Question for PanAm #1

[DE727UPS]

From PanAm's FAQ's:

Q: How long will I spend at a ‘regional airline’?
A: This varies depending on the individual. Typically, a pilot may fly as a first officer at a regional airline for about 1.5 years, then upgrade to captain. Once a regional airline captain for about 1.5 years, pilots are often hired by the major airlines. So, a common example is about 3 years at a regional airline prior to moving to a major airline. (end of quote)


(start of the truth)
It doesn't vary on the individual as much as on the timing in the industry, and, more importantly, the health of the industry. Things aren't so great at the major airlines these days, though major airlines are still the most coveted jobs in the industry. PanAm want's you to think it will take three years from getting on at a regional to getting on at a major.

PanAm mentions at the website that majors such as Southwest, America West, and JetBlue are healthy and hiring pilots. Well....how many PanAm grads from the period of 2/2001 to 2/2002, are currently working at these healthy major major airlines? Could it be ten, twenty? I'm just looking for a number they can back up with names and seniority numbers.

Oh wait.... Let's ask....

From the PanAm website:
Jeremy Brown
Pilot Development Counselor - DVT Campus
Licensed Pilot,
AVIATION INDUSTRY EXPERT (caps added for emphsis)
jbrown@panamacademy.com

So...how does one get to be an aviation industry expert? I mean, if you go to landings.com and look up this guys name, he's a Commercial ASEL and has his IFR rating.

Wow...and to think I didn't consider myself an aviation industry expert until a couple of days ago. I was soooo underestimating myself. Geezzzz. I've been a C-ASEL-IFR since...oh....1980.

Not to really knock this guy, but, give me a break. To call him an aviation industry expert is a stretch. A stretch that is quite in line with several of PanAm's marketing statements.

Stay tuned for more.....

[DE727UPS]

Okay...I'll say it in a nicer way so maybe someone from PanAm will respond....

Do you think it's accurate, in this day and age, to give someone the career expectation to be able to go from starting at a regional, to one of the majors that is currently hiring? What percentage of guys that PanAm placed at regionals three years ago are getting hired at SWA, AWA, Jetblue, UPS, Fedex, and AirTran today?

[project7]

[ QUOTE ]
Jeremy Brown
Pilot Development Counselor - DVT Campus
Licensed Pilot,
AVIATION INDUSTRY EXPERT (caps added for emphsis)

[/ QUOTE ]

I met Jeremy Brown on a visit to DVT. It turns out that he used to be an aircraft salesman for Piper. I guess they know exactly what kind of person makes a good "counselor".

[DE727UPS]

HAHA...that's funny. Thanks for the feedback.

I agree with you. Fit's right in to what seems like the PanAm way. If they would simply change his title to "counselor", or something like that, but "expert"....

How can you say expert when the guy hasn't worked for an airline and yet...that's the career they are trying to sell you.

[Windwalker]

I have talked with Mr.Brown and he said "to be realistic you would be with the Regionals for about 6 years". 1.5 to 2 years as a FO then Captian for 3 to 4 years to gain those valuble hours in PIC time.

[kellwolf]

Then Mr Brown needs to update the marketing on the website. Most people won't think to ask that question since it's already answered for them on the website.

[Kristie]

true dat! the website needs to be updated to state the facts of today, not yesterday.

[Lima_Charlie]

You are correct... Hopefully that will be happening very soon.

By the way, welcome to the Pan Am forum, Kristie!! I can't remember the last time you have been seen around these parts! From what I have seen you post in other forums, you are a very welcome visitor!!