Makes sense that we would not hire. We are only staffing two 777 out of the six. There is no need for 150 bodies if we are not going to realize a gain of these other four a/c. Each mans 32 pilots each.

I am logging in to see if these are the correct number or someone is pulling our leg

To: All Pilots
Date: November 20, 2008
Re: November 20, 2008 Advance Entitlement Bid Posting Recap
The November, 2008 Advance Entitlement Bid is the first of two planned bids to fund the proposed
2009 Network block hour plan. The following are the key points for this bid:
• This Advance Entitlement bid will fund the planned international growth that will continue into
the summer of 2009 and allow us to make adjustments in some categories due to changes in
year-over-year staffing hours.
• Since the end of summer 2008, the domestic 757/767 fleet has been reduced which equates
to less block hours. This will result in not backfilling some or all of the positions that are
vacated as pilots are awarded other positions.
• We have seen a very good improvement in our system credit percentages on the 73N as a
result of the re-basing initiative we began earlier this year. This reduction in hours, along with
delays in the delivery of some of our 737-700s, has led to higher staffing levels than originally
planned in some of the 73N categories. This will result in not backfilling some or all of the 73N
captain categories that are vacated as pilots are awarded other positions.
• Due to the shift in domestic 757/767 departures out of CVG, the decision has been made to
close the CVG 767 categories and open CVG 7ER categories effective January 1, 2009. The
planned flying for these categories will be a mix of domestic and international flying.
• The 767-400 peak pilot block hours will be down year-over-year and this will result in not
backfilling some of the 765 positions that are vacated as pilots are awarded other positions.
• The ATL 777 Captain and First Officer positions will complete the funding of the six 777LRs
that are scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2009.
• As with any Advance Entitlement posting, the Company may decide during the bid award to
not award all of the posted vacancies.
• The projected training start from this bid will be January 2009 with all conversions being
completed by June 2009.
• The next bid is planned for the first quarter of 2009.
A couple of contractual items to consider for this bid include:
• 22 A.14.: “New or reestablished category” means, for the purposes of Section 22, a category
that has not been in existence for 60 days since the date of the first opportunity for the first
conversion.
o CVG 7ER – new category status ends March 2, 2009
• 22 E.2.: A pilot who has commenced training pursuant to an AE, VD or MD, but has not yet
been converted to his new category, will not be required to fly in his current category.
Exception one: This provision will not apply until the 181st day following the in-service date of
a new aircraft type, or until the 91st day following the first date of a new or reestablished
category.
o CVG 7ER – could fly in old category after training until April 1, 2009
We will continue to communicate any updates in the fleet and network plans as we continue to
position ourselves for a successful future.

Not sure I understand. If they're staffing for additional 777s, why would that mean more displacements?

I'm just trying to make sense of what this all means. And as a junior NYC7ERB, can I assume I'm relatively safe in my category?

Found it. It's on iCrew, not on DeltaNet yet.

Kind of new at this, but for those FO's taking 777 spots, do those positions get back filled automatically, or does that happen on another bid?

What does the verbiage about the 73N mean? This is the first AE I've been on property for.

It means there are too many of you, and guess what. They will not backfill. It does not show displacement yet...

Can someone please interpret this information for a DAL newbie?

I understand that there are 42 Captain and 34 FO positions open on the 777 in ATL... But where do these people come from? Meaning: Do we need to then hire 76 more pilots to fill their old slots? Or are they shrinking other positions by a total of 76 positions, and we have yet to find out which ones?

I also understand that effectively, there are 3 additional Captain 7ER positions available in CVG. Basically, they're converting the 765 base into an ER base. But what I don't understand, is where will those aircraft come from? (I'm on the Mad Dog and have no clue about the 767.) Will the aircraft be converted into ERs? Will the ERs come from another base and 765s moved into their place?

Also, when do we find out whether or not they will backfill?

Thanks for your help... This is my first AE... Not used to this sort of system of bidding. :)

It means that we are over staffed, and the 777 growth will not necessarily precipitate a move up award to the seat these guys vacated. It is the nice way to shrink a category.

I read this as, DAL does is hoping that when they have to make the call on the second AE (which they planned on not having) the economy will show some positive direction. This way allows the company a few more months to sort things out before the put all of their cards on one version of economic modeling.

Also, I am sure that with the additional flying and lack of pull down there will be flying for the CVG base. Really it is only about 10 a/c worth.
They may pull down NYC and ATL a little bit in the second bid.