Originally Posted by WhaleWrangler

The first set of 777 guy's are heading to sim next week. Still looking at Jun / Jul for the 1st airframe to arrive then it will have to go MX, proving runs etc. The FAA shutdown has pushed some of the program back and ETOPS is now looking at November at best.

744 is basically crewed as it should be plus 60+ still in the training pipeline (Initial, OE & CA UPGD). The 74 is going to be crewed heavy so when the 777 starts and more airframes arrive the vacancy bids will thus draw pilots from the 74 and not leave it short of crews (don't expect the company to wave the 2 year equipment lock).

The days of FO's getting 90+ hours and a wealth of overtime for CA's & FO's are over. Plan on 64 hours pay.

76 still needs crews but sim availability is slowing initial and upgrade training.

Interviewing is still going on and classes are planned into May right now.

Now the other glitch is that DHL do not want 744's (-8's yes) operating from end of 2021, doesn't mean the 744 will go away, still plenty for it to do (THY, MIL etc), expansion of 76 & 777 fleets.

In the long run, take whatever fleet you get offered, they all pay the same and bypassing a class date because you didn't want XXX may also mean you won't get another call, they'll call the next on the list!!