Jamestkirk, what you heard is correct. In the USA, the flying schools donīt have the same preference system to the airlines. the airlines typically donīt hire anybody with a wet Commercial license (the recent exception being a couple regionals in the 2007-2008 hiring spree). As far as the minimum hours, congress passed a law requiring an ATP, meaning minimum 1500hrs plus all requirements, just to work at a 121 carrier (any scheduled operator). Some of the airlines right now are starting to hire experienced pilots in anticipation to the ATP requirement which goes into effect in 2013.