I looked around for this info, but couldn't find it - I'm wondering what planes are in what bases - I can pick up some of it from this thread, ie, 767ER is in JFK and ATL, but is a list someone can point me to of what the potential choices after I get hired (I've got a conditional offer at the moment)? I know that new hires get a limited choice, but I'm talking after that.

Second, say that I get/pick MD-88/LGA as a new hire. Is it easier to eventually move to the MD-88 in CVG because I'm already on the airplane than if I was on another airplane (say 767ER)?

Just want to say that it looks like a great time to get on with Delta - I hope the doc doesn't say I'm crazy.. ;-)

Here are the bases best I can figure.

M88 – ATL/CVG/NYC/SLC
73N – ATL/(CVG & LAX, coming soon)/NYC/SLC
767 – ATL/CVG/LAX/SLC
7ER – ATL/NYC (LAX coming)
765 – ATL/(LAX for now)
777 – ATL/(NYC coming)

When you are awarded an airplane in an advance entitlement there is a 6 month conversion window. Your replacement has to be trained up and ready to hit the line before you get released to your new assignment. Sometimes Delta coverts you right away, some times it takes 6 months.

With the growth coming in CVG, you should be in good shape for getting that base.

To first answer your question: CVG is CRAZY senior...so just remember that, however if you are looking to get there the 88 is the only way you will get there.

DAL's current pilot basing is the following:

ATL: everything
CVG: 757/767 domestic, MD88
NYC: 767ER, 737, MD88
SLC: 73N, MD88/90
LAX: 767-400, 757/767 domestic

We will be shuffling some of the aircraft mix in our current bases next year, but this will be transparent as a newhire to you if you start soon.

good luck.

Thanks - this is great information, especially with the coming changes.

Also, to add to that, getting the M88 out of NYC won't increase your chances of getting to CVG. When you are senior enough to hold CVG/M88, you can bid it, and it doesn't matter what equipment you're currently on as far as your chances of getting it. Your seniority number is all that matters.

That having been said, if you start out on something else and bid over to the M88, you'll incur a 2-year aircraft freeze. That shouldn't really matter to you, since it'll probably be 2 years before you're senior enough to hold another airframe in CVG anyway. You'll also have to spend another month training on the 88 instead of flying the line. Those are the only real considerations--your chances of getting the bid are independent of what you are currently on.

However, remember that the music could stop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Before DAL started hiring this year, the guys at the bottom had been there since 2002 or so. Some of them were probably west coast guys who bid NYC/M88 thinking it was the easiest path to SLC. Those guys ended up flying the shuttle on reserve for 5 years. My point is to always want what you bid, because you might be stuck with it for awhile. If you think you'll be happier flying the shuttle than the 7ER to Europe, then bid that--the first year pay is the same for all airframes--but remember that there is always the possibility that will be your life for a few years.

Anyone have the interview next week?

There are pilots hired in mid July 07 who held CVG on the MD88 on the Sept 07 advance entitlement. Looks to me that with the base growing in the 737 category (and possibly the MD90) that the window of opportunity for CVG is open at the moment. Crew planning seems to be telling pilots that they will keep the ATL base staffed about the same on the 737 and go a little fat on reserves until the fleet catches back up in fall of 08. That would mean new 737 openings in CVG. I have not heard any of the MD88 pilots there talking about bidding over to the 737. A few have mentioned going to NY for the 777.

You are right that things could change, but all available hard information looks good for CVG. About time - nice place.

SLC also has a 757/767 domestic base.

thanks, missed that.

When it comes out, could someone please post the drop for class that starts on 10/29.

Thanks,
BFS