Ok guys what's the scoop.

No restrictions: QOL, commuter, Int'l etc.

Which a/c is better.

Which training program's slogan is, to quote Albie, "No pilot left behind".

discuss..

 

Man, you're going to a lot of opinions on this topics. But in short, what seniority level would you be at on either A/C? Make sure you take a look at the lines close to your seniority. Do you like or want to fly any INTL? The MD-11 certainly has more of that to choose from. IMHO, the MD offers the full spectrum of trips from OB, day or night hub turns, to lots of INTL flying. The airbus to me seems like it mostly flies the same lines as the 27. All depends on what type of flying you want to do and what seniority level you would be at.

 

25% on the Airbus

20% on the MD-11

No QOL issues. Day flying ok but not mandatory. Don't care to fly 8 hours +. Like long layovers with good crews. Prefer one leggers. Quality of training dept. may persuade me one way or the other.

Really its just a matter of what a/c is nicer to fly. I guess you don't get to fly the MD-11 much as I see people put it on autopilot at 500' or so.

Not sure what they do in the Airbus.

Sometimes I hear RFOs and landings is an issue.

 

For variety of flying, the Mad Dog has it all over the Airbus. For guys who don't want to spend a lot of time in the books (after ground school), the Airbus has it all over the Mad Dog. The Airbus systems are ECAM driven, while the Mad Dog is Alert driven, so system problems are much easier in the Airbus, but that does assume that you can read english. The Airbus is a great plane, with the possible exception of the fact that it talks to you with a french accent. The Mad Dog is a manly mans aircraft. Guys who fly the Mad Dog have enormous watches and cruise clothing that would shock the bejesus out of you. The Airbus was bought as a Boeing replacement, and as such, does that type of flying, ie lots of multiple legs per duty period, while the Mad Dog is not used quite so vigorously. Mad Dog guys think of the Airbus as a two engine trainer. Hope this helps. Remember, bid what you want to fly.

 

???? I wouldn't let what others do influence your choice. Fly the MD as much as you want. No one has to turn on the a/p at 500'.

 

Come to Anchorage, we actually fly the jet.

The Maddog (out of Memphis) will have a ton of variety, whereas the Bus is mainly domestic, Boeing-type flying.

There's a bit of a contradiction in your <8 hr legs AND one leg days. The international stuff is long, but it is less likely you are going to turn. I personally think it's easier and if you have an RFO it isn't too bad. NOT to say that it's without pain sometimes, just like the hubturning.

Don't be a wuss, come to the MD!

 

Since you're senior to me - the Airbus absolutely stinks - it's really noisy, terrible schedules, every trip has at least 8 legs, only AM out and backs (4 legs) or hubturns to non-tower fields. Hotels only have a Denny's or Waffle House nearby. Most hotels don't have wifi or hight speed, and sometimes you have to share a room. Oh there's also rumors of putting the Airbus on mid-body pay which is less the the Boeing....

The MD has great trips, and they're putting a hot young flight attendants on board to make sure the crew is well fed. The catering is far superior to the Bus, all the flights are one leg, hotels are only 4 or 5 star, and all the restaurants give dinners to the crews. The MD gets priority for marshalers and stair crews, and you won't ever carry your overnight bag up the stairs.

 

It's all about seniority.

If you are senior to me the Madog blows, the bus kicks a$$.

Of course if you junior to me, it's the other way around!


I guess I was a little slow on the draw

 

Mostly true...well except for the dinner...it's just the wine that's free and it's only for MEM crews. You get nothing if you're based in ANC

 

Still LMAO at jetjok's and koz2000's posts!!

I am at a toss up for hot flight attendants or the french talking babe.. It is a girl right?

ANC is nice in the summer and I still like to fly the jet. Not having wi-fi at hotels is a deal breaker for me.

leaning towards the mad dog... junior mad doggers better beef up the airbus more or be more junior