Xojet
03-22-2020, 06:33 AM
#2121
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Standing in front of the tank with a shopping bag
Posts: 918
Sorry to hear about your son’s layoff..
Hi Chase,
It’s so good to have you back on the forum in full force... And sorry to hear about your son’s layoff, but I am lifted to hear how he is using his time to do God’s work. Hopefully, this will be a short term problem that gets solved without too much financial damage to him.
Keep up the good work.
It’s so good to have you back on the forum in full force... And sorry to hear about your son’s layoff, but I am lifted to hear how he is using his time to do God’s work. Hopefully, this will be a short term problem that gets solved without too much financial damage to him.
Keep up the good work.
03-22-2020, 06:51 AM
#2122
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2019
Position: Poolside
Posts: 534
Partly in response to ’s “opinion” post, and partly just to provide additional detail to what has shared, here are some FACTS from the line...in near real-time:
-Flying is currently very busy. Whether XOJET is typical of what is happening in the charter market (I doubt it), or whether XOJET is positioned differently in this unique time, hours are up and crews are busy. As said, the “traditional” trips are decreasing but there is strong demand in the last-minute charter business. I don’t know how long this will last (no one does), but everyone at XOJET is committed to maximizing our capabilities to provide airlift wherever needed and possible.
-Not all hotels are closed. Each night we have had a choice of hotels. These choices still include all the normal full-service Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt properties we’re used to.
-Food is more limited but available. Yes, most restaurants no longer provide dine-in service (we wouldn’t use it right now anyway), but there are numerous choices for pick-up. Sure, dining in your room isn’t glamorous, but I’ve recently had Mexican food, traditional American, Thai, seafood, etc.
-Transportation has been easy. XOJET automatically makes a rental car reservation for each crew each day right now, so getting anywhere has been seamless.
-Precautions are plentiful. XOJET has multiple, overlapping cleaning/decontamination protocols for each aircraft, and will provide additional cleanings upon request by the crew. We have gloves, Clorox, alcohol wipes and other cleaners to do any spot cleanings necessary. Yes, some FBOs don’t allow crews inside, but they compensate by bringing flight plans and other items to the plane. It’s actually easier in some aspects.
-ATC is struggling but adapting. In the last few days, several ATC centers and/or sectors have gone “ATC Zero”. This includes Indy Center (Covid-19), Salt Lake Center (earthquake), Midway Tower (Covid-19), Las Vegas Tower (Covid-19), and parts of NY Center (Covid-19). Just yesterday all flights on the Atlantic Routes were suddenly rerouted over land due to a partial shutdown of NY Center. Last night, part of NY’s high sectors were NOTAM’d closed for several hours...I suspect as a mitigation strategy implemented to deal with staffing struggles. Please pray for our sisters and brothers in ATC...they’re doing heroic work in close quarters to keep our airways open.
-XOJET has been very transparent. There have been almost daily emails, telecons, AFIS messages, text messages, and other forms of update on currently developing situations in operations, business environment, staffing issues, etc. I’m really glad I’m just “flying the line” because some of these folks must be working 27-hour days!!!
I agree with MCRN that this will irreparably change some charter business. But I am also hopeful (and expecting) that XOJET will be one of the ones that comes through it stronger than ever...
(and if MCRN really is in collusion with the Russians...be safe my comrade). :-)
-Flying is currently very busy. Whether XOJET is typical of what is happening in the charter market (I doubt it), or whether XOJET is positioned differently in this unique time, hours are up and crews are busy. As said, the “traditional” trips are decreasing but there is strong demand in the last-minute charter business. I don’t know how long this will last (no one does), but everyone at XOJET is committed to maximizing our capabilities to provide airlift wherever needed and possible.
-Not all hotels are closed. Each night we have had a choice of hotels. These choices still include all the normal full-service Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt properties we’re used to.
-Food is more limited but available. Yes, most restaurants no longer provide dine-in service (we wouldn’t use it right now anyway), but there are numerous choices for pick-up. Sure, dining in your room isn’t glamorous, but I’ve recently had Mexican food, traditional American, Thai, seafood, etc.
-Transportation has been easy. XOJET automatically makes a rental car reservation for each crew each day right now, so getting anywhere has been seamless.
-Precautions are plentiful. XOJET has multiple, overlapping cleaning/decontamination protocols for each aircraft, and will provide additional cleanings upon request by the crew. We have gloves, Clorox, alcohol wipes and other cleaners to do any spot cleanings necessary. Yes, some FBOs don’t allow crews inside, but they compensate by bringing flight plans and other items to the plane. It’s actually easier in some aspects.
