Superdad

I don't normally like to repeat rumors but I heard the other day that Delta will be eliminating the separate categories on the 75/76 fleet. No more strictly domestic or international. Word is this will happen post SOC. Any truth to this? Is there anything thing in the CBA that requires them to have a separate category?

Tomcat

I don't know of specific dates, but from what I've heard, this is the general direction the fleet is moving. There had been talk about converting most of what's left of the LAX 767 category, but I believe this may have been slid due to some other factors (DH'ing CVG ER guys around the system). I'm sure they will continue to convert the category, but may not do it all in this next bid. My information comes from a discussion with the CP over a month ago. Could be a little "stale".

As ACL has said many times along the way, plans seem to change rapidly. We could all complain about this, but I actually see this as a positive. I don't see our management team as being reactionary, but more as insuring that we are best positioned for recovery. When the starter gun sounds, I want us to be first out of the blocks.....

acl65pilot

That is the plan. There has been no time frame given, but yes, it is my understanding that we will go to a combined 767, 7ER category. I am sure that ATL will be the last 767 category standing.
Two years ago it was said that they were slowly moving toward a single group and that it would take about three years. Well, it appears that they have made that decision. Wait and see what they actually commit to on the Surplus Award that will be out in two to three weeks.
IMHO you will see a lot of 767 slots go away, and some ER slots, but the majority of it will be domestic. Look at the ER bid package. Since when have the been flying that much domestic time in the summer. The evidence is right before your eyes.
Also from a cost perspective, it is easier to displace 767 pilots than ER pilots.

Burn Notice

A NYC ER friend said the rumors he is hearing up there is upwards of 150 slots and some gate swappage in exchange for survival cash for LCC. It may be a brave new world, but, I think, we as an industry are ultimately doomed to repeat history, ala Pan Am/TWA piecemealing themselves off. But, as always, we'll see what really happens down the road and respond with an "oh @&it" or disinterested "whatever".

Doug Masters

ACL, do you see us someday moving the -400s into the combined -ER category?

Burn Notice

Don't mean to jump in ahead of ACL, but as a -400 driver, I hope not. Potential pay cut, how many times can I tune the VOR when I want to change the range on my nav display an d finally what are those little plastic thingies on the airspeed indicator??

RightSideNov

And thank you for all your comments!

Well that's fair enough. Thanks for all the links. I'll defiantly take a look at those and add them to my link section.

acl65pilot

The only way we will do that, is if the board approves the 767/757 retrofit of the displays. I know there is working being done on presenting to the board a flat panel display mod. It does have a ROI of two years so it is a good bet that they get this approved. It is actually fairly cheap, and the Next Gen Airspace initiative requires a lot of it to be done.
I am not sure when they will go to the board for approval. CAL flies their 764's in the same category so I can see us doing it too. It really comes down to what the union would agree to once these mods are made.
At CAL they still have the "classic" displays, but also have the speed and alt tape on the PFD.

acl65pilot

Em plastic thingies are little tooth picks. Or as they say in Bama, Teeth picks.

iceman49

When you talk about the MAT are you referring to the Marine Air Terminal? Thx