Not everybody reads the latest and greatest, so I thought this needed its own tag.
I know not everyone wants to be in New York City but I find it awesome that MD-88 Captain just became 1 year and 5 months. That's quicker than a lot of regionals.

 

So let me get this straight: you could be hired into a 737 at Delta a year and five months ago, then upgrade to CA in a MD-88?

First off, that's very quick.

Second, if this came out in the press, do you think there will be some sort of backlash by the public in regards to safety? I do not think I would want to fly with a CA in that position, nor would I want to be a CA in that position. If my wife was a FA at Delta, I do not think I'd be comfortable with that either.

But, all that being said, I'm sure there's some sort of restriction on when you can upgrade.

 

Seriously? I'm sure he's got plenty of flying experience PRIOR to DAL. He (She) has to pass the training and IOE. Delta isn't releasing anyone to the line who is unsafe.

GMAFB. Congrats to the guy/gal who had the stones to bid the position.

 

So regional FOs that that upgrade to regional Captains in 18 months are OK, but since it's at Delta.....? Is that your point?

Maybe there should be a regulation that requires a pilot to have a minimum of 1,000 flight hours as a co-pilot in air carrier operations prior to serving as a captain for a U.S. airline.

Just spitballing here!

 

So, your saying that pilots should go to Delta to build PIC time before applying to a real airline?

 

If he's not up to snuff he won't pass training and get signed off.

Now there were pilots doing this quick upgrade on the 737-200 back in the day and they didn't crash. When I was hired at Coex it was a 6 month upgrade to Captain, and we had 23 year old guys doing this, flying some pretty crappy E120s that were more cantankerous than any 88 I've ever flown.

Depending on the pilot the quick upgrade might be pretty easy.

FWIW, there are long time FOs at this company that get bounced out of upgrades because they're not ready despite years and years of operating here.

 

Last I paid attention, lots of new hires with 8000-ish hours and a bunch of RJ captain time or LLC/low tier cargo or other no-nonsense experience. Military somewhat less hours, but a more thorough vetting process there. While more years at DL might be better, the current state of affairs is not cause for concern by itself. The check out is no gift. It would be hard to slip through the system with questionable ability. Lots of people like me that value QOL, sitting in the right seat. The quick upgrade opportunity is sort of a no-brainer for a new guy, especially if he's single and perhaps actually wants to be in NYC. I would have given the chance.

 

Why yes......yes it is. :-)

 

No, I'm saying that an MD-88 is not the same kind of plane as the one that someone has possibly flown before, i.e. A regional jet or 737 for example. In the even of an emergency, do I really want someone who has pretty much been on reserve for most of their new career at Delta, someone who has had possibly one PC prior to upgrade and then move into the left seat of an entirely new aircraft? And, you're going to rely on training and IOE to "season" someone enough to become a CA?

Let's imagine this CA, who has been on property for a year and a half with a month or two experience in the MD-88 has an incident, heaven forbid. The class action lawsuit that would result from this would be unimaginable. Then, just imagine Congress' response. The risk management alone is making my head hurt.

Seriously Packrat, I'm really starting to question if you're actually a pilot or just a groupie.

 

Thank you.