Originally Posted by
MikeF16
Yes that was my concern. Hypothetically I could be awarded ATL717B and they have until Jan '16 to convert me. Somebody junior to me could be awarded ATL717B on a subsequent AE and (to my understanding) it would be legal for them to be assigned to ATL before me since the company would have to convert them within 6 months. I called programming and asked about this possibility and was told that this was highly unlikely. As you pointed out, those who don't need training are typically converted quickly. The sticking point could be required NYC vs. ATL manning. The real takeaway I got was not even programming could give definitive answers. Until they see how the bid unfolds, they really have no idea on timetable of moves.
If I can find that article the company put out about CR and conversions I'll post it. It was illuminating but not stetopygia, but nothing is.
Anyways, they have to see it unfold and probably won't make promises. I remember when I went from NYC7ERB to ATL7ERB, the AE had like 10 openings max. I think there were 70ish pilots put into ATL7ERB when the bid was done. I can't remember exactly what it was but it was a big bid and the numbers were way off.
Hence the bid what you want and want what you bid and don't overthink it.
But I do feel as if they do their best to staff for the summer and lock you into that and maybe a bunch of ATL717Bs bid off and they need you. Unless you really wanted SEA. At least if that was the case you could go NYC717B -> ATL717B and wait til your 717 seat lock is up and put in for SEA.
When I went to ATL88B to ATL717B they posted conversion dates in the summer of 2013 for many of us and then took those back and put us in September and after. Some were to have gone to training in Nov and had Nov and probably 4-6 months after off, they took that back and said stay busy on the 88 for 4-6 months. That was a bummer.
But just know that conversion/training list is not contractually binding at all, it's more of a best estimate.
I've also known plenty of guys on this forum who were within a couple of days of training on a plane and held something else and got out of it. But then again, I've heard of people who weren't allowed out and went through 2/3 of their training on the new airplane.