Pros and cons of the MD11
 

I’m interested in the MD11. What are the pros and cons of flying it? Specifically as a new guy. Schedule, flexibility, reserve, pairings, routes, etc.

Thanks

The MD10/11 is by invite only for new hires.

AA guy here, out of curiosity why is that? Not familiar with FedEx or UPS. Thanks in advance!

GHOST

Might be because of its landing history.

I don't think this is true anymore. I thought that was a failed experiment. Is this still true?

True- very recent new hire with this airframe experience given a class date and told, "MD-11, show a day early..". Same as it was when I got hired several years ago....

No disrespect....just saying

None taken. It just seemed silly. My partner in 757 school was chosen for MD-11 and showed a day early. While in training, bid out of the seat to an FDA. I don't think he flew more than 2 revenue trips off IOE before he was off the jet. Likewise, people who weren't 'selected' bid to the -11 on the same bid.

It's a great idea until the first bid...

Ok so you have to be selected to fly it as a new hire and can bid over to it later if you want. Got it.

So how about the schedule, flexibility, reserve, pairings, routes, etc.?

schedule/pairings - Still probably the best mix of all trips, but international quickly going to the 777, and we are starting to lose some cities to the 767. Seems overmanned in Left Seat right now, right seat still seems short.
flexibility - Still good in the right seat with lots of trips available, left seat not so much. Nice having lots of 6-hr trips that can be traded, dropped and picked up, lots more flex than the 777.
reserve - dried up with the VTO "PBS Lite", that is awful. I'm sure there is another thread here that addresses THAT catastrophe...