it's going up to 50 per month for a while.

Anyone have any idea how long it would take to get a 75/6 slot out of SLC? I also heard that the pay for the 737-700 will be less than the 800. How will that effect pay if one were to get on the 737? Will they have seperate 700 lines or will they have the trips all mixed together with some sort of blended rate? It would be nice to peek at those 700 rates if anyone has them.

Thanks so much for the info. Glad to hear there is at least a possibility for LAX or SLC sooner than later, which is where I really would like to go.

I think I read somewhere in a previous post, that SLC is a 737/MD-90 base. Anybody know for sure? Is there anywhere to find out which aircraft are based at what bases...other than someone telling me here, which is fine as well if anyone has the answers.

Posted this in another thread and nobody bit on it. Any takers here?

Is the ER the same as the 764 or 763ER or is it all the same category? If a new hire in say an Aug class that has the opportunity to possibly select the 76, is it for the ER or for the 75/76? Would this be a smart move or not? How long could one possibly sit on reserve before being able to bid a line? And, if you start in one aircraft and shift to another, do you automatically go back to reserve status in that platform, or is it all based on seniority? Lots of questions I know. I too am originally from Cincinnati and would like to get there someday. What is flying out of there these days. Is it a hard commute to ATL and NYC area from there? Long winded, so thanks in advance!!!:)

I'm not a Delta guy, but I'm 99% sure that there is a 75/6 domestic base in SLC. I know that there was a couple years back. Unless it changed after 9/11, I'm sure that there is a 75/6 base in SLC.

yes there is a SLC 75/767 domestic base. the 76er is a different category.

That's what I thought. Any idea on how long it may take someone to get into the 75/6 based in SLC?

How does delta assign what aircraft you will fly? I just got back from the interview and am curious.

• Seniority in class is based on last four numbers in your Social Security Number.
• Crew Resources / Planning briefs you on what is needed and what movement is anticipated.
• You make a request which is most likely awarded in seniority order.

I think this is done on, or around, day one of class.

I'm in the July 16th class, so I can't say from personal experience. These are the answers I've been given when I've asked others. Good luck to you. Day 2 is pretty straightforward.

Is there still any talk of Delta buying Jetblue?

New Hires get their AC/base assignment the first day. We got our assignments before lunch the first morning. They flashed the assignments on the board around mid-morning. You get around 30 minutes to let it sink in on a break and then you pick. After you pick, the crew resource dudes come in and show you how you can bid for a different AC or base. Then you go to lunch. If you are coming to Delta this summer, there will be a lot of choices. The second to last guy in the bottom of my class got a MD-88 to NYC on the first day and bid to the 76/75 ATL in the advanced entitlement last Friday and got it. LAX and SLC are not being given out on first assignments right now but this could change. You can bid there in the next advanced entitlement in August. Options are there!!!

G.Dude

So my question now is... how long did it take him to go from 88's to the 75/76? What exactly is advanced entitlement day? I'm trying to get to ATL but would like to fly big airplanes if possible from there. I realize beggars can't choosers but we can dream.

G. Dude......thanks for kicking this whole thread off! I've been following for a while and have finally been able to register and post a reply. I interviewed 2 weeks ago and am waiting to hear about a class date. Can't wait to get there! What are the odds of getting a 76ER to NYC if my last four are 87XX? Like Gladioslave said, "beggars can't be choosers"

I've got friends who interviewed a couple of weeks ago and are being put in the July 16th class. Is the next class after that going to be July 30th because that would technically be three classes in July. I think they are going every two weeks, but I'm not sure. Looks like the time frame from interview to class date is going to be around 4-6 weeks. I think with the movement going on you will be able to get to any base you want except CVG within a year. You will probably even be able to get the AC you want other than 75/6 in SLC and of course the 777.

Gladioslave,
To answer your questions:

It took the 2nd to last guy in class to get awarded the 76/75ATL in 5 days due to the advanced entitlement.

Advanced entitlement is a sort of "dream sheet" for the future.

Now, the dude that got the 76/75ATL may not go back to training until the end of the year. So he still has to go to NYC on the MD-88. He is from ATL so getting the biggest equipment he could and sitting on reserve makes sense to him. For me, I got the 88 to NYC also. However, I bid only to change bases to ATL on the MD-88 for a one hop commute vs. a 2 hop commute to NYC. Also, I should be able to hold a line by the end of the year (so I am told). So as a commuter, holding a line for QOL makes sense to me. With that being said, after a year of Delta flying I will take a look and see what I can bid on for bigger equipment in ATL. Remember, the pay is all the same the first year. So you need to decide do want QOL or sit reserve for a long time on bigger equipment. There is no right or wrong answer here. It is up to the individual person. Also, changing equipment after your first assignment is a 2 year lock, but changing bases on the same equipment does not have the seat lock. To give you a bit of info, the #1 dude in our class, a military dude, took a MD-88 to ATL, passing the 76/75ATL for a faster QOL. A dudette in the class, who got a 76/75ATL, bid for the 76ER in NYC, which she received. Now that is a 9 month lock for the ER in the 76 category.

