tdotflyer

I saw an updated training timeline hasnt been posted in quite some time, most of the recent questions have been on interview/class date timelines so,

What is the general training footprint at Envoy, what does the training conist of, etc.?

Also, any tips for the best way to approach training or advice on how to get through it successfully (specifically for a no turbine time, CFI, IFR proficient).

Thanks

Ravenwing

First comes Orientation where they put you on the payroll and give you a study guide. You go home and work on memorizing limitations and memory items and are sent to a week of Indoc after about 5 days to 5 weeks depending on class seniority and how backed up the training department is. After Indoc, you might have another break--it was one week for me a year ago--but they will minimize any breaks in training after that.

There are two days of SPC ground training (emergency training), then you get 5 days to complete CBTs (Computer Based Training modules), then 3 days of Systems, a day in the FMS lab, and a day of CPT prep and the KV (Knowledge Validation test). Then comes 8 four hour CPTs (Cockpit Procedures Training) with a training partner and instructor in a stationary sim, followed by the PV (Procedures Validation) and an observation ride (two legs in the jump seat of an Envoy plane). Captain candidates get a couple more days of ground while FOs get up to a week off. Next comes 8 sessions in a full motion simulator followed by the MV (Maneuvers Validation) and LOE (Line Oriented Experience). Then you get 3 days off before starting IOE (Initial Operating Experience) with a training captain in the airplane. FOs are generally scheduled for 25 hours of IOE and DECs for 50 hours of IOE but they will give you more if you need it. Indoc to the end of sim training generally takes about 2 months.

My advice is to practice flows and callouts with a partner in the study room in the hotel in front of a cockpit poster until you have them down cold. When you get a sim partner, work with them as much as possible. Hopefully you get a good partner, but part of the job is being able to work with anyone whether you like them or not. Even if you learn the flows and callouts quickly, practice as much as your partner needs because it will make it easier to succeed in the simulator if your partner also knows them well. It's very possible to succeed while your partner fails out--they will separate you eventually--but it's much more pleasant to work together, help each other, and succeed together.

liquefaction

Begins with orientation - half day event, you learn about the company, training, pay, etc. and put on payroll. You also get some study materials and I highly recommend to start memorizing flows, profiles, memory items, and limitations. At the end of orientation, they will typically announce the first indoc group. This is based on seniority (Cadets > DECs > FOs).

Indoc is a week - you bid for base/equipment, you get your badge, EFB, company materials, etc. You spend the week going over the FOM/AOM and hear from higher ups in the training department, flight ops, crew scheduling, and the ALPA reps come by. At the end of the week, you take a test on the FOM. Its open book so its pretty easy. By the end of the week, you'll know if you're coming back on monday for doors/specials training or if you have a week or two off.

Doors/security/fatigue/specials training is two days at the HQ - you spend the first day going over security and the second day you learn how to open the doors, DV window, use a fire extinguiser, etc. The rest of the week you complete CBTs (computer based training) at home to learn the aircraft systems.

After CBTs you come back for systems and FMS lab. This is a week long where you get lectured on aircraft systems, you spend a day in the FMS lab learning how to program the FMS and use the GP. One of the days during this week you'll take your KV (knowledge validation) which is a 150 question, multiple choice exam that covers systems, limitations, and some FOM items. That week you also bid for simulator slot times. Seniority based - you'll either get paired with a CA/FO pairing or FO/FO or CA/CA depending on who is in your class so YMMV.

After systems/KV, you come back for two weeks for CPTs (cockpit procedures training) where you sit in a flat panel trainer with your sim partner and fly different flight plans and practice your flows/profiles with an instructor. There are 8 CPTs to get through with (CPT 1 through 5 is Mon - Fri, then 6 through 8 is the following Mon - Wed). On Thursday, you take your PV (procedures validation) where you'll be right seat with an instructor in the left seat and you go through a flight with an RNAV SID, holding, QRH procedure, diversion back, and an approach). At the end of that week you do differences training which is one day.

After all that is complete, you'll typically have 8 days off and start simulator training on a saturday. You get 8 simulator sessions with a 3 day break in the middle. After the 8 sessions, you'll take your MV (maneuver validation). This consists of V1 cuts, single engine ILS, SE go around, CAT II approach, stall recovery, etc. The day after your MV you take the QLOE which is your official FAA checkride. Usually consists of two legs (i.e. DCA - JFK - BWI) and you'll have some failures sprinkled in.

Once your checkride is passed, you get 3 days off before starting IOE. Hope this helps!

tupues

Is the knowledge validation (the 150 questions) open book too?
Also, if one joins Envoy, is that a guaranteed ticket to AA (apart from exceptional events lol)

Ravenwing

No, the KV is not open book but you will have the opportunity to see most of the questions prior to the test.

People talk about the flow to American as if it is a guaranteed thing but I have not reviewed the details yet. You do have to fill out an application but there is no interview. I imagine they have access to your Envoy employment records and it may be somewhat dependent on that.

BurnCycle

The flow is guaranteed if you want it, and if you remain in good standing. The timing however, is not guaranteed. It could be 5 years for some, and it could be 10 years for those coming in later. It's all dependent on the industry and hiring at the time. That's not to say that the "guarantee" can't be removed if the insudtry slams to a halt.

Peoplemvr

Wow. Just wow.



filler

tupues

There are plenty of airlines where there is no closed book exam as such and it is indeed all open book. Clearly your horizon isn't wide enough to comprehend that... wow indeed.

Thanks all the others for the insightful replies

Formerbuspilot

it's a legit question. Why are surprised?

practicable

Did you have to wait more than the 3 days between your LOE and the start of IOE? I've heard some people have to potentially wait weeks but some go right in after the 3 days.