Please no hate looking for advice
Posted by Gullible-Ability-834@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 18 comments
First I want to say I’m just looking for opinions/advice no hate please. I’m incredibly blessed to be where I’m at. I was at a AA WO as a captain, left for WN now new on the line, I love this company, culture, pay and schedules are great. When I left my regional I for sure thought this would be my for ever airline. But recently the thought of flying the 737 forever or at least for a while since there’s rumors of different fleet types coming to WN is killing me. Also the long upgrade times it kinda bums me out. My next choice is AA. Any recommendations to get my app noticed by AA? Or am I black listed since I left their regional ? I have about 250 TPIC 2800TT. Have 5 letters of recommendations 2 internal. No fails,no college degree. Thanks to all in advance and I know I should be grateful for the position I am now and I am but like peoples thoughts on this and to see if staying at WN is a better choice. I have the ability to live in base at both.
SSMDive@reddit
"no college degree." I'd start dropping apps where you think you might be happier, but I'd also start working on an online degree while sitting in some hotel, DH, or crashpad. While degrees are often "not required" when there are more pilots than jobs it is the second easiest culling method to trash any app without a degree.
If you drop an app and get no calls, well then you keep getting 121 time and keep working on your degree and keep updating apps. Eventually you will get a call and at THAT point you get to make a choice. Until you apply this is not a decision you need to really consider.
Skyhawk_26@reddit
I thought that most majors, if not all, required at least a bachelor's?
Biker1124@reddit
Removed after COVID by most airlines but is now at minimum preferred which basically means required.
Skyhawk_26@reddit
Yes, and with Spirit going out of business, there will be many pilots looking for work.
The MSM ran stories for months and months about pilot shortages and I think it contributed to the problem.we now have.
Biker1124@reddit
Insert 2025 Stats video
Several-Village5814@reddit
They don't, Reddit just like to say that. (I say that as someone with a 4 year degree, so not coping)
554TangoAlpha@reddit
Go to a aviation conference and meet a recruiter face to face.
Several-Village5814@reddit
How long are the upgrades at WN?
TheMeltingPointOfWax@reddit
5-6 years. Obviously the addition of another fleet would change that.
Several-Village5814@reddit
Not too bad, I heard people say it was like 8 years.
TheMeltingPointOfWax@reddit
It can go in stops and starts, but that's been a pretty good historical average. The latest projections from a couple days ago say that 2021 hires will start upgrading by the end of this year.
TraxenT-TR@reddit
5+ years minimum to BWI… more like 7-9 as of late I’ve heard
Strega007@reddit
It is just business. If you don't like it at WN, then keep grinding to get to AA. I know a handful of pilots who have switched majors because they didn't like what they saw when they finally got there.
I would do all the same app updating and personal preparation you were doing at the regionals until you get the call you prefer.
mister_pilot@reddit
Best advice and pretty standard too: drop a app and see what they say
Desperate_Exercise13@reddit
You love SWA but you are cringing at flying the 737 forever? You are always welcome to apply at any other major since they are upgrading faster but know the grass is not always greener. I’d also expect slower hiring as expansion plan get out on hold for these higher jet fuel costs. Also think about where you want to be if the music stops.
bigplaneboeing737@reddit
Here before “I’ll take your job!”
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
First I want to say I’m just looking for opinions/advice no hate please. I’m incredibly blessed to be where I’m at. I was at a AA WO as a captain, left for WN now new on the line, I love this company, culture, pay and schedules are great. When I left my regional I for sure thought this would be my for ever airline. But recently the thought of flying the 737 forever or at least for a while since there’s rumors of different fleet types coming to WN is killing me. Also the long upgrade times it kinda bums me out. My next choice is AA. Any recommendations to get my app noticed by AA? Or am I black listed since I left their regional ? I have about 250 TPIC 2800TT. Have 5 letters of recommendations 2 internal. No fails,no college degree. Thanks to all in advance and I know I should be grateful for the position I am now and I am but like peoples thoughts on this and to see if staying at WN is a better choice. I have the ability to live in base at both.
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AutoModerator@reddit
It looks like you're asking about getting a college degree.
A degree never hurts, get one if you can afford it. Whether it is required today or not, it may be required tomorrow. And the degree can be in anything, the major isn't that important.
Please read our FAQ, which has a ton of information and wisdom about becoming a pilot, including advice on college.
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