-ATC is struggling but adapting. In the last few days, several ATC centers and/or sectors have gone “ATC Zero”. This includes Indy Center (Covid-19), Salt Lake Center (earthquake), Midway Tower (Covid-19), Las Vegas Tower (Covid-19), and parts of NY Center (Covid-19). Just yesterday all flights on the Atlantic Routes were suddenly rerouted over land due to a partial shutdown of NY Center. Last night, part of NY’s high sectors were NOTAM’d closed for several hours...I suspect as a mitigation strategy implemented to deal with staffing struggles. Please pray for our sisters and brothers in ATC...they’re doing heroic work in close quarters to keep our airways open.
-XOJET has been very transparent. There have been almost daily emails, telecons, AFIS messages, text messages, and other forms of update on currently developing situations in operations, business environment, staffing issues, etc. I’m really glad I’m just “flying the line” because some of these folks must be working 27-hour days!!!
I agree with MCRN that this will irreparably change some charter business. But I am also hopeful (and expecting) that XOJET will be one of the ones that comes through it stronger than ever...
(and if MCRN really is in collusion with the Russians...be safe my comrade). :-)
03-22-2020, 10:08 AM
#2123
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2018
Posts: 313
Originally Posted by MCRN
True. Though, how they intend to move forwards with that class with Broward and Miami-Dade counties going into lock-down mode isn't seemingly being thought about. How will XO ensure attendees will A: Have uninterrupted accommodations, or B: Meal availability for the duration? Answer: They can't!
I seriously doubt this class winds up going, but they've got 9 more days before those new hires have to head to the airport to fly down there. I'm guessing postponement is inevitable and probably coming before Wed of next week.
It's not just an FXE area logistics problem either, because on from there you've got the class going to 3 different aircraft type initials at 142 locations across the country and in some of those places getting a hotel room or a meal is already not happening.
Then there's the charter demand collapse that started yesterday, major ATC disruptions worsening and I'm hearing there are now FBOs not allowing crews to enter the building. Sustaining private passenger aviation operations on a scale of XO Jet is getting more and more difficult by the hour. We are a near certainty now heading towards a national airspace closure except critical flight ops, cargo and medical related flights. Just the sheer economic burden of continuing to operate is going to become too much for these hi overhead 91k and 135 companies.
By the end of next week the big wigs will be discussing furloughs if this doesn't turn around before then. I'll be happy to find out I'm wrong, but the chances this class happens is slim to none IMHO.
I seriously doubt this class winds up going, but they've got 9 more days before those new hires have to head to the airport to fly down there. I'm guessing postponement is inevitable and probably coming before Wed of next week.
It's not just an FXE area logistics problem either, because on from there you've got the class going to 3 different aircraft type initials at 142 locations across the country and in some of those places getting a hotel room or a meal is already not happening.
Then there's the charter demand collapse that started yesterday, major ATC disruptions worsening and I'm hearing there are now FBOs not allowing crews to enter the building. Sustaining private passenger aviation operations on a scale of XO Jet is getting more and more difficult by the hour. We are a near certainty now heading towards a national airspace closure except critical flight ops, cargo and medical related flights. Just the sheer economic burden of continuing to operate is going to become too much for these hi overhead 91k and 135 companies.
By the end of next week the big wigs will be discussing furloughs if this doesn't turn around before then. I'll be happy to find out I'm wrong, but the chances this class happens is slim to none IMHO.
As I have told all these 20+ year olds who fly in my reserve unit who say "I'm at Delta, I got nothing to worry about", I say "it can all go away in a day" so stay in the unit, now their all begging for reserve days. Best pilot insurance out there!
03-22-2020, 10:24 AM
#2124
Banned
Joined APC: Nov 2013
Position: 7th green
Posts: 4,378
Originally Posted by Guard
As I have told all these 20+ year olds who fly in my reserve unit who say "I'm at Delta, I got nothing to worry about", I say "it can all go away in a day" so stay in the unit, now their all begging for reserve days. Best pilot insurance out there!
03-22-2020, 10:28 AM
#2125
New Hire
Joined APC: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
May 4th class refugee
Got the call two days ago that my May 4th start date has been delay indefinitely. Disappointing to say the least, but not completely unexpected. A close friend is in the March 30th class and at least for now, they are still a go. My friend is still concerned that it may not happen, but we are both optimistic that he will get on thru the training sequence as advertised.
I, on the other hand was pleasantly surprised and extremely grateful that my current employer (Air ambulance) didn't hesitate to extend my employment for "as long as you need".
We have instituted some pretty strong protective measures, including flying the entire missions with mask on and keeping the doors closed, staying in the cockpit throughout the patient load and unload process. Donning full protective gear (gown, gloves, eyewear, mask) when transitioning the cabin area (kingair B200).
