DEC questions
 

I have a CJO from Endeavor and some other regionals for DEC positions. I wanted to know what the typically schedule will look like for a new DEC. I would commuting out of Milwaukee or Chicago. Are you able to commute in on your day of reserve? Is that a lot of jr manning etc? How many days off are your realistically getting and credit hours? Being assigned JFK or LGA? Is there a possibility of getting DTW within a year? Thank you all for your help!

If you’re experienced enough for a DEC at a regional why not just go to Spirit and you won’t have to end up commuting at all?

Why in the world would you come here as DEC? You will be short call reserve for possibly years as the flood of FOs hired post Covid and decide to stay for the flow and upgrade. You will be stuck in NY, which is both JFK and LGA, and assigned either at any time. It’s going to be 12 days off a month for the foreseeable future for you, but on the bright side you will probably get flown a ton.

There is no chance of getting DTW in a year. Even CVG, which used to be the second most junior base, is beginning to go senior as every captain that can bids out of NY and it’s constant IROPs.

Especially if you’re commuting from Chicago/Milwaukee I don’t know why you’d come here.

Guys- Why so negative? Use the time to be helpful and answer his questions. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to work where they choose. Information can help make that an informed decision.

1. DEC will be R to start. In NYC, some of the DEC's are making their way towards lines. Most DEC's fly most reserve periods anyway. You will have 12 days off.
2. You will start with likely being on the earliest contact period. Therefore, you will commute the night before to be available in the morning. Often, you will know in advance of your commute what your trip assignment is. MANY trips end with a DH as a R captain. The advantage of this is you can exercise what is called Alternate DH and go home directly from where you end, vs being returned to base and this will be a positive space seat.
3. There is almost no JR manning like the old days. The work rules are so much better than years past. No one I know has been JM'd even in the heavy summer schedule.
4. Most DEC's this summer are making OT credit above 75 hr base pay. If you happen to work into a day off, there are a couple ways you are compensated for that.
5. JFK and LGA are a common base.
6. There is enough attrition and flow out of the company to DAL and elsewhere that there is constant progress towards your domicile goals. Yes, you will commute to start. IT is not forever.
7. Endeavor is a great company with great people. The training department is phenomenal with an attitude of "find success". They want you to succeed and work to make it happen.
8. The ALPA contract is excellent. Great pay and work rules and exceeds the industry (FFD carriers)in most areas.
9. Do what is best for you- but you won't lose with Endeavor, that is certain.

Feel free to contact me via PM for more information.

Good luck.

With your experience just go to United or Southwest so you can be in Chicago . 9E is a sinking ship and Delta doesn’t seem to care if people leave . No matter how senior or junior one is , scheduling destroys line holders’ schedules on a daily basis with no reroute pay or repercussions . Also no profit sharing or 17 percent 401K contributions with no seniority for mainline while flying Delta metal and passengers. You will be banished to NY reserve for awhile .Good luck and Godspeed.

Thank you everyone for the information. I took a voluntary furlough during covid and ended up resigning due to family reasons from another regional. So I have not flown since covid. While commuting to NYC is not desirable, many of the others with bases in MKE and ORD, it is difficult to hold as a DEC. At least with NYC there are numerous flights a day.

How long is the flow projected at the moment for DEC? I have heard many numbers, just wanted to see if anyone had something updated for DECs? With being as short as 9E is on captains, how often would I have to end up getting a room during a reserve block? Are you typically built a trip since so short? Thanks!

Hard to say on flow. Of course the minimum is 24 months, but if you think that will happen… it won’t. The last of the original flow pilots needs to be given the option to do so before any of the pilots under the CAP program will flow. And the last flow pilot likely has more than 24 months still. Then, every CA senior to you that has 24 months as a CA will also flow before you. While I don’t know those numbers, I would guess it’s a least 100-200 at this point. That’s another 5-10 months. So best case, probably 3 years. However, during that 3 years, you will likely be on Reserve the majority of it as every current FO passes you when they upgrade.

As for reserve trips, right now CAs are getting used and abused. You will many times know your trip before you even begin a reserve stretch. It may only be 1 or 2 legs, but it will
likely grow from there to take up your entire stretch.

My advice, go to a ULCC if you can. Even with the gap in flying, I bet you’d be competitive. If you can’t go to one of those, decide what legacy carrier you want and go to the other ones WO. So if you want AA or UAL, come here. But if you want DL, go anywhere else. You’ll probably be able to get current flying again, and be hired at a major within months. Don’t wait on the flow in your position.

Yes , but if the brochure says in as little as 24 months then it must be true 🤣🤣

Question about delta DEC program. They keep advertising 24 months to advance to Delta. Is it really truly two years of service and you go to Delta with no catch? Simply join as Dec, wait two years, and flow?

Whats the catch.
.

You are ELIGIBLE to go to Delta after 24 months. That's the catch. The reality is you have to wait your turn in line behind everyone else on property. That's the kicker.


Keep in mind late 2016 hires are now the ones showing up to Indoc at Delta at the moment. You won't be cutting the line. And no you will not be flowing in 2 years. Plan on 6-7 years.