I am very, very interested in World. But, I have a lot of questions. I really like the idea of home basing. I have a desire to fly big iron, but I'm not interested in living in NY, ATL, or LA. Also, having 2 weeks off every month doesn't sound too bad, if that is typical.

I would really like to see a copy of your CBA, and bid lines. That would answer most of my questions.

With DC-10's coming would you start as an SO? Are there seat locks preventing a vacancy bid to MD-11 or 747? Are 747's still coming this year? If so, will they likely be filled by new-hire or vacancy bid?

How many pilots are assigned to the long flights? IRO's?

How flexible are schedules, such as trip trading or being able to drop a few days in the middle of a 14 day assignment? What happens if you get sick in Mumbai or the far corners of the globe?

I've only seen a couple posts about schedules. Are these average, or just one guy's good luck story? Is it more typical to get the minimum 12 days off? If you go out on a 13 day trip, what happens with the other 5 work days of the month? I'd like to see an actual bid packet to answer questions like this.

I hope I didn't bombard y'all with too many questions, but this is what's on my mind. Thanks...

 

So far I love it here but then I am new and happy to have left the regional lifestyle behind. The homebasing is huge, not having to worry about commuting again and being able to live anywhere in the lower 48 (or southern Canada) is a massive QOL improvement for any ex commuter. They buy your ticket and you travel to/from the aircraft on a work day, can't be beat (although sitting in coach all day is a bit of a bummer). On balance so far I am very happy I made the move - ask me again in a couple of years!

 

Great info!

When on "home reserve", can they keep you oversees in anticipation, or do they send you home?

It sounds like it is pretty rare to only be off 12 in a month...

 

Hey MX I concur with World DC10. I believe you are sent home in that scenario,don't quote me as I also am brand new. Come on aboard!!!!

 

They are not supposed to but I assume that as with any scheduling dept they may try that!

Our contract allows for Online reserve. They have used that on the 11 recently. With Online reserve you have a 6 hour sit time in the hotel, 1 hour to call back and 2 hours from initial call to pickup - your guarantee is 76hours.

I am not sure if you know what our other reserve type assignments are. They are a bit different from other airlines.

We have home reserve lines - these have an 8 hour sit time, 1 hour to call back, one hour out the door, 3 hours to airport 2 hours to check in for your flight (this from your home base airport) so 7 hours to departure from initial contact. This is a 76 hour guarantee and is generally the most senior of the reserves.

There are airport reserves with 6 hour sits, max 9 days and 80 hour guarantee (they don't seem to use this)

The most junior lines (what I can hold!) are open time lines. It is defined as a line with only 12 prescheduled days off but is not a reserve line (by our contract definition - but it is like reserve anywhere else!) You have 12 days off with at least one block of 6 days off - they are usually built with the first, last or middle 12 days of a month off with a few having the first and last 6 days of the month off. They can contact you at any time but you have 6 hours to respond and 16 hours from the first contact (it may be a telephone message) to the scheduled departure from your home airport.

As you can see sitting waiting for the telephone to ring at World is not as stressful as reserve would be at other airlines. At least on Open time I only have to check my answer machine every 5 or 6 hours, and it has been my experience that every time they have called they call my home number, leave a message and then call my cell and talk to me or leave a message - so really no stress at all.


As to 12 days off not being common, I wouldn't say that. A lot of lines are built with 12 days off. At the moment Open time Line holders and reserves are getting a lot more than 12 days at home ( at least on the DC10) but that may change at any time. I would say be prepared for 12 days off and then you can be happy to get more time at home.

 

Well said WordDC10.

Just want to add that on the MD-11 they have a heavier schedule right now due to the shortage of pilots here.

Also on the MD they use IRO's on flights over 12 hours and we have a few of them.

The DC10 SO position is used only for new hires that have limited Pilot experience. Don't ask me what the guidelines are for this. My suggestion would be to come interview.

As far as vacancy bids, we have a master bid form we use to determine who goes where as far as equipment and seat. 6 months ago everybody was going to the 10. Now it seems all new hires are going to the 11. The 747 isn't going to any new hires. I believe all seats are manned on the 744. We should be getting our first 744 anyday with one coming this summer also.

Trip trading is done (Not very common but it is possible), dropping days in a middle of a 14 day rotation???.... Don't kid yourself. This isn't scheduled airline service.

As for a copy of bidlines.... This just doesn't sit well with me.

If you really have more questions than that, just come interview for god sakes. It's not going to kill you.

 

MX442 and others,
Every current airline agreement can be found via the NMB web site: WWW.NMB.GOV, then under "Documents and forms" and then under "NMB Knowledge Store" just enter the airline in the search field.
Best regards

 

Thanks for the answers!

 

I thought that you had ruled out World due to the training contract.

I don't look at it as "taking the training and run". I am seeking employment at an AMCI carrier to gain experience as career progression. Specifically, I see a $48k training contract as higher than industry standard. If I had a near-future opportunity for further career progression, of course I would take it. Who wouldn't? But, I would be discriminated from moving on because my bank account does not have enough zeros. Obviously this answers most of my concerns and makes a case that it is not the right career fit for me. If this is their way of weeding out applicants, then they were successful.

I do not intend to insult anyone at these carriers. I want to keep my options open, yet be qualified for the most available employers. Of course hindsight is 20/20 and I'll wish I had taken the bird in hand if my career is stagnating 3 years from now. Don't get me wrong, I'm dying to do it. But I can't stomach the consequences.

 

...and you'll get free beer during the meet and greet.