Originally Posted by
CrazyEight
If this person displaces to a 737 or 320, they will likely get SLC which is not a bad place to hang out, even in training. Again, no seat lock either.
A month on VA never bothered me. Lots of running and time spent at the GO fitness center and no redeyes. Its not like the time there is challenging anymore. I was always able to make it home for two days during my career, quite often had 3 days off between 4 on. In many ways with PS it was better than being on the road and working.
This person should fly the 757. It will be the last plane they ever get to fly with 200 pax that climbs at 4000 fpm in the teens. Its the best airliner we have ever had, its downhill after that (systems engineer/programmer). Everyone needs to have flown the 757 once.
A couple points of order.
They may or may not get SLC for an IQ as everything I had seen was they would be doing CQ only in SLC. Obviously that could change down the road.
I’ve done two long schools and two short schools in my time at Delta. In both of the long schools (month long footprint) I could make it home 3 or 4 times in the month, but for never more than 36-40 hours per visit. One short course was a 5 lesson 7 day long footprint which I did not make it home during. The other short course was 9 events (including DCLC) and a 14 day footprint. I could only make it home for one period of 30 hours. And I am one who always goes home even if it’s only for 30 hours. This is why VA sucks. You basically don’t see your family for a month.
You are correct in saying what we are there to do is not challenging anymore, but that had/has very little to do with the Virginia Ave suck factor. Me personally I would never choose an airplane that is going to knowingly force me back to a month long training event in a couple of years. The ER flying out west isn’t even on the same planet of coolness that it was 5-10 years ago, and it’s going to quickly continue to wind down out west.
And also be warned you have very little control over the scheduling during that month. At least now with the new monthly AEs you have a real good idea as to when that month will be.
To the OP:
Welcome to Delta! You are going to love it! I just want you to be aware that our training footprints leave something to be desired and historically are much worse for West Coasters. By picking the ER, you will guarantee yourself a second month long trip to the school house in your first couple years.