Have I confused you? Yeah I am a military dude and I was confused the first couple days and then the light came on. Don't worry, the Delta folks will help you with strategy on getting what you want and explain everything. If you do want NYC, you could probably get anything you want on the next advanced entitilement if you don't get what you want in the first place. The next advanced entitlement is in August.

Hope this helps.

G.Dude

Blutarski,
The odds of you getting the 76ER to NYC as a first assignment might be slim (not to disappoint you). My last 4 are 75XX and I got the MD-88 to NYC. However, for the first time, some of the next classes should see some 76ERs as first assignments, which has never happened at Delta vs. the 76/75 (different category). Now you can bid it on the next advanced entitlement and probably get it if you are here by the end of the summer. Seniority is everything so you could be a "chooser" if you a get a class by the end of the summer. I think I did hear, today, that the classes were full through the July 16th class (not to be a downer). Now, I have heard there will be 25 per class (50 a month) for the rest of the summer. Delta is expanding internationally so fast that new hires are getting the opportunity to fly big iron. Once those vacancies are full, the later classes (toward the end of the year, IMO) will see only MD-88s. BTW, the 76ER NYC vacancies did not get filled in the last advanced entitlement so there is always a chance!!! I think there were 53 vacancies before the bid. So you may get a MD-88 but you could bid the 76ER and still get it if you get here soon. Please realize you will be on reserve for a couple years, but if that is what you want then go for it, Dude!

Good luck in getting what you want!

G.Dude

Any idea how much flying the reserve guys are getting on the 88, 738, and 75/76 ATL?? Are they filling up their 70 hr gaurantee?

G.Dude.....good stuff! I didn't realize the 76ER would be so long on reserve. Definitely something to consider. I live in NJ now and am from Long Island, so NYC makes the most sense to me. Do you know how it works with the "long calls" and "short calls" sitting reserve? JFK or LGA can take me anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 hrs, depending on traffic, but I have a lot of friends and family only 20 min from either so I could always crash there if needed.

Here's another question I posted on a military thread, but haven't heard anything:

Any thoughts on joining the Reserves vs. taking the VSP money and getting out all together? I have an offer from DAL and a reserve unit. I've been on the fence about whether or not to go with the reserve job or just take the VSP and concentrate on the airlines. Any inputs would be appreciated.

Sorry, for the huge post. I've just had so many questions I've been waiting to ask once I was able to register as a member.

For those in the know, any idea how long it would take a new hire to get CVG as a base? Could one get it within a year? What equipment would you want to bid so as to switch bases the easiest? Would it probably be on the 737? I know that this base has shrunk. Is there any more talk of it shrinking more?

Thanks

Reply to Blutarski
 

Blutarski,

First, congratulations on your pending employment offer at DAL.

Second, take the reserve job, too.

Question, did you mention the reserve job to anyone while in the interview? There are rumours of DAL not hiring military due to the fear of them being in the reserves and the time required away from Mother Delta.

You absolutely want to stay in the reserves. You will need it for the job security, and most importantly, the medical benefits when you retire. It will also give you security from layoffs which can happen unexpectedly.

You will have no problem getting anything you want in New York.

Best of Luck and welcome.

Remlap

Remlap,

Thanks. I never mentioned the possibility of the reserves, since no one ever asked about it. The things you mentioned: job security & Med benefits at 60 were the two biggest Pros for the reserves. The Cons would be 3 jobs: DAL, Office job, and maintaining C-17 currency (since I'd be attached to the flying Sq), and having to pay back the VSP $ if I retired with the reserves. Having that job security is huge though....tough to turn that down.

Thanks again,
Bluto

Remlap,
The reserve issue came up in my interview. I made it clear I would be in the reserve for at least another 8 years...I got hired. So, I do not think it is poison, just another aspect of you they are evaluating. A lot of the senior Delta guys (maybe even most) are prior military.

Thanks G. Dude for the info it does shed light on the topic. Also I got hired last week and I told DAL that I was a navy reserve guy also. I don't think it hurts.

