Someone else might know more hard facts about this than me. I only know rumors. The last I heard the 200 sim is either very close to being ready, or up and running in Eagan. The last thing I heard was that it was awaiting FAA approval. I have no idea how long that takes. I was in Montreal in December and from what I heard, the 200 guys who were there were part of the last group that will be going to Bombardier.

Mesaba has ordered a 900 simulator, but it will not be ready until late 2008. I would guess that 900 crews will continue to use Bombardier, unless scheduling issues force us to use CAE more than we currently are. If you have a choice, go to Montreal. I heard from multiple check airmen that they can immediately tell a difference between a new FO or CA that trained at Montreal or Denver -- much in favor of Montreal.


I had to wait for a month -- Ground in October, off for November (still paid guarantee), and sim in December. But, it all depends on the seniority of the captain you're paired with coming out of ground school. If you get a relatively junior captain in your class, you may have to wait and not get a very good sim time. If your partner is fairly senior in your class, you may be able to go sooner and have a more desireable time slot. The dates and sim times are all awarded according to your captain's seniority, and your seniority in your class doesn't matter. You're just along for the ride as a new hire FO.

Be sure to rub in the fact that the captains get per diem in training and FOs do not. You might score a few free meals from your partner .