mowiepilot

KoruPilot
Are the 777s going to replace the 767 fleet? So when they are hiring they at least look at with a CPL huh?. Doesn't matter I have both FAA & CAA ATPLs. So Freedom Air is expanding as well then, are they going to keep A320s?

KoruPilot

The 777's have replaced the 767 and 747 on some routes, but it's not really supposed to be a 767 replacement across the board. We are, as far as I know, keeping the remaining six 767's for the forseable future to do the pacific routes. The 767 is a great plane for the discount routes, ie: you can fill it full of punters going for some sun and it makes money, hence, I believe, the intention to put it into service with Freedom. As far as the pilots are concerned this would be with mainline drivers. The Freedom/Zeal320 deal with the pilots is set up to protect mainline jobs; they hire one Freedom pilot for five of us, or something like that (can't remember the number). All the A320's are now with Zeal320 (replaceing freedom) and all the flight attendants on those birds are freedom/zeal. So the A320's we have stay in that operation. They sent a couple back, but not sure if they will sell off any more. If this code share with QF across the Tasman goes ahead it will affect pilot numbers. They are also reviewing Tahiti and appear to not like Hawaii at the moment. Not too sure why they cancelled Singapore as the flights have been pretty chokka other then during low season; someone should have explained low season I guess. Likely they don't want to compete against themselves with the new London run through Hong Kong. They have the crystal ball so know better then me. But if Tahiti goes, and with the age sixty rule coming in, plus the Tasman, my best guess would be a couple of years before they do any real hiring again so at least the guys on yes letters are picked up. Now that I said that I'll probably be in the left seat of a 737 next year.

The extra Freedom flying, if it happens, will likely be because they replave the Koru with yellow tails on existing leisure routes, and possibly more so across the Tasman.

No, you don't require an ATPL. They have hired recently with commercials, but as far as I know those were ex military guys.

mowiepilot

koru thanks for the info. Yeah it did seem like Singapore was doing well. It seems that they have always had the 2 light season HNL, and then the 3 flights during the heavy. Is the 737 doing Tahiti from Tonga and Fiji or is that 767 route?

KoruPilot

Tahiti is only done with the 767. We do a through flight that stops in Rarotonga on the way, then Tahiti and on to LAX. There are double bangers from Auckland with the 767 as well but I try to avoit them as they are all nighters. On the 737 the crew pax to Rarotonga, layover, then do Raro-Tonga-Auckland(or is it Fiji, can;t remember and don't fly it). The 767 does either Apia, Fiji or Raoro-Tahiti, then on to LAX and back through one of those stops on the way back. We can layover in the islands for up to three days so the trip is 6 to 9 days depending. The HNL layover is my favorite if it's the four dayer. Outstanding for the surfing (not good enough for Tahiti break I'm afraid). Good lifestyle but all the paxing means no insentive pay. Hopefully we're all on the 777 (that's what we've heard is happening) by early next year as I much prefer the Orient runs.

Like I said, all in all great company to work for, and from what I've seen in my past flying pretty flash training. I

UrlocalAZN

Hey guys, Im only 14yrs old but I already know that I wanna become an airline pilot. Ive been dreaming about becoming one since I was six. Theres a problem though; I live in New Zealand and they arent many choices as to how to become pilots. There are plenty of flying schools here but only one university offering a degree in aviation. I dont know if flying schools are the way to go because Ive read somewhere that you have to have a degree to have an airline pilot job. Theres another problem, there is only one airline in New Zealand.. I think. My parents say that it will be a waste of time but I dont want to give up on my dreams. Is there anybody out there that can offer me with some help??? cheers.

KoruPilot

You ca't pm me yet so drop me an email at schultz@vodafone.net.nz and I'll try my best to answer your questions. I was in the same boat growing up, with parents who didn't know or want to know anything about me going flying. They came round though and ended up my biggest supporeters. You require some post secondary for Air NZ, but not a degree; that said there are a couple pilots who have been hired recently with no post secondary. I had two years and lots of big turbine command, and they hired me. It's an excellent company to work for and a great lifestyle, but it is alot of work getting there. Too much to explain here so send me an email and I'll fill you in better. My wife went to Massey and now flies the 744 for Air NZ by the way, so that program does help you along.

Ciao