a certain number of PIC hours, or something along the lines of that?
Thank you very much!
P.S. I have to extend my thanks to everyone who responds to all these questions voluntarily. Your help is extremely appreciated and greatly benefits all of us. Thank you again!
The flow throughs from the regionals to their respective majors are “guaranteed”, but are usually a slower process. And by the way, there are no actual guarantees either. The more traditional path to an airline is to simply build your hours somewhere and apply.
I am no expert on the SkyWest Career Program, but it sounds very similar to Aviate to me.
I would apply to the majors as soon as you meet their minimum requirements. Do not apply before that as that is a clear case of not following directions. Waiting longer does not prove much either. Just apply when you meet their qualifications and then update as needed.
This is just my personal opinion, your mileage may vary, but if your goal is to work for United, I would first fly for a regional outside of the United family and then apply when eligible. From what I have seen, that is the fastest path to UAL.
What you’re asking is what’s the fastest route to a Major. This is a question pilots have been asking since the creation of the Regionals many decades ago. Thing is there is no simple answer. There are simply so many variables based on so many factors most of which are behind the scenes and are way beyond the control of the pilots. If the Regional partner is short staffed then the Major isn’t going to canabalize them as they’d be shooting themselves in the foot. If however they’re well staffed those in their cadet programs have first dibs on the slots. What will it be when you’re ready? If you know that answer I suggest you forget flying and right a book or start career counseling because you’re going to be a very wealthy man.
Long short don’t concern yourself that much with things beyond your control. Do well in training. Find a program that’s most attractive to YOU and when/if the time comes you’ll get there.
Great question. There are many theories floating around, and it really depends on the hiring climate at the moment. When hiring was at a full-time high, it seemed that pilots from American or delta regionals typically got interviews sooner than those at UAX carriers. Could there be a correlation? Maybe, because a company sure wouldn’t want to jeopardize their regional operation if they could get pilots elsewhere. However, if hiring continues to slow down available class dates could be more limited. If this is the case, a flow program would be the safest path, knowing you will eventually get there.
I second what Adam said though. Right now focus on what is right ahead of you. When the time comes, you will have to see all of the available opportunities and make the best decision with the information at the time.