How long does it take for an American Eagle first officer or co-pilot to upgrade or get promoted to Captain?

Question

I have 500 hours of flight time and 150 multi engin and a 2 year degree. I'm thinking about starting at American Eagle to build time. My question is,

How long does it take for an American Eagle first officer or co-pilot to upgrade or get promoted to Captain?

Can an American Eagle pilot move up and fly for Americna Airline? If so, how? Does American Airlines require a 4 year degree? And what are American Airlines pilot requirements? PIC? Flight Time?

I know American Airlines wont be hiring for a long time, but is just a question, and I cant seem to find that answer. Thank You

Answer 1

Five years ago, I knew a guy who was right seat in an RJ for Eagle, after 5 years with the company (including Saab time) and he thought then that the left seat was still years away. (Incidentally, he did not even have an ATP, which many SICs in corporate jets do have.) At the time, there was a lot of flow back from Big American. I personally am not at all interested in the regionals, but I'm in a different place than you (based on your post). I think you'll find, though, that Eagle has one of the longest upgrade times in the industry. And you'll probably be in a Saab to start, although I don't know that for a fact. But your time is limited, so I guess the regionals are your most viable option.

Answer 2

I had two friends who started flying for Continental Express about the same time.  One is now flying right seat in a 757 for Continental and the other is a Captain on an RJ for Express.  My point is that it's impossible for anyone to tell you how long.  

What you are going to want to do is talk to some of the guys and gals flying the regionals right now and get an idea of which ones have "flow through" agreements with the major carriers.

Also, if your intention is to fly for a major, you might want to see which ones seem to have more flow through actually occurring.  While you are doing that I would work on your four year degree.  It's not a requirement for any airline that I am aware of, but if you have one it puts you in front of everyone who doesn't.  I used to work at a fractional and we were sitting on over 3,000 resumes at any given time, airlines get even more.

If you can develop friendships with current pilots they might be able to shed some light on what the wait is like and when they might experience a purge due to retirements from the mainline or upgrades in either Eagle or American.  Listen to what they tell you.  I get the feeling that my one friend was more successful was because we was more willing to do what was needed for the company from an aircraft type point of view.  He just wanted to fly.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It takes a very long time.  I knew some people at my airline that left Eagle because it took so long to upgrade to captain.  American is still recalling TWA pilots, so it will be awhile.  Just get on with any airline you can, and then you can decide if you need to go because the upgrade takes too long.  Now, if you get offers from two different carriers, then you will have to compare the two.  Just apply and see what happens.  Good luck.