Can I get some thoughts on strategy for picking aircraft during Indoc? I live in NorCal, so my goal is to eventually be SLC, LAX or SEA based as quick as possible. In the meantime, I realize I will start in JFK or ATL, so I want to try to move my base closer to the west coast to help ease the commute. I would think a MSP or a DTW commute would be better than East Coast. Based on the above I'm thinking a 737 or 320 would be my best pick with the 320 edging the 73 out because of having more choices of base. Thoughts on that plan and how those two would compare for how quickly I would reach my West Coast goal? In the same situation would you consider a 717 and bet on a west coast base within a couple years?

What are the holes in the above plan? Let's assume I'm not willing to move anytime soon. I have a very high last 4 so I should get choice of aircraft if it's on the board.

 

Congrats and Welcome Aboard, Shady!

I commuted from SMF to DFW and SLC for my first 2 yrs at DL..but that was as a FE on the 727. SMF is a tough commute and I eventually bit the bullet and moved to SLC. I would recommend ATL 88 to gain seniority as fast as possible as new hires come in behind you..giving you the best chance to bid a line...and you may be able to get out to MSP88 in your first year. Commuting to reserve SUX..especially NYC since you have to cover 3 airports..avoid NYC if possible. Acft type really won't matter as much on first year pay and the 320/73N will always be senior to the 88 and therefore your time on reserve will be longer.

My other suggestion would be DTW 73N. SLC and SEA are very senior and until the expected expansion materializes out west it will be tough to get either one. LAX not so much due to the high cost of living, so the 73N may be a player if guys move up to any heavy metal in SEA. The commute would be pretty easy down to SoCal, but you'd have to cover LAX/SNA/ONT while on reserve. The 73N would keep you from having to go to training again if LAX opened up.

Anyway..it's a tough call, but glad you're in a position to have to decide!

 

Have you done anything different besides flying the line? Anything to show leadership and breadth of experience? Anything that would make you different than the other 8000 qualified guys in the computer? What makes you more attractive than the rest...(if you're a guy, don't reply with obvious retort)?

There's a reason for the application questions about experience as a Chief Pilot, Dir of Ops, sim instructor, LCA, SEFE/NATOPS, IP, etc.

 

Thanks for the insight CG! Glad to be aboard

 

This information is subject to change.

June and July classes will be running 50 new hires per class.

Info from the new hire guru.... I asked as I was walking out the door today... I say cool!

 

How many classes per month under the 50/class status?

 

Version 6.9b of the perpetual new-hire-that-just-got-a-class-date question.

What are your thoughts on best choices of the standard new-hire jet/domicile options for a pilot who will be chasing QOL vs. paycheck, living near BOS and MHT?

Looks like the current offerings are, in order of #s: MD88, 717, 73N, A320, 76ER.

 

QOL (as in holding a line sooner?) -- > NYC 88
QOL (as in cockpit comfort?) --> NYC 320
QOL (as in fewest legs/day?) -- > NYC 737

Pay after year one? -- > 737, 320, 88.

I'd say DTW would be a distant 2nd. Hard to beat the shuttle for commuting.

You could also drive down to CT and sit shortcall in a cheaper hotel than NYC.

 

Thanks.

At this hiring rate, ability to hold a line should probably be PDQ in any junior seat. So QOL for me would probably be (in order):

- Fewest days on road
- Commutable trips without needing to be a redeye vampire
- Cockpit comfort (I'm currently flying the bus, but I'd give up the foot pegs for a couple days more at home)

 

Is that 60 days cumulative throughout probation or anytime you do 60 days in a row?