Is there a seat lock before a new hire could bid out of the 190?

 

This was posted by venetianfrycook in the 'Majors' thread. Your question is answered at the end.

There are currently vacant positions on the E190, B737, and A320. There are open positions in DCA, which tends to run fairly junior. If you get the 190, you'll be PHL-based since that is presently the only domicile on the airplane. However, if you get the 737 or 320, you'll likely be able to bid in to DCA quickly if you don't get it out of the box. (The last class of 2011 was all 320 - except 1 737 - and all of them went to DCA.)

Strictly speculating, I would guess that DCA would be the first 737 base in the east to get axed this coming fall with further retirements as additional A320-family aircraft come on line. (DCA is the smallest of the 3, only about 30 crews there on the 737. CLT is by far the largest, plus the 737 heavy maintenance line is in CLT, so it'll probably be the last to go.)

New hire equipment freeze is 12 months. So, even if you get a piece of equipment other than what you want, you only have to wait a year to get off it. And with the pace of hiring we are projecting, holding the 320 or 737 in any base (as well as the 190, of course) is very likely by the time that freeze is up.

 

Let me add that some of the people hired in 2011 were allowed out of their E-190 seat lock prior to the one year anniversary. You should assume you will have to fulfill the entire year, but it is possible that you could get out earlier.

 

Has anyone heard when the first class in 2012 is going to be? My friend is waiting for the background check to clear for assignment, and every passing moment has been torture. Thanks.

 

Last I heard is 2 February classes, but the exact dates I do not know.

 

First new hire class is Feb 13th and has 16 attendees

 

Applied and got shot down as soon as they called "pull" I assume it was my age? 47? 8800 total, 2000 Turbine 800 as PIC, two types. Years ago 121 EMB-145 PIC.
It was kinda disheartening but "thou I go into the shadow of death I shall fear no rejection letter for i am a PILOT" What fun.

 

I don't follow the "pull" part? I just went over my online app (being reviewed),
and there is no reference to age anywhere so I think that your age discrimination allegation goes unfounded. You can't buy experience on the easy payment plan, and you certainly have plenty of it.

 

He is referring to skeet shooting when he said "pull". He got shot down immediately just like the clay pigeon.

I am sorry that happened.

 

Used to be involved in the interview process. By looking at school and or work history we can most certainly figure out how old you are. You are right though, most likely not age related. Have seen guys over 50 hired.