This is all just to say that the world is in turmoil, but ingenuity is taking over and we will get through it together. Again, I'm grateful to still have game-fully employment, but really am looking forward to a reassigned training date, and calmed by the details on this forum of how XOJET company management is dealing intelligently with the crisis.
Here's to popping out the other end better that before.
I, on the other hand was pleasantly surprised and extremely grateful that my current employer (Air ambulance) didn't hesitate to extend my employment for "as long as you need".
We have instituted some pretty strong protective measures, including flying the entire missions with mask on and keeping the doors closed, staying in the cockpit throughout the patient load and unload process. Donning full protective gear (gown, gloves, eyewear, mask) when transitioning the cabin area (kingair B200).
This is all just to say that the world is in turmoil, but ingenuity is taking over and we will get through it together. Again, I'm grateful to still have game-fully employment, but really am looking forward to a reassigned training date, and calmed by the details on this forum of how XOJET company management is dealing intelligently with the crisis.
Here's to popping out the other end better that before.
03-22-2020, 11:01 AM
#2126
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
love jets and Chase -
Maybe you guys will let us know if that March 30th class gets cancelled or not.
Though I didn't read into the posts as hostile to XOJet specifically, but rather a bleak outlook on aviation, and the charter/91K industry specifically, I have to wonder how much of the post will come true in the days/weeks to follow.
I was on the road the last two weeks and operating "normally" definitely came a little harder than usual. No problem getting hotels on the spot (each I stayed in for the week said they had less than 15% occupancy), food turned out a little harder to find, but as some said on this thread - finding all types of take-off and then we sat in the hotel lobby and enjoyed our meal together or went back to our rooms to continue to binge watch NetFlicks in my case.
I've gotten away from rentals over the last few years as the other methods of transportation are so much easier to deal with, but we went back to rentals.
There have been recent threads on the forum saying that both Hilton and Marriott has announced closures - but it seemed to be in the bigger cities and if possible I usually like to stop in the 'smaller' towns rather than the bigger cities in the first place.
I've said that it is hard to work under OPS NORMAL when the world around you - to include all of your support - is not, but work continues to progress here for the time being, but we'll see what curtailments, if any, are coming down the pike with the plans continually shifting with the gathering of new information and new strategies for battling the challenges ahead.
Good luck to all.
Maybe you guys will let us know if that March 30th class gets cancelled or not.
Though I didn't read into the posts as hostile to XOJet specifically, but rather a bleak outlook on aviation, and the charter/91K industry specifically, I have to wonder how much of the post will come true in the days/weeks to follow.
I was on the road the last two weeks and operating "normally" definitely came a little harder than usual. No problem getting hotels on the spot (each I stayed in for the week said they had less than 15% occupancy), food turned out a little harder to find, but as some said on this thread - finding all types of take-off and then we sat in the hotel lobby and enjoyed our meal together or went back to our rooms to continue to binge watch NetFlicks in my case.
I've gotten away from rentals over the last few years as the other methods of transportation are so much easier to deal with, but we went back to rentals.
There have been recent threads on the forum saying that both Hilton and Marriott has announced closures - but it seemed to be in the bigger cities and if possible I usually like to stop in the 'smaller' towns rather than the bigger cities in the first place.
I've said that it is hard to work under OPS NORMAL when the world around you - to include all of your support - is not, but work continues to progress here for the time being, but we'll see what curtailments, if any, are coming down the pike with the plans continually shifting with the gathering of new information and new strategies for battling the challenges ahead.
Good luck to all.
03-22-2020, 04:22 PM
#2127
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2016
Posts: 13
Originally Posted by Guard
I can't argue with any of this, I was surprised to get the call myself, with United telling 1/3 of their pilots to take April off with 2/3 pay and all new hire classes cnx at all majors. American may go into bankruptcy in two weeks. I was surprised but I think they may want to just get people on the payroll as they are pretty desperate for pilots???? I can see showing for a day and being sent home?
As I have told all these 20+ year olds who fly in my reserve unit who say "I'm at Delta, I got nothing to worry about", I say "it can all go away in a day" so stay in the unit, now their all begging for reserve days. Best pilot insurance out there!
As I have told all these 20+ year olds who fly in my reserve unit who say "I'm at Delta, I got nothing to worry about", I say "it can all go away in a day" so stay in the unit, now their all begging for reserve days. Best pilot insurance out there!
03-23-2020, 01:06 PM
#2128
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2018
Posts: 313
Originally Posted by Toolman78
Listening to the call on Friday, they want the Mar 30 class to go. When they announced the hiring freeze it was inside of two weeks and some in the class may have already quit their jobs. The DO said “It’s the right thing to do.” So I know they will try to make it happen. With the May 4 class being farther out, they elected to put them into a pool with anyone else they had already offered a job. My Apr 14 CAE training is still scheduled but we all know this is a fluid environment. Chase and Peabody17, keep up the good work on the line and stay safe! I’ll join you eventually!
