A few YVR base questions

[Zen]

Hi All,

Wondering if folks would be so kind as to offer some insight into YVR base seniority. I know there are a lot of variables with equipment and hiring numbers but even a general idea would be appreciated.


Assuming a YYZ assignment on the initial course (probably narrow body), what kind of timeframe is it to get YVR base?

How many YOS can one expect before being able to hold a block in YVR? or even move from NB to WB?

Same about the upgrades, I've heard the times are quite fast to hop in the left seat (albeit sacrificing QoL) in YYZ, do those extend out west or is it longer?

Given the extensive hiring the past few years I would imagine things have changed slightly for the new hires coming in. So a little updated information would be great.

Thanks for any replies in advance!

[flying4dollars]

I was in the jumpseat a few days ago and the FO, who was hired in March I believe JUST got YVR on the 320. I think generally for FO's it's around 6 month-1 year depending on NB equipment. WB forget it, it will be a while now. The quick upgrades company wide have slowed down, albeit it's still quicker than it was pre pandemic. I would guess probably 3 years in YYZ and 5+ in YVR as of now. I'm sure others will know more intimately than I but that's just a broad reference point. Either way just be willing and prepared to either make YYZ your new home or commute for a while.

[PostmasterGeneral]

The YVR base is super senior. There's a good reason for that, but they also just reduced the 737 and 320 in YVR and expanded the 220 base. Count on 6-9 months.

[702pipeliner]

I was in the jumpseat a few days ago and the FO, who was hired in March I believe JUST got YVR on the 320. I think generally for FO's it's around 6 month-1 year depending on NB equipment. WB forget it, it will be a while now. The quick upgrades company wide have slowed down, albeit it's still quicker than it was pre pandemic. I would guess probably 3 years in YYZ and 5+ in YVR as of now. I'm sure others will know more intimately than I but that's just a broad reference point. Either way just be willing and prepared to either make YYZ your new home or commute for a while.

Maybe march of 2024. I know guys in nov 2024 who still havnt been awarded yvr on anything. Lots of guys moving to the 220 trying to get it sooner.

[altiplano]

Junior pilot in YVR is around seniority 5400. New pilot joining today is around seniority 5800.

There haven't been any vacancies in YVR in maybe a year and a number of things have to line up just right for you to get a spot there. You need someone to leave the base and as things shuffle on every bid you need a vacancy in a position you can get when your number comes up. Plus there is a growing backlog of guys trying to get there.

Absent of management deciding to grow anywhere other than YYZ - and that's not the way these guys think, look at all the recent route announcements for YYZ and none for YVR/YYC - I would expect 2-3 years to get the base plus possibly the better part of a year to get trained and actually based there.

My advice if you are joining AC now is to plan to also move and live somewhere around YYZ for 5 years. It will make your life way easier vs. commuting from the West.

[Canadianpilot2024]

Don’t be blind by big red and it’s “greener pastures” either..

Commuting is probably the worst thing about this job. If you’re at a place where you’re happy and not commuting think long and hard before you subject yourself to it… or like previous have said, plan to live in yyz for the next couple years (or potentially most of your career once you get settled…)

Guys hired in spring 2024 just got YVR base, and a couple bids later got reduced onto the 220… but still in Yvr

So that’s a year in yyz (while waiting for the big bid carrot and renting two places - one in yyz and one in Yvr), then 2-3 months in Vancouver and now back to a new course on a new machine (training could be back in yyz or yvr) for another 4 months or so.

Things haven’t really picked up either with class sizes or hiring

[flying4dollars]

I was in the jumpseat a few days ago and the FO, who was hired in March I believe JUST got YVR on the 320. I think generally for FO's it's around 6 month-1 year depending on NB equipment. WB forget it, it will be a while now. The quick upgrades company wide have slowed down, albeit it's still quicker than it was pre pandemic. I would guess probably 3 years in YYZ and 5+ in YVR as of now. I'm sure others will know more intimately than I but that's just a broad reference point. Either way just be willing and prepared to either make YYZ your new home or commute for a while.

Maybe march of 2024. I know guys in nov 2024 who still havnt been awarded yvr on anything. Lots of guys moving to the 220 trying to get it sooner.

Oh ya you could be right. He did mention something about rouge for a year.

[BeaverLover69]

1.5 years and waiting. Last reduction hurt

[Flathead05]

Isn’t there a decent amount of growth happening this year? Heard 1 at least ground school per month all year, sometimes 2.

[Launchpad1]

Any 220 YVR guys,

What are the routes/destinations you do most? I'm considering moving over from the east.

Thanks for any replies.

[Can Pilot]

Any 220 YVR guys,

What are the routes/destinations you do most? I'm considering moving over from the east.

Thanks for any replies.

Easiest way is to look on PBS and view the bid package. Take a look at the pairings. Might give you a good idea what routes and destinations are available.

[pipedream?]

Any 220 YVR guys,

What are the routes/destinations you do most? I'm considering moving over from the east.

Thanks for any replies.

if you're more senior than me, it sucks and please don't do it. if you're junior to me, common over

[Launchpad1]

if you're more senior than me, it sucks and please don't do it. if you're junior to me, common over

Haha I'm in the 4000's so you probably have nothing to fear!