EasyStep

Is it worth it going from a 90/hr regional to ABX? Or just stay at regional to major

How is the training quality and fail rate?

How long is training start to finish

Reactivity

The problem with youth is a general inability to think long-term and consider history. You're all assuming you'll be scooped up by Big Name Airline within two years. That's a bad assumption. Assume hiring at the majors can come to a screeching halt at any time because it has done so more than once in the last 22 years. Look beyond the first year. Look beyond the pay rate - there is more to compensation than what follows the dollar sign. Think about where you would rather be if you're going to be stuck somewhere for five years or more.

Training quality is outstanding. Some of our best have come back after retirement to do training. You are given every opportunity to succeed. It's just up to you to put in the effort. I'm not aware that we're failing that many these days, in part because we have to work with what we get for now. The ones who wash out do so only after exhausting every available extra training session, or after a lot of IOE with no evidence of improvement over time. Just don't overestimate your skill level, and don't expect to be dragged through training. We need people to succeed, but we're not going to pass someone just to fill a seat.

You can expect training to be complete within two months after your first day in the classroom. The wait for IOE seems to be down to around a month, but you're not going to be idle during that time. You will be out observing line flights to keep from losing everything you learned in training. Not sure how long it's taking people to get through IOE.

Biotin

Are you at PSA? Because I come from PSA, and the training at ABX is a day and night difference compared with my last airline's, which was absolutely atrocious.

You'll make a good choice.

Good luck.

CaptainJay

Every company has a personality, as does every pilot. Never pick your career airline for a single item. Ie, for a base, equipment type, cargo vs passenger, or a current contract. All these things change. Find a company that is solid, has a great record of surviving downturns and offers you a good chance at your definition of QOL. Even then you will have ups and downs. I believe if you take time to do serious research then you will have chosen wisely. It is still not a guarantee of long term happiness but it increases the odds. Cargo is a great option.

The ABX training department is one of the best I have encountered. You will earn it, but they are there to help you succeed. You do your part (Study hard, Listen to your instructor, pay attention, study with “the group” oh, and did I mention Listen to your instructors? If you are a capable ATP level pilot and you work hard you WILL make it.

No one knows the exact training footprint right now because the training department is extremely busy and It varies every class. Everyone is working hard to keep things moving in a safe and successful way. I waited over a month for OE, but I have a friend that only waited a week and a half a couple classes later, so it appears things are starting to move again.

As reactivity said you will be doing observation flights as an ACM while waiting for OE to start, which will keep you fresh. Stick to the FO like glue on those flights and you will learn a lot and be well prepared for OE which in turn will result in less time spent earning that coveted sign off and Line check.

Jeti1214

ABX is a wonderful place to work, with a small pilot pool, huge airplanes, and small company atmosphere. But with the pay being as low as it is, why would anyone come to work here, much less stay for as a career. The company seems content to hire and train pilots for the majors. Obviously, they find it cheaper to train and release rather than train and retain. Companies such as Envoy, PSA, even Ameriflight pay more than a 2nd year FO now. Senior Captains who are topped out get a 3% raise per year. When talking with any member of the Union, the response is the same, the company is not interested in raising pilot pay rates. Yet due to a no strike clause, pilots cannot do nothing about it. Scheduling absolutely abuses pilots with new trips that would not be tolerated by any other pilot group with even a moderate union. Displacements for pilot training eat up a line so much so, that it really isn't worth bidding a line. While the unions sends out emails asking for proof they know full well is happening.

So either move on or shut up.

thefalken

Pay is a popular topic right now, but there has to be balance in a contract. What is pay if you’re not off to enjoy it and what is time off if you’re stressed about finances? Simply looking at pay at ABX, I think most pilots will find it provides enough to enjoy a comfortable life.

Retention is an industry wide issue. The industry has decided to be satisfied with the constant cycle of hiring/training. Just as pilots will find a balance that makes us content, so will the industry. Right now many regionals are throwing money at the issue. We’ll see in time how much effect that has on retention.

YMMV with scheduling. Many of the schedulers are new just as the pilots. Sometimes just a, “Hey, is there someone else we could run this by?” might resolve it. If not, instead of fighting it out, say thank you. And start reading the contract. If it’s time/safety sensitive, call a steward or anyone you can reach.

My experience… I have found Crew Planning to be extremely flexible and willing to move days around / swap trips, etc. While on reserve I diligently looked at open-time and began requesting assignments at the earliest possible. Often I would fill up my week. As a line holder, I have been displaced plenty. Usually during SAP you can tell if you’re with a check airman and decide if you want to swap out of the trip or stick it out. I have made plenty of mistakes/run into confusion, but with a few emails/calls I have learned from it. As you pointed out about ABX being a small company, everyone here I have dealt with (even some of the most despised) are more than willing to discuss concerns / help. I have not always been right, nor have they.

CaptainJay

Let’s lay out all the info here. Ameriflight payscales are for Captain not FO, and all the AA wholly owned payscales end after 5 years I believe, in other words they are temporary.

Obviously I would like to see a pay raise too but let’s keep the pay conversation based on all the facts. I agree the union should be pushing the issue.

Also while you are correct about training displacements, a line of flex days can make you some serious money if a pilot is familiar with the contract (ie article 13), and knows how to turn it into a positive.

ABX is a good company but it will always be what you make it and YMMV.

goinaround

The union should be “pushing the issue” about pay raises you say? Haven’t been at ABX long have you……. They fought real real hard for a long long time.

CaptainJay

I am well aware of that. You took my statement way out of context. Maybe I should have used the word discussing the issue instead. I am quite happy at ABX, but who here doesn’t want to see an attempt at some fair gains in the current climate?

goinaround

It’s easy to see the benefits and potential in a place like ABX. But don’t invest too many years hoping and waiting…..you’ll likely end up at the bottom of a seniority list at a better company after you’ve lost the faith. Don’t waste any time getting there. Now is the time. Trust me.