Initial 320 training CLT v DFW
 

Greetings everyone, I understand that initial 320 training is conducted at either DFW or CLT, I'd appreciate if y'all could elaborate on the pros and cons of training at either facility. Any and all details would be much appreciated.

Also, are you given a choice/inputs on where you go?

I do believe you can request it some how. I did initial in DFW and CQ in CLT. Quick takes: DFW is a lot bigger with a lot more resources. More mock cockpits to practice, etc. Now you stay right on campus too, so you’re very immersed in the training environment. Lots of food options on campus too.

CLT is way smaller but seems way more chill and laid back. The whole time I was was there I saw a handful of PSA/PDT crews in training, not a whole lot of mainline folk. No on-site hotel and a cafeteria that really doesn’t qualify as one.

Personally if the flight home on weekends is about the same I would prefer DFW. Much less to think about with not having shuttles and trying to coordinate meals and when to eat. Also with the increase of training resources it seems better for initial. My 2C.

In CLT you have better odds of having guys actually know stuff about airbus…

I believe my class was offered the chance to request a training location without the guarantee of it being granted.

I only went through DFW. Personal thoughts are, do the one that is less stressful for coming and going… or even creates less headache while there. I don’t live in DFW but I could drive there which meant I had a car there while at training and then was able to simply drive home when I had a couple days off. I would have done the same for CLT if I lived closer to there.

That said, I avoided the mother ship hotel. There are other hotels in DFW they use. If you don’t like the hotel arrangements assigned, you can call and have them change it.

Of the folks I know that requested CLT, none got it. Some got CLT without requesting it. Your luck may vary.

I hear great things about the CLT training dept.

Does AA offer positive space commute home on weekends? I believe UA does.

Yes, you book your own.

Yes. It's an A3 pass which is positive space. They show you how to book it at the beginning of indoc.

I would say CLT hands down, but I also live 30 min from the training center so I'm not exactly unbiased. If you don't live in either I'd say pick the easier (one leg, high frequency) commute home and don't overthink it.