Has the 320 been opened for new hires to bid in Aug?

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:51 pm

Just wondering if the 320 is going to be open for new hires for the Aug class. Is it possible to avoid an rp position if hired in an Aug class. Still waiting here, so it doesnt really matter, but have a friend going next month.

Long Keel · Post by **Long Keel** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:42 pm

The contract hasn't changed, so no. A320 is out of the PG and can only be bid from within after a PG group has been awarded or from another a/c type and already on the line.

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:59 pm

thanks for the reply. Is it fair to assume that a new hire can bid the embraer if he wants, or are most slots RP. If you get an RP is it quick to bid out to a flying position?

Long Keel · Post by **Long Keel** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:14 pm

Not to be harsh but as a new hire, you get what you get. Expect to be there up to 2 years. If the music stops even five years...

Now, I hope that isn't the case but you should go into AC expecting that you may be an RP, and if you do better just be thankful. We've had since 1995, new hires take 3 years to the left seat of the DC-9, 5 years to the left seat of the A320, but also have seen 6 1/2 years as an RJ f/o. Most fall somewhere in between. You could get hired, then terrorism strikes and layoffs start. You just never know. Timing is everything.

Its really hard but just don't have any expectations of basing or aircraft assignment before you get hired. Once in the company, you can start bidding for your dream position and let seniority do the rest.

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:20 pm

Dude dont get me wrong if I get called I dont care what I get, neither does my friend. However, As pilots we want to fly and keep sharp. I think being a rp would be alot of fun, but you skills get a bit rusty. Coming from someone who loves to fly, I would rather be working alot doing TO and Landings. then working less and flying to cool places. I dont think many care, however I have taked to some, especially commuters who would prefer the rp postions under flat pay cause its allows them to be home more. I was just curious what the current outlook was. I will fly the TUG if they want lol. Just hoping to get to pound some pavement is all!

june 1944 · Post by **june 1944** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:27 pm

"fly the TUG"

Funny thing is I would too, just tell me I'm part of the team.

tonysoprano · Post by **tonysoprano** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:00 pm

To answer the question of being rusty as an RP, there were guys that were SO's for 12-13 years on 727 and Tristars, and never flew the controls for that long. All the sudden they were finding themselves at the controls in the left seat of a DC9 or an airbus. You might become rusty as an RP but rust is removable.

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:03 pm

true, I heard today most of the slots for Aug are the Embraer FO? Oh well. doesnt matter at this point!

yycflyguy · Post by **yycflyguy** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:00 pm

HappyCamper wrote:true, I heard today most of the slots for Aug are the Embraer FO? Oh well. doesnt matter at this point!

I don't think that even management knows what will be available for an August course. Things change extremely fast and I doubt that they are committed to a certain number of EMJ spots or RP spots. You wont know what is being offered until the end of the PIT course partly because THEY don't know how many of each. Just be happy to be invited to the dance even if you view your dance partner as ugly.

tonysoprano · Post by **tonysoprano** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:24 pm

Bottom line is you're in. Most of you guys will enjoy a long career and have plenty of time to fly all the equipment. What is it with this get rich quik thing? There's good and bad in every equipment.

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:47 pm

not about the money in the beggining bro, happy to be there. But some love to fly so if possible flat pay and TO/Landings is more lucrative then 10 to 10 as a rp.

tonysoprano · Post by **tonysoprano** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:04 pm

And some might like a bigger airplane with better meals, one leg per day, no airport layovers and no dealings with crew sched not to mention better layovers, less deicing, and oh did I mention nicer layovers? I would think many pilots have done enough takeoffs and landings to last them a while. Ah it's all good, enjoy whatever you do.

HappyCamper · Post by **HappyCamper** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:08 pm

I tell you what, I appreciate your feedback. I think there are alot of good guys over here at Big Red, and looking forward to being a part of it.

highlander · Post by **highlander** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:33 pm

at this point I would just be happy to get an interview!

call me please:(

RB-211 · Post by **RB-211** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:58 pm

Camper,

As an ex Canadian, back woods tube operator turned big metal mover I will say this. I was in the caf at work the other day listening to a very young (less than 24 year old) complain about being hired on the A320. He wanted the triple (7) and did not get it. Reason was he was 100 hours short of some silly hours requirement. (BA)

Fact is this. He is still above any other pilot that joined 1 second after him. In the long run he will figure out the importance of this. What you fly today will not decide what you fly tomorrow. A320's are for girls and four sector days suck so take the RP on the 767/340. You will thank yourself in six months.

Having left Canada a few back I can say you are a lucky fella to be on with AC as many try and many fail. The options that pilots in other countries have would make pilots at home (Canada) cry so consider yourself lucky and get on with it.

Good luck.

Spiraldive · Post by **Spiraldive** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:15 pm

the rp thing sounds like it sucks, but you won't see 2 day layovers in HKG for a damn long while if you go EMJ fo. So if the number they give you offers RP, good enough. Have fun, get drunk in new and exotic places, and bid your way into the money as soon as you can.

the union is not playing ball on the 320 direct hire thing, and the new hires should see this as a blessing, because the airbus products are pieces if shit that should be avoided unless the salary is more than 6 digits and then you can be forgiven for flying one. Until then, stay senior on the liitle stuff while you're in the pay group.

good luck

Swerved · Post by **Swerved** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:57 am

because the airbus products are pieces if shit that should be avoided unless the salary is more than 6 digits and then you can be forgiven for flying one

Tell us how you really feel, D.

Hope you're having fun down there...

Swerved.