Guard and Reserve
 

To everyone in the Guard and Reserves and considering joining, go for it. Just remember, Delta wants to know that they will take priority in your life, which makes sense. My class has six military folks including me. There are two Air Guard Dudes, a Naval Reserve Dude, a Marine Reserve Dude, an AF Reserve Dudette, and an AF Reserve Dude. There is one retired Marine, our "Old Man". Who is a great dude. The majority of the class are Regional folks. Everyone in the class is way cool. I have heard the next classes will be closer to a 50/50 split Mil vs. Civ. Before I accidently start a Mil vs Civ debate, I just want to say the Civ folks Delta is hiring are very sharp. The Civ folks in my class have been flying commercial and have a bit of a leg up on the corporate culture. They have been able to help this Dude with understanding the corporate stuff. With all the Delta folks that have talked to us in the past week, Delta is not looking for a Civ or Mil background, specifically. One of the interview Captains, who interviewed me, stopped by and talked to us. She said Delta is looking for folks that have critical thinking skills, a solid thought process, and decision making skills. Any pilot can get 1000PIC, eventually. They are looking for someone who can professionally represent Delta as a Captain, someday.

Getting back on track with the the Guard and Reserve question. I would suggest everyone in the G & R stay. Anyone coming off Active Duty should get in a G or R unit. If anything, it should be done for the retirement factor alone.

Well, my class is going down to the Pub. Gotta run!

G.Dude

So...

I guess nothing on a possible buyout like the papers have mentioned?

G Dude,
In the last week and half have they told you when your health insurance for your dependents kicked in? Was it day one or 30 days after you are hired or something else?:confused:

you are covered on day one. your family will be covered as soon as it can be processed. two weeks is probably as fast as that can happen. fax in all of your paperwork on day one. I know someone had it setup in one week.

Deez340 is correct about you being covered the first day. However, on one of the breaks yesterday I could have sworn that HR says your family is covered day one but it takes two weeks to get them in the system. I will try and clarify this tomorrow.

yea, i think we're sort of saying the same thing. your family is covered on day one but logistically they don't know who they are so it takes a little time to process their info. And i believe they have instructions if someone needs care before they physically have their cards in hand. At any rate, there is no official policy like at CAL were nobody's covered for 6 months or 30 days or anything like that.

Just got the call for the August 6th class. Can't wait to start! Anyone else in that class?

Blutarski,

When did you interview??

June 13th......

Blutarski that was fast...I interviewed the day after you. What are you trying to bid for?

GBU-24....congrats. I'm hoping for the 76ER out of NYC. How about you? You'll prob get your class date soon. I wouldn't be surprised it's 6 Aug.

Ditto on the plane.
My medical stuff is going through right now, so I'm a few days behind.

if thats what you want, then thats what you will probably get. Do you live in the NYC area? If not, you realize you will be commuting to reserve for the next few years. There is a reason the people already here are not taking these slots. However, if you want it, more power to you.

The cool-aid
 

Dude,
You are asking a loaded question among new hires and wannabes with Delta folks monitoring this site. It is not a bad question but... I think I can say this: we have been told there are NO active negotiations for buyout for anyone.

Delta is more concerned with getting pay back up to industry standard for all their employees. In fact, mangement has made a pledge that they will not take a salary raise until this happens. Delta is really sticking with the "take care of your people" attitude which goes back to the original owner's philosophy: "Take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers". Quite refreshing if you ask me. So, there will be no buyouts until the Delta employees recoop their pay cuts to at least industry standard starting with the non-pilot employees. Let's just say the Delta management team has a great plan to take care of Delta and their employees. With a little luck and hard work, Delta will be on top again in a few years if not sooner. I think Delta just got a #2 rating by JD Powers.

So that means, the baggage handler that took a pay cut will be able to recoop some of his/her pay cut soon. If the baggage handler is happy, the bags tend to get where they need to be on time; which in turn means customers are happy with Delta; which means they will continue to fly Delta; which means profitability goes up; which means the Pilots can recoop their pay cuts in 2009 for the contract renegotiation. After all that or while this is going on, they might look at a buyout of someone. At least this is the impression I get. If anyone out there wants to help rebuild a great company, you need to look at Delta, because Delta won't get anywhere without their people. Right now, there is a great core of people rebuilding this Legacy Carrier.

Wow, that was quite the novel. Granted, I just started but I do not regret my decision. I think Delta is here to stay. Obviously, time will tell, but the cool-aid I am drinking tastes pretty good right now!!!:D

G.Dude

Yeah, I live in NJ now. I'm originally from Long Island, and still have lots of friends and family only 20 min from both JFK and LGA. I know the reserve thing would suck, but would it really be a few years? I love international flying....it's what I've been doing for the last 9 years.

yes, I think realistically a new hire getting a 7ER could be on reserve 3-4 years. Every existing 88, 738 and 767 pilot is senior to you and each bid they will be coming in on top of you. I could be wrong, but I would say with almost 100% certainty you will be on reserve for 2+ years.

However, if you live in the NYC area, its no big deal. I don't think reserve is bad at all if you live in base. If you like international flying and live there, by all means go for it. International flying at Delta is like a whole different airline. You'll love it!