Maybe there are many captains that would take the job - problem is they are no longer going to be captains soon :mad:

I think about says it all! I would like to be a LCA but I have to go back to the right seat. I just don't get it anymore. :(

A little confused by the "facts" stated in this thread.

Can the pilot in question, theoretically, currently hold the Left Seat of the MD-11 based on his seniority?

No, I believe the thread was started with the assumption that this guys is a MD11FO and has not and currently can not hold CA. This is OK under the Flex/PCA section provided they are "qualified" as a CA.

At least that is my read.

CBA 11.
L. Line Check Airmen (LCA)
1. An LCA who checks and instructs Captains and/or First Officers
shall hold and be currently qualified in the Captain crew status
in the aircraft in which he performs his LCA duties.

M. Flex Instructors and Proficiency Check Airmen
1. A flex instructor/PCA who checks and instructs Captains and/
or First Officers shall be currently qualified as a Captain in the
aircraft on which he checks and instructs.
a. A flex instructor/PCA shall have a minimum of 300 hours in
the aircraft in which he performs his flex/PCA duties.

.........

we've had MD11 FOs working as Flex's for quite some time now (even at least one Purple Nugget)

don't know about working as PCA's........but the contract lumps Flex's and PCA's into the same category

this is all nothing new.

there was a posting FCIF out a couple of weeks ago (I believe) advertising for MD11 Capt & FO Flex's

I guess all you guys that are upset by this news probably applied and the FO in question was hired in front of you?

This is true for the 757 as well --- and the FO there is junior to the ANC Purple Nuggets.

Now what will happen to these junior folks since they've been excessed from those aircraft?

I'd imagine that can't be Flex's in those aircraft any longer, unless they are going to maintain a dual qual.

We are not talking about Flex's. This guy is going to be a PCA. He will give full on checkrides to everyone including captains which he included will be checked out as but NEVER fly the line as...It is like taking the brand new lieutenant co-pilot in your squadron and making him a standards checkpilot.

I'm not sure what the problem is here??? Is he a good instructor (shouldn't that be the criteria? I mean REALLY!). I've received LOTS of really good training from f/o flex instructors. I fact, at my last airline, ALL the "flex's" were f/o's ... and you know what? The training was MUCH better than here.


Regards ... Mark

I think you are missing the point. Not only does it subjugate crew positions, but it also is happening when dozens of guys are being pushed out of their captain positions. Bad policy that has nothing to do with how great the guy is or not. Why are we putting someone who can't come close to holding captain in the left seat "to stay current" and allow him to give checkrides while people with several years as a captain are being excess ed?

So while we are sitting here lambasting 3 very experinced F/O Flex Instructors who are getting a Captain upgrade course, as a bone, but will NOT FLY AS CAPTAINS (nor give LIne Checks or IOE), how many of you rock-throwers are soaking up all the MEM July DIsputed Pairings? This next contract is going to be a farce! Management is just laughing their A--- off as we implode while they rape us under 4a2b!