Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
Ferd;
As I read it, Sailings point is that we by nature of what we are doing requires large shifts. His point that marketing may not want to commit like that is what is salient.
I have worked under an APA type system, and it looks four months out. With a shift as large and drastic as this, we would be in a lot of hurt with a a four month window. The AE system allows large fluctuation and changes that they are seeing in to late this year or next. Perfect? No, not at all, as we can see with all of the reinstatement bids. What this does though is allow anyone that was MD and reinstated a chance that they will not get converted from the old bid. Many of those pilots were not to train till later this year.
Under an APA type system the pilots are awarded then trained in a more near picture sort of scheme. The AE process allows them to plan training in the winter months, months out. APA would not allow that. They would be looking at Dec staffing in Aug. As we have seen that changes and it would result in many people training then converting again. AE awards allow a ton of flex.
I process in between would probably work best for all.
All good points, however the company could look as far out as they want on each APA. 4 months is an arbitrary figure. They can make it what ever they want. As far as planning when training will occur, they could taylor the monthly APAs to award the most positions in a time frame that would have training occur in the winter months.
Not saying that one system is better than the other, but I did like the information available and the monthly run of preferences so that you could see where you stood on each and every piece of equipment that you were asking for a position on.
I think possibly an improvement in the information available from the AE system would help. Goes back to the much needed improvements in the IT arena. Just seeing the number of guys and what their 1,2,3 preference is ok, but I like seeing a list of guys as well as displaced guys and what their preferences are. Just more information. Under the AE system you have no idea of how the seniority of the guys runs above or below you until you see an actual bid list. Not really that critial but nice to know. Also the company can see who wants what before they put out positions and can make better decisions about the effects of certain positions they decide to award. No biggie, either system works, what's good for one is bad for another.