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How long will the MD last in ANC?

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How long will the MD last in ANC?

Old 07-01-2014, 10:44 PM
  #1  
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Default How long will the MD last in ANC?

I am a new user here on the forum, hoping to get the skinny from the grassroots level.

I am FDX pilot returning from long term mil leave this winter and can hold the right seat of the MD in ANC or the 777 in MEM. I favor ANC but am unsure about how long I can hold a line before getting pushed to sit reserve from a crash pad. As a commuter to either domicile, sitting reserve in ANC sound more difficult/expensive. Re-training on a new airplane in the next 24 months doesn't sound so great either. I can hold a decent line in ANC for now, on the triple it looks like a secondary line only.

For that matter, would love any advice on those commuting from Bend OR to ANC. It is near the top of our list but seems remote. Thanks in advance for the perspective.
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Old 07-02-2014, 04:15 AM
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I elected to stay on MEM "B" Reserve several years longer than I absolutely had to. I know absolutely nothing about sitting Reserve in ANC ... in MEM I could expect DAYTIME MD-10 flying, mostly afternoon departures to mostly domestic destinations (with occasion "out 'n backs). I rather liked that


.
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Old 07-02-2014, 07:25 AM
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Skookum,

First of all, Welcome Back! Secondly, Thanks for your service. Thirdly (if there is such a word), the FedEx Express you left and the one you're coming back to are different companies, so be thoughtful about your decision. If I were you, I'd ease myself into the job, by bidding something you're sure you can make work. Perhaps Memphis is your best option (I can't believe I'm actually saying that), at least initially. Regardless, guys here should be able to bring you up to speed, and good luck with whatever you decide. Finally, welcome to APC, and always remember, it's not the color of your skin that counts, it's the thickness.
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Old 07-02-2014, 07:45 AM
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Welcome back! Couple of thoughts from a long time ANC guy:

Trend these days is single-line pairings. That means knocking out your month in 1 commute. With seniority you can mitigate that, but there are simply more SGL lines than those that allow for a week on/off schedule. Recent development. That works for commuters with older kids, but being gone 2 wks at one shot with small children is a thought worth pondering.

The Commute. Biggest drawback there is. As a west coaster it's slightly easier, but for most if you don't have at least 4-5 days off it's not worth it to go home. Not like MEM where you can zip home for a day. Less options, more drama, and more wear and tear involved. So you're gonna lose some days most months.

Int'l trips are good for those who like them. More 2-leg int'l days lately, which makes for a rough trip over a 2 wk span.

We won't talk sub-zero Winter's and 20 hr days of darkness. But summers are excellent!

Also, the rumors about ANC's demise have been out there for a couple years; who knows what will happen in the future. If somebody says they know, you might as well ask them for a stock tip, because that'll just be hot air too. Best of luck to you.
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Old 07-02-2014, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by skookum View Post
I am a new user here on the forum, hoping to get the skinny from the grassroots level.

I am FDX pilot returning from long term mil leave this winter and can hold the right seat of the MD in ANC or the 777 in MEM. I favor ANC but am unsure about how long I can hold a line before getting pushed to sit reserve from a crash pad. As a commuter to either domicile, sitting reserve in ANC sound more difficult/expensive. Re-training on a new airplane in the next 24 months doesn't sound so great either. I can hold a decent line in ANC for now, on the triple it looks like a secondary line only.

For that matter, would love any advice on those commuting from Bend OR to ANC. It is near the top of our list but seems remote. Thanks in advance for the perspective.
Take a look at the bid packs, take a look at commuting J/S's online & off (passrider.com- will show you almost all the offline pax carrier possibilities).

Stayed there 4 years, no car, no crashpad- Used B&B's where they come pick you up & drop you off. Left in 2010, so my experience is dated.

On 777 now, not much variety in the cities, mostly KIX, NRT, CDG, DBX, OVG, DEL, BOM, CGN, HKG. Mostly single line departures, but there is a growing amount of 4+/- day trips to the same places. Domestic is rare, as is open time trading opportunities.

IMHO, ANC will be around for a while, especially as the company gets KIX up to speed as a sort hub. Global & domestic economy seems to be strengthening just a bit or, businesses are restocking for fall/winter sales/production- Just my observation from loads, and business news.

Welcome back!
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Old 07-02-2014, 01:01 PM
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Thanks for the responses Jetjok, Meatlof and Olly.

I was LOL at your comments. Appreciated are the comments about the deployments. Not sure what to make of the different company, sounds like I should keep my mouth shut, lanyard on.

Any more insights are appreciated as well.

I am looking forward to the overwater legs and only having to fly. I need to do some math with the commute cost in terms of days.
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Old 07-02-2014, 01:03 PM
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I forgot MaydayMark, thanks as well.
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:13 AM
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Answer to the question: as long as the salmon run!

Hell, we're opening a domicile in IND for 60+ guys and you're worried about ANC closing? I'm not worried about it. What do we have in ANC? 300 crew?
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:52 AM
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I'm just a lowly regional guy, but the easiest answer to me would be this: move to ANC! Lots of really beautiful property in Eagle River, the Valley, etc.

Nothing beats going from your living room to the crew room in under an hour.
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Old 07-07-2014, 08:17 AM
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TallFlyer and Lightattack thanks too. The comments about the cost to kids and the stress of the commute are what I am trying to weigh.
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