CloudSailor

I've heard now from different sources, who've heard from different sources within the company (many from the training dept. and recruiting dept. themselves), that there will be no new classes until calendar June '08- not the fiscal year '08.
How can this be possible with the AC deliveries, the 757, 777... Is it just because of the age 65 NPRM?
If you have any more info. on this, please post.
Will new hires be sent to the new European domicile for the 757, what about the China domicile?
I'm just in the pool and would like to have an idea of what possiblities to plan for.
Appreciate your help.

fdx727pilot

I don't believe this, based on our current delivery schedule. But it is Airbusses and MD10s that will drive it. The 1st 75 doesn't even finish conversion till Jan of next year, Then we only get one per month for a while, and the 77 is over 2 years off. However, we are scheduled to get 21 300s, 310s and MD10s before the end of the calender year, and only lose 7 more DC10s to the MD conversion line by then. They will have to hire some people, but the hiring, as at all aviation entities I've been involved in (Air Force, and 3 airlines,) is based on crisis management. The beancounters will hold off until we have to pay large amounts of overtime in every seat, and then will want to hire more people than the training department can handle. The actual Flt Managers know we continually need 30 guys a month, based on new jets. We used to need another 10 per month based on retirements, but that is changing. To what, no one knows yet. Hopefully, the beancounters will give in and open the gates. I'm expecting hiring later in the year, put that's just MHO.

slaveship

More than 75% of all flexes are going to be flying the line indefinitely. Read between the lines.

Huck

727 and DC10 training letters run out in June also.

MD11 runs to October, I think. And Airbus has the little bid slots.

FDX28

Honestly I don't think anyone REALLY knows what's going to happen. Our new SCP (OR) came into my recurrent class the other week and said hiring should start back in Sept/Oct. Things change on a day to day basis. I haven't been here that long but I do know this. "Until it's painted purple and sitting on the ramp don't believe it." In otherwords until it happens don't count it as fact.

I know a lot of the flexes are quitting but the ones I know are quitting due to the new contract, and general difficulties with the higher-ups in training.

I know it must stink to sit in the pool. If some of those over 60 guys could meet Tonya Harding, things might change. (IF ANYONE THINKS I'M SERIOUS I'M ONLY JOKING).

Best of luck to you and hope you're not treading water too long.

Pecan

FDX28,

Wassup with the new contract and flex instructors? Not being in that position I haven't scrutinized the CBA concerning those matters. Is it a monetary thing or just the leadership. Seems like it used to be quite lucrative for folks. Just curious

Rumor or not---any cessation in hiring doesn't seem to bode well for any of us...unless the company is struggling financially. Then prudence might dictate such a move.

FDX28

Read Sec 11. Basically more days of work for the same pay. It isn't as lucrative as it used to be. MP doesn't want people who are eligible for passover and is trying to push people back to the line who are eligible. (Especially 727 capt, 727 s/o, and WB F/O). Less paid fly-days and guys are having to truly PDO bump (where they only get per diem) to stay current. I flew with one capt that was going to go out of currency in a week had he not flow and gotten his landings. The who idea of the "super-flex" has gotten some guys ticked off, as they don't want to put their ticket on the line during line checks, but want to instruct. There are LCA's that are great LCA's but couldn't teach a class or a SIM. I've also heard there is less choice in where you go to train and it's left more to the schedulers (and that's never a good thing).

So I guess it's money and leadership.

True rumor or not, lack of hiring is bad, and I want to increase in seniority just as much as the next guy.
I don't think the company is struggling and after the Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, etc... cases, accounting is much more public than it was.

slaveship

MP quit. He is going back to the line. His job is now open and PC is accepting resumes. Hurry Hurry Hurry.....get them in quick. Ref: FCIF that came out today.

Magenta Line

Agree, can't see calendar '08. Too many WB jets on the delivery schedule, too little known vis-a-vis age 60, too many retirements, etc.. But I only jerk gear, talk on the radio, and land when El Capitano is generous enough to give me a leg. Beancounters tell the SCP how many to hire when.

Huck

I can see them stopping hiring. I can't see them announcing when it will start up again. They wouldn't do that.