Originally Posted by
Drum
Conditional offer from XJT.
I've read the thread, very "spirited" at times, and have a few questions for the XJT folks.
When do you pick the type aircraft? Is that prior to training, as I assume they have to determine this prior to training location (ERJ = IAH, CRJ = ATL). Wasn't clear in the brief at the interview. I remember they asked us sometime during the initial briefing, via a show of hands, who was interested in ERJ and who was interested in CRJ. Not sure if that amounted to anything.
Assume I pick CRJ, the bids for base then occur during training correct? If so at what point during training? Piggy back on that, what about model (-2/-7/-9) does that happen same time? Or is it on an as needed basis?
Yes, we know reserve awaits the new hire. Where can a new hire get gouge on crash pads? Does XJT have some network to tap into to get the lowdown?
My home is in TPA, that is why I'm asking. I understand commuting to reserve is not optimal, but doable. What do the majority of dudes/dudettes on reserve do if they are commuters? Crash pad, or something else (e.g. best way to go about commuting)?
Thread is informative on the bidding for reserve (if their is such a thing, excuse my ignorance I'm new to 121 ops). My goal (background is ex-mil fighter guy with 3K + of turbine PIC) is to maximize my hours within regs (and not to upset the status quo). How would one go about that? Not trying to put cart before horse, I still have to get through initial successfully. But any info you can offer would be great. Feel free to PM me.
Thanks for your time.
I picked my jet at the end of the interview. The jet determines whether you go to Atlanta or Houston for training (CRJ and ERJ respectively).
I'm CRJ and all models and bases are on the table as of late. My class of 6 had 2 go to each base. You either fly the 200 or the 700/900. DFW only has 200s and DTW only has 700/900s. There is a lot of movement so if you don't get something on the initial drop you can change your standing bid while still in training and possibly hold your desired base shortly after IOE.
Crash pads are done by many. I am in DFW and the hotels there are only $30/night so I do that and have call me first on my reserve so I can get overnights and thus a free hotel. Not sure on the network but we have an internal classified page. Call me first is also going to be your best bet (on CRJ side) to get a call for more flying. ERJs have a aggressive pick up thing everyday that I'm not intelligent enough to talk about.
You'll be fine with training with your mil background. If you struggle they quickly give you extra sims and attention. They are there to pass not fail you. It's a friendly training department.