Dear Kuwait 340 /
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A tough question to answer, because there are so many factors that enter into the question of making statistics for upgrade. To answer your question in a general manner, I would say anywhere between 1,500 to 5,000.
xxx
Take in account of the type of equipment (airplane), and type of routes.
If you deal with small aircraft operators with smaller airplanes of the 20-50 passenger capacity, maybe you will find that 1,500 to 2,500 hrs might be the standard. Most countries require 1,500 hrs time to obtain the ATPL licence to be a captain, so expect that figure as an absolute minimum.
xxx
If you deal with airlines having large airplanes exclusively, the figure might be the 5,000 hrs you mentioned. Occasionally, the airline does not have a large number of F/Os that are upgradable (not enough hours), so they resort to direct entry hiring of captains. Remember also that if you establish a standard of 5,000 hrs total flight time, you might also find out that they will also require 1,000 hrs experience on type as F/O with the company. Remember also that some airlines also upgrade with a "seniority system".
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I am with Aerolineas Argentinas, I happened to have been hired as a direct entry B-747 captain and instructor, and ended-up being included into their seniority list, and now also flying as a regular line captain and check captain. We have a 5,000 hrs minimum requirement for a first upgrade to captain B-737, and a requirement of 1,000 hrs on 737 as F/O for that first upgrade. But again, all rules have exceptions, and these minimums are sometimes waived. So no "hard rule"...
xxx
Look also at hiring minimums. As an example, we hire pilots with at least the ATPL with a B-737 or MD-80 type rating, which is a must, and we select (or try to select) these new hires that have 500 hrs of turbojet time (i.e. in bizjets), besides the B-737 or MD-80 rating requirements. I often am in the new hire selection board, so I know our standards.
xxx
Some 15 years ago, I flew a bref contract with Cargolux as 747 captain. That airline has no other types but 747 aircraft. It is likely that they might require their upgrading F/Os to have 2,000, maybe 3,000 hrs on type before the upgrade. I do not know if a total time requirement exist for them.
xxx
I hope this is of some help to you.
Happy contrails - Masalamah...