This is to those of you who are ragging on Neal about going to CAL.
Sometimes you have to make your own opportunities. Neal put his career on hold for several years, which included delaying his captain upgrade training, so that he could negiotiate our contract. In the process, he made some solid connections that helped him secure a job at CAL. Well, you know what? Great for him.
As far as his "lack" of PIC time goes, I flew with Neal not too long after he finished upgrade training and I though he was a great captain who ran a good ship and flew the plane well.
I know it is frustrating to see junior guys with less time get hired ahead of you, but Neal worked hard for our contract and put that work to good use. Don't fault him for it. If you want to increase your odds, then get involved. And implying that he may not have the experience is a cheap shot, in my book.