10 years, so what.
Even 17 years; millstream, do you have any idea how long it takes at a major in the US?
If it's quick command you want, go to the LCCs.
I know guys who are F/Os after 7-8 years +, at a REGIONAL!!!
Even though US airline industry has a lot of issues, the general upgrade time is not that long. Continental upgrade is currently running 6-7 years for EWR base. FedEx and UPS MD-11 upgrade is right at 5 years for the ANC base. Most regionals are upgrading at the 2 year mark except very few (including American Eagle).
In American, Delta, North West etc the upgrade time is really long. With the projected hiring, upgrade time in all majors in the US is estimated to come down.
However, if there is another major terrorist attack
in the US, this is all obsolete...we will be doing good to stay out of the furlough list