Morningstar 757 schedule/flying

[nohojob]

Why not retire at Morningstar, seems to be steady secure boring flying, kinda the thing someone wants when all settled down. I get it night ops are not for everyone but most pilot jobs involve odd hours anyhow.

Why would I want to do boring flying?
I intend to have fun flying till the very last day of my flying career.

[Chaxterium]

When I started at Morningstar 3.5 years ago I did so with the intention of it being my last move. For the first couple of years I really enjoyed it but in the end the nights got to me and I kept thinking that there was no way I could do this for the next 25 years.

The company is great but when we say the flying is boring we mean the flying is boring. Like stab-yourself-in-the-eye-to-make-sure-you're-still-alive boring.

People are great. The plane is ok. But the nights are tough.

[nohojob]

When I started at Morningstar 3.5 years ago I did so with the intention of it being my last move. For the first couple of years I really enjoyed it but in the end the nights got to me and I kept thinking that there was no way I could do this for the next 25 years.

The company is great but when we say the flying is boring we mean the flying is boring. Like stab-yourself-in-the-eye-to-make-sure-you're-still-alive boring.

People are great. The plane is ok. But the nights are tough.

Night flying is probably the thoughest flying one could do.

[Invertago]

Night flying is tough if you can't stay awake, but if you can adapt your body, night flying in a highly automated aircraft is just IFR when the sky is less busy and the air is less bumpy. At least with Morningstar you know when you're flying at night unlike the medevac guys who just go when the call comes in.

[rudder]

Night flying is tough if you can't stay awake, but if you can adapt your body, night flying in a highly automated aircraft is just IFR when the sky is less busy and the air is less bumpy. At least with Morningstar you know when you're flying at night unlike the medevac guys who just go when the call comes in.

In the current market, if it is determined by pilots that Morningstar style flying is less desirable than other flying options, then attrition rates will increase, pilot training costs will increase, and potentially operational integrity may be compromised.

Market forces will push wages up and possibly affect WAWCON (schedule) in order to attract or retain qualified pilots.

Make no mistake, Morningstar seems to be a very solid employment option with the highest starting pay for a jet FO. But the market is in a process of resetting itself. Status quo may not be sufficient, notwithstanding that a CBA is in force.

[Invertago]

Night flying is tough if you can't stay awake, but if you can adapt your body, night flying in a highly automated aircraft is just IFR when the sky is less busy and the air is less bumpy. At least with Morningstar you know when you're flying at night unlike the medevac guys who just go when the call comes in.

In the current market, if it is determined by pilots that Morningstar style flying is less desirable than other flying options, then attrition rates will increase, pilot training costs will increase, and potentially operational integrity may be compromised.

Market forces will push wages up and possibly affect WAWCON (schedule) in order to attract or retain qualified pilots.

Make no mistake, Morningstar seems to be a very solid employment option with the highest starting pay for a jet FO. But the market is in a process of resetting itself. Status quo may not be sufficient, notwithstanding that a CBA is in force.

My point was it didn't seem that "tough". I won't argue with the market though, there is a max exodus of FO's from Morningstar, so it does seem that pilots in the right seat at MAL don't seem to think it is that desirable and vote with their resumes. MAL did have a great CBA a few years ago, now it is just average. Management will have to decide if training is cheaper than retention at some point. FWIW, some Captains have even left, though that isn't reflected in the ads as they only hire into the right seat it seems.

[Chaxterium]

FWIW, some Captains have even left,

One so far. More to come.

though that isn't reflected in the ads as they only hire into the right seat it seems.

Morningstar does not hire direct entry captains. They only hire FOs. I suppose that could change if the captain roster gets depleted heavily but I don't that they're very close to that.

[Duukar]

I would argue that the CBA in effect at MAL is better than most others in the industry aside from AC and maybe Sunwing which has some really neat perks.

$4.25/hr per diem. $150 a month tax free uniform allowance. $40 a month tax free cell phone allowance. $1000 a year hsa. $500 a year health allowance. Decent RRSP match although not fantastic. The obviously strong starting salary for FO a bit lacking in the PIC first year rate.

I’m not sure why they don’t advertise these specifics. FOs start at over $85k per year. I’m not sure if anyone pays more for first year FO.

The training is top notch for sure.

Their attrition, in my opinion, is due to the lack of a schedule bid. It makes commuting impossible and very punishing. Also the nights are rough but not impossible to manage.

If you want to live in YYZ or YHM Morningstar is a pretty strong option as long as you don’t mind having little control over your schedule. At least you rarely work a weekend and never work a holiday.

[thepoors]

Why not retire at Morningstar, seems to be steady secure boring flying, kinda the thing someone wants when all settled down. I get it night ops are not for everyone but most pilot jobs involve odd hours anyhow.

It's a great gig no doubt. But I think you're greatly underestimating the effect of working nights. It's hard on your body and only gets harder the older you are. There are lots of studies that show people who work nights have shorter life expectancy.

I've spoken to a few guys at YYZ who were on the 75 but decided to go back to the Caravan because they couldn't take the toll anymore.

[khedrei]

Why not retire at Morningstar, seems to be steady secure boring flying, kinda the thing someone wants when all settled down. I get it night ops are not for everyone but most pilot jobs involve odd hours anyhow.

It's a great gig no doubt. But I think you're greatly underestimating the effect of working nights. It's hard on your body and only gets harder the older you are. There are lots of studies that show people who work nights have shorter life expectancy.

I've spoken to a few guys at YYZ who were on the 75 but decided to go back to the Caravan because they couldn't take the toll anymore.

I worked random on call shifts for 13 years. Probably 70% overnights. Its brutal. I didnt realize how perpetually tired I was until I quit and started getting a normal night sleep. I dont know how well id fair if i went back to it now that I'm older. I absolutely believe that it shortens your life.