Originally Posted by
zerozero
However! The young and inexperienced applicants need to wake up and acknowledge a couple more factors beyond low pay.
1) If this is your first airline job and first transport category jet you need to realize the training program is largely "self guided". You're sat down in front of a computer, issued an iPad with literally dozens of company documents and you're responsible for ALL. OF. IT. Ok, fine, you pass the oral, you even pass the checkride, but you still have to pass OE and no one is holding your hand. IN FACT, since the Atlas 767 crash, the FAA is crawling all over the training center.
2) Low pay and risk of a 121 training bust on your record not enough to keep you away? Ok, fine, you still must contend with the fact both Atlas and Southern (and ABX for that matter) are in a knock down, drag out gutter fight with management and all that entails. Everything from risk of flying being transferred from one carrier to the other (AKA: The Whipsaw) and the possibility of going on strike during your 1st year of probation.
Living the dream!
A wise old man would probably suggest it's far safer to simply build time the more traditional way than to risk your training record, a certificate action or professional reputation while attempting a short cut to a Boeing job.
Low pay is the least of your worries especially if you're still living at home. The other stuff will follow you around for the rest of your career.
All valid points. I am going to say these are the challenges a new hire will face at just about any carrier now days. Most PM at other airlines are probably looking at the training programs to make sure there are no cracks in the process. I know ABX is making adjustments to meet the requirements of the current applicants. I am guessing everyone else is to. Friends that are now at ABX that went to Omni while on furlough said it was extremely challenging but doable. From posts on APC K4 is no gimme either. I think it is an adapt or fail environment. But as usual if one shows up 100% prepared and with a great attitude they usually survive. In 2007 training in United sims in Denver and going thru the training center everyday... there was quite a bit of self taught on the computer just as most carriers have gone too. I have said for awhile..some day we will doing our v1 cuts while sitting on the john with your IPad and just email the co the results.