aqroyal

Hi all,

First, congratulations on being added to the Virgin hiring pool. I know that many of us have heard a lot of rumours about start dates, etc. But nothing has been substantiated yet. Also, with pilots having to find their own accommodation during training, we can pool our resources and help each other get situated in SFO.

Please post any updates you may receive.

Best!

flygirlc130

AQ,

I was thinking that we should do the same thing! I just wasn't sure there would be enough interest. As of last Monday, they still do not have definite class dates. At least, that was what I was told. It seems that it may come quick when it comes. (I know, that's what she said...)

Yetifan

Hey guys/gals!

Great idea starting this thread! I've been in the pool for a few months and was also wondering if anyone has heard anything.

Also, does anyone have info on hotels or crashpads for training?

Congrats everyone who made the cut!

Saltlife85

Red roof in is where most stay. Walking distance to HQ. Although I've heard the rates have increased. As soon, and I mean AS SOON as you get your class date I would call them and reserve something, as the rooms there go quick.. Splitting it with another classmate will obviously lower the cost and is what a lot of us did, especially during ground school. Some got in at crash pads in Burlingame, i think the apartment comex is Northbrook? There's a TON of UAL and VX pilots and FA's there. I've also heard of people going on Craigslist and renting a room for a month. As far as class dates... I would guess September- October timeframe at the earliest. But who knows.. This place keeps all of us in the dark. Just the name of the game now. Either way hiring is going to be picking up soon as we have planes coming at one per month soon. I've heard 120-150 new hires for 2016.

OCCP

150 is a lot. I remember last year they said there would be 75 and the actual number was closer to 30. But anything is good I guess. These new hires will probably see less stagnation than the guys who got on within the last year or two.

Saltlife85

I don't think it is. We're getting one a month for awhile. I think for a year straight, but don't quote me on that. So 120-150 seems about right for all of 2016.

Fred Flintstone

Congrats to the poolies. Don't have much to add except this little tidbit:

As you have seen getting to the pool, our HR department is as secretive as can be. The one thing that has been consistent from the first pilot class is you will get exactly 2 weeks notice of your class date. No more, no less.

The Red Roof is the closest to HQ with the best price. If you have $$ or saved up stays the Hilton is across the street from HQ but is a bit pricy. Equal walking distance from the Red Roof (about 5 to 10 minutes) is the Doubletree and Hilton Garden. Northpark apartments (crashpad city) is about 30 minutes walking to HQ.

Welcome aboard, the training is straight forward.Once you get your head around the fly by wire laws it is an easy plane to learn and fly.

aqroyal

I think I'll look at getting a crash pad when I go. If four or five guys and gals could get together, we could rent a car for the time there. It would be a lot cheaper than the new rate at Red Roof.

Thanks for the info on the lead time. Two weeks is pretty slim, but doable.

I understand that SFO is the junior base. Does anyone know how long it's taking to get a line there? What do most reserves do for housing? Is long-call really a decent option for commuters?

Thanks to all of you for posting.

OCCP

If the training situation is the same as it has been for the past few years, they give you and your sim partner a rental car after ground school is finished.

Two weeks notice is standard for this company. I think I actually had 16 days notice and the call came somewhat unexpected so I had to quickly type up a resignation letter for my current job while on the road.

Jfk may be the junior base right now, but SFO is definitely more jr than LAX. The bottom line holders in SFO have probably have about 1-1.5 years seniority. LAX is 2.5 years, not sure about JFK.


Long call could be a decent option depending on how close your commute is. There are a few big bs drawbacks with long call though.

flygirlc130

Thanks for the info guys! Just curious, how long does ground school usually take?