Using Fastbid for INTL lines
 

I thought about just adding this to the discussion on a previous topic but it seems to be wandering off topic. :rolleyes: I've tried Fastbid, payed my dues, and tried organizing MD11 intl lines for bidding. I find the program weighted toward dom flying (line purity, night vs day, O&B's, ect). To me it doesn't seem to help organise my desires for intl type bidding. Does anyone else concur. The whole filter than sort thing, I understand but could use some "helpful tips" to use effectively. Tony (or someone smarter than Tony, who uses Fastbid), can anyone share a few user tips for bidding intl with this program?? :eek:

Don,
It's true that Fedex was a very different airline 10+ years ago when i first started it. Also true that i haven't changed much in the way of the basic sorts and filters. I do think it can be useful by using the min departures in combination with min dp's / ldgs (ie good intl trip). That's pretty much what i use it for. Could also use the block hour filter to exclude the over 12 hour trips if you so desire.

You could also select lines with particular cities - I usually started with SYD when I was an FO, and back when they were bumping both seats for training I'd start with ALA (bumped from 3 12-14 day trips in 9 months :) ).

I filter by city. It quickly seperates the wheat from the chaff. And I can eliminate any trips to Europe. Like it once I'm on the ground, hate getting there. It's way too much work.

On a side note, has anyone had trouble downloading the Dec bidpack using FastBid? When I try to do it the only bidpacks that show available for download are the B-727 and the DC-10.

Okay, first go back and read your FCIFs, next read the the VIPS Notification, then read the ALPA message line, and then reread this whole thread. When done, you can delete you post! ;)

This thread: FDX Airbus and MD-11 Dec Bidpack Snafus


:)



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Uh, yea, that one! :o

Helpful suggestions
 

Thanks for the input. I have tried the city discriminator with some success and the best function was when I had vac and used the sub menus related to slide and expand. I don't mind good Europe lines and don't avoid either direction (East or West). My tastes for whats good is like (some peoples) definition of pornography, what I like I know when I see it, but can't always put a finger on what it is. :confused:
I wish the program could sort out the DH's, both front and back end (with some way to organize preferences) and allow some way of indicating approval or disapproval for short layovers, long duty days, multi leg duty days, night turns in the Pac (SFS hub turn :mad: ) and some other trip irritants. Not being a programmer, I don't know how difficult it would be to add some or all these discriminators, but since I'm doing it manually, I figure some improvements could be added that would increase the utility of this program for intl bidders.
Just my $0.02.

Ya, it kind of helps to know what you're talking about before you start "counselling" people.

Thanks for the simple answer to a simple question.

No problem.


The first part of his post was spot on, even though it was delivered with tongue firmly planted in cheek. The problem with the bidpacks was explained in Company FCIFs, and referenced in ALPA communications. This is a great place for entertainment, and to swap ideas, but it really shouldn't be our first source of news.



Good luck with the bidding!!! :)




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Agreed. But the FCIFs and other company stuff didn't specifically address FastBid. I didn't read the other thread so I missed the fact that it wouldn't download the DEC bidpacks for the 11 and Bus.

I don't have the seniority to be lucky. After way too long I can finally hold reserve pretty regularly. But I've been married for 30 years. That teaches you to take what you can get. Which ain't much.

Fair enough. I figured that out when they said only the PDF version would be available for download, but I guess that's not as obvious a clue.



I guess that puts us in pretty much the same boat. I'm trying to decide which RA line I'd prefer. :)





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I knew what I was talking about, just not WHERE? ;)

Just curious niteFly84, how many pilots are signed up for Fastbid, if you don't mind answering? It's a great program. Unfortunately when I upgrade to the left seat in March I won't need it much for awhile. 35 from the bottom :eek:

Have you guys looked at the MD-11 bidpacks yet? You better get started early reviewing lines for your Dec bid input. The line display does not have any descriptive info such as deadheads or flight numbers. It is very hard to tell what a line does by looking at the line display and it is equally hard to find the correct pairing in the pairing part of the bid pack. Have fun and good luck.

Sean,
About 1500 or so, not counting shared crashpad usage.
I have created a fix that allows Fastbid to work for december in Calendar View only... the Normal view (that is pulled directly out of the file) is still totally messed up but calendar view is fine and totally workable. I have informed the SIG who will have to lobby mgt to get the files posted.