DC8 Driver

We've been hearing allot of rumors out on the line that Southern Air has not been showing up to cover some of their regularly scheduled flying in the DHL system and are close to going bankrupt and getting ready to close their doors.

Any Southern guys that can chime in? purpose of this post isn't to gossip. If any of this is true, Atlas is desperate for pilots right now and would trip over themselves to get you on the property.

flyboyfly

I am an Atlas pilot and would love Southern pilots here but, the truth is that there Florida West division is making money and set to grow.

skychef

Based on conversations I've had with SA jumpseaters, it seems that attrition is really bad and classes are going unfilled, especially on the 737. Most of the jumpseaters I've talked to seem to be running for the exits as they do not have confidence in the financial stability of the airline and are looking for a job with better work rules, pay and long term job security.

I have heard some Atlas pilots mention a high number of interviews being given to SA pilots due to the similarity of experience in both long haul flying and hub turns for DHL.

Birdstrikes

Just a pilot rumor!

Although training costs are way over budget due to attrition (especially on the 737) everything else is on track. Southern just put their 5th 777 online last month so there is that additional revenue stream along with 2 more 737's arriving after the first of the year. Everything else is situation normal.

robthree

I doubt it. As said above, attrition is massive. One 737 was parked for a month due to lack of crews. They ramped up hiring to meet the demand, but training can't keep up. I finished the type ride in August and wasn't scheduled to start IOE until late October. My sim partner finished his IOE, but can't get a FAA ride to complete his training for another month or so.

Despite that, they did find crews for the parked 4th aircraft, and added a 5th 737 and a 5th 777.

One other thing to keep in mind is Southern has zero spare aircraft. Any MX snafu and they miss that day's flying. I've heard there is a clause in the SAI-DHL contract that basically absolves SAI from meeting performance goals for the 737 for the first X years. So if they don't fly as scheduled, even if it happens a lot, its not a very big deal contract-wise.

Birdstrikes

There will be ongoing hiring into the 737 due to growth and attrition. If you meet the minimums you'll probably be an off-the street-captain on the 737. As Rob explained though, expect a lengthy sit between training events. There will also be a new hire class for the 777 in January for anybody interested. Training is less backed up on the triple side of the house.

KLIT

Is there a choice of equipment when hired, or are you placed where they need you? I promise I don't have airplane envy, just would be interested in the home basing the 777 offers.

Thanks!

DC8 Driver

I apologize if I'm sticking my nose where it doesn't belong; but, I just have to ask. Why would a guy go to Southern, even as a street captain, when they can just walk next door and go to Atlas? I was looking at the rates, crt, work rules ect and the math just doesn't make sense to me.

It's not really the same argument as asking a guy at Atlas why He's not leaving for Fed Ex, Delta ect.. there's allot of us that are trying that route and it's still pretty difficult to get an interview there.. This is a different argument because, right now, Atlas is hiring anyone who meets their requirements and has a pulse.

The guys at the schoolhouse are saying they were told they want 2000 pilots by next year.

METO Guido

Home is where you make it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwbUCI9bEvA

HercDriver130

I will have to call at least partial BS on this.. I know of MANY K4 TYPED -400 pilots who have submitted resumes.... some have done the online assessment... only 4 have been called for an interview.... I hardly think thats "anyone who meets requirements and has a pulse".... YMMV