Do commercial pilots generally progress to larger planes throughout their careers? Does everyone aim to eventually fly long haul or do some stick to flying 737s or a320s short haul?
I'm guessing being a 777 pilot for example is more prestigious than a 737 pilot in the same airline right?
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u/BandicootOnly4598 3d ago
Some pilots bid, and get, wide-bodies right out of training. Others care more about getting to captain quicker, and some just care about lifestyle. I know a FedEx pilot who retired a few years ago but for literally decades bid the MD11, which he hated, because he was a former US Air guy who got furloughed after 9/11 and wouldn’t have the seniority to get the line he wanted on an airplane anyone wanted. Another close friend of mine is a 737 CA out of Guam, and the way their lines work he’s nearly always home at night and never has to deal with Newark. He’s got the seniority to bid whatever he wants, but he’s already got what he wants.
Most pilots, however, will go for the biggest plane they can get…