Originally Posted by 24/48
CALCapt,
Great info, I start class in a week and will hopefully get the 737. I have some questions of my own:
1) On a trip could you fly all 5 types or are trips type specific?
2) It appears that hiring will slow for the summer which means I'll be on the bottom for a while, what is the staffing looking like now? Do you reserve will be busy over the next few months? I would like to fly as much as possible to off-set the first year cut, but still am damn glad to be making the move!
3) Have the PBS tests started? If so, how is the system being recieved by those playing with it?
4) Lastly, what are the plans for the older 737's (300/500)? I know some of them are getting on in years, are they planning on going all "NG" in the future?
I'm sure I will find some of this out once in training but I am a curious one and have absolutely nothing better to do! ;-)
Most pairings mix and match but some, especially turns, are dedicated -800 and -900 birds paying mid body pay. Those go senior obviously. I get a good mix myself. I can assure you that the summer flying will be chaotic. Lots of flying - You will not have a sitting around problem I assure you. PBS test bid number one was this month with the first real one in August. Change is difficult for most and I hear lots of groans and see lots of bewildered looks in the crew room as the PBS instructors are trying to explain to pilots how this is such a good deal - I don't think they are buying it, but it's coming soon so they better get prepared. I have heard about replacing the older birds but it seems that until they get more capacity to replace them with they won't get rid of them. I think if they could find some deals in the marketplace for newer more efficient aircraft they would jump, but I get the impression talking to insiders that the good planes at the right prices are hard to find. Perhaps we will fly together someday. Good luck in training and congrats on joining a fine team.