This is good to hear, the tone of the emails I've gotten today is that we will be pretty isolated with food etc. provided. We are probably a "test class' for moving forward. HR also made it pretty clear if we were uncomfortable coming we could delay. I'm going to go. I hate to say it b ut I think were all going to get it at some point, a lot of people have probably already had it and don't even know it?
03-23-2020, 09:14 PM
#2129
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jun 2019
Position: Task Force Charlie Sector 41
Posts: 12
re" May4th refugee
[QUOTE=love jets;3007582]
Got the call three days ago that my May 4th start date has been delay indefinitely. Disappointing to say the least, but not completely unexpected. A close friend is in the March 30th class and at least for now, they are still a go. My friend is still concerned that it may not happen, but we are both optimistic that he will get on thru the training sequence as advertised.
This is all just to say that the world is in turmoil, but ingenuity is taking over and we will get through it together. Again, I'm grateful to still have game-fully employment, but really am looking forward to a reassigned training date, and calmed by the details on this forum of how XOJET company management is dealing intelligently with the crisis.
I too, got the call! And as previously expressed, i can say (thought painful to hear) it wasn't unexpected.
XO is a great company and will bounce back!!! But may take some time, as all the hiring was predicated on the departures for the majors, and not necessarily on growth.
As i am in the process of retiring form Airline flying. There is no going back!... and now having that "star" on my name. Finding a decent job may be difficult whether domestically or abroad. However, at some point i hope that i may get a call.
However, i find it difficult that having been interviewed last july hired and falling "through the cracks" and being found and reinterviewed again then now this. That i may be considered again for a third time for this opportunity that keeps on alluding me! However whatever the outcome i"m good! In life i have learned that it all works out better than can be expected.
It is the quality and the character of the people at XO jet (in good times & in challenging times) that continues to motivate me!
Stay focused and carry on!
Cheers
GK
Got the call three days ago that my May 4th start date has been delay indefinitely. Disappointing to say the least, but not completely unexpected. A close friend is in the March 30th class and at least for now, they are still a go. My friend is still concerned that it may not happen, but we are both optimistic that he will get on thru the training sequence as advertised.
This is all just to say that the world is in turmoil, but ingenuity is taking over and we will get through it together. Again, I'm grateful to still have game-fully employment, but really am looking forward to a reassigned training date, and calmed by the details on this forum of how XOJET company management is dealing intelligently with the crisis.
I too, got the call! And as previously expressed, i can say (thought painful to hear) it wasn't unexpected.
XO is a great company and will bounce back!!! But may take some time, as all the hiring was predicated on the departures for the majors, and not necessarily on growth.
As i am in the process of retiring form Airline flying. There is no going back!... and now having that "star" on my name. Finding a decent job may be difficult whether domestically or abroad. However, at some point i hope that i may get a call.
However, i find it difficult that having been interviewed last july hired and falling "through the cracks" and being found and reinterviewed again then now this. That i may be considered again for a third time for this opportunity that keeps on alluding me! However whatever the outcome i"m good! In life i have learned that it all works out better than can be expected.
It is the quality and the character of the people at XO jet (in good times & in challenging times) that continues to motivate me!
Stay focused and carry on!
Cheers
GK
03-24-2020, 08:07 AM
#2130
XOJET Citation X
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: DO, Baker Aviation, Citation X
Posts: 316
GiantKiller
Thanks for taking the tone you did with the forced delay with the delay. The current crisis will pass and no one knows the timeframe but as you said, “I’m good”.
As we all know others are not so lucky so when hiring restarts
I’m sure XO will take into account the bumps in the road you have had in the hiring process. When that time comes don’t hesitate to PM me and will do my best to put you back in the process without losing your place.
Thanks for the kind words about XO. It is a place filled with exceptional people doing exceptional work in very difficult conditions. Proud to be a part of this great team
Heading out to LNK to fly out tomorrow LNK-PWK-VNY.
XO Flights on Flightaware
https://flightaware.com/live/fleet/XOJ
Thanks for taking the tone you did with the forced delay with the delay. The current crisis will pass and no one knows the timeframe but as you said, “I’m good”.
As we all know others are not so lucky so when hiring restarts
I’m sure XO will take into account the bumps in the road you have had in the hiring process. When that time comes don’t hesitate to PM me and will do my best to put you back in the process without losing your place.
Thanks for the kind words about XO. It is a place filled with exceptional people doing exceptional work in very difficult conditions. Proud to be a part of this great team
Heading out to LNK to fly out tomorrow LNK-PWK-VNY.
XO Flights on Flightaware
https://flightaware.com/live/fleet/XOJ
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