Returning from leave
 

Quick QOL question. I'm returning from LOA and am wondering which NB ATL airframe will give me the best QOL and pay combined. I was a previous M88B so that option doesn't scare me and frankly I'm leaning that way to upgrade to CA on it more easily. Thoughts? ~11600 seniority
Phil

Where do you live?

Florida panhandle

You have decent choices on lots of equipment in ATL. I would go to the crew resources section on Deltanet and download the projected category list for next May. When you look at narrow body FO's check the number of CA's in the category to get a feel for how many new hires will be added between now and then. For pure quality of life MD88 is the best choice as it looks like you will have well over 500 guys junior to you. A320 FO could also be a choice for more money.
I also would not discount MD88 CA. Looks like enough guys below you to control your days off. You can drop a considerable number of days and still make what a FO would. Bid weekends off on reserve and snag a GS once a month and you are way ahead.

Is your name Lee Moak? Just checking, he's due back any minute.

Ok, so I chose the -88. Best seniority, hometown layovers and familiarity with the left seat a definite possibility in the near future. Anyone know how backed up -88 training is? I'm available 1 Oct...
Phil

Call crew resources. They will give you a idea of training dates. Make sure you give formal notice of your return to get back on the payroll.

This is good advice, it used to say (not sure if it still does) but if you returned from long term MLOA and gave 30+ days notice, you go on payroll when you want and they pay you until trained. If you give less than 30 days, they had the option of telling you when your class was out to 30 days, and your pay start date.

I have already sent them the formal return to work letter to both crew resources and RTW folks. I've also filled out the online form that one of the documents says to fill out. I think I have my bases covered, I just wondered what the training department looked like right now. I'm showing NQAT on my schedule which I assume is "Non Qual'd awaiting training". For my oct bid period I'm showing NQAT from 1 Oct to 31 Oct with no training date that I can find. Thanks to all for helping.
Phil

Phil,
A few years ago I came off long term MLOA and did the same as you WRT sending emails and filling out online forms. I did Indoc the 1st day I was available (5 days worth), then was paid for 6 weeks awaiting my training date.....took the family to France for 3 of them. Sometimes things work out in our favor, and I hope this works for you as well.