Fixnem2Flyinem

The zero dash upgrades does make me scratch my head. In April they had 3 spots go unfilled and in March they had zero upgrades although there were 5 spots available. You’d think they’d have those spots available for the following month at least. Maybe they’re adjusting it knowing those spots wouldn’t be filled, but that’s just my speculation.

I don’t see how we are losing 60% of our FO’s. Considering well over 60% of our FO’s are most likely sub 1000 121 SIC and can’t upgrade yet legally. This obviously doesn’t include the pilots coming from other 121 airlines with a good amount of time. I was hired in 2017 and am in the mid 400’s out of 835. FO seniority wise I’m in 60’s out of 433 and I just hit my 1000 121 time a few months ago. So unless guys are bailing for other regionals I don’t see where they’d be going.

I think the pathway program is going to work for pilots that are in the top half of the list. Since the majority of the first 150 or so have no desire to move over to Alaska, the list has already allowed pilots with about 4 1/2 years seniority to get class dates, their seniority is in the low 200’s. Now for new hires, that pathway list will most likely be very large ahead of them, which will take years to get a slot at the rate Alaska is planning to hire. Also it’s no secret the major reason most choose Horizon/Alaska is for a Pacific Northwest base, but in the near future the new hire classes will be mixed Airbus and Boeing. So there is a chance that a pathway pilot will have to accept a class date hoping they get a Boeing slot if not become a career commuter on the Airbus. For many I’ve spoken to, if they’re going to have to commute for a career carrier, they will wait for the big 3..

TyWebb

I'd imagine the FO's are heading to the fractionals/part 91/135 and the large cargo carriers who seem to be hiring anything with a heartbeat (No offense to any of those guys/gals - they are getting a valuable type rating and using it as a stepping stone)
Horizon pilots cannot apply directly to Alaska correct? Must go through the pathways program? If that trend continues I wouldn't blame a FO or CA for jumping to a major LCC/Cargo for a few years and applying to Alaska from there.

snackysmores

Thats pretty insane movement for only being here that long...traditionally speaking you would still be on reserve if it was a few years ago.. there was a lot of stagnation back then.

I have no idea where these people who quit are going.

Fixnem2Flyinem

Oh I know, I couldn’t believe how fast I shot up. I was in new hire class during the approval of the pay raise for FO’s. I knew the flood gates would open but not as much as they did. I will miss my relative seniority in base and seat that is for sure! To hold the relative seniority I do now once I upgrade to captain, I’d have to be hired in 1990 lol

Starchkr

The zero Q400 CA vacancy issue is a major concern for me. I came in with prior experience that would allow me to upgrade. The quick Q upgrade opportunity and PNW domicile options are the reasons why I came here. FO pay isn’t going to cut it for long. I may not have a choice but to jump ship at the earliest opportunity.

It seems managements isn’t very open about their plans. Things seems to change constantly. It creates a feeling of unease for me and motivates me to keep my options open. If they were a bit more open it could go a long way to bolster confidence. Or perhaps their plans, if known might be reason for more to jump ship. Who knows!

Fixnem2Flyinem

Write an email to a certain BCP about your situation. If you let them know you are qualified and willing to take the Q, they will make it happen. It was explained to me that they would do whatever it takes to get people to upgrade in the Q. So unless they just pressed a button to start shaving the fleet, maybe you can get a slot. Worth a shot...

Starchkr

Not saying it’s not worth a shot but why would they say there aren’t any slots available in the vacancy bid? It’s odd to me that they didn’t fill all of the previous vacancies but now all of the sudden there aren’t any openings?

It seems to me they are changing their plans. Perhaps they anticipate less Q flying in the fall? Idk. I just wish they would be open about it.

cursesRedBaron

Haha! Like your avatar.

snackysmores

A BCP made a huge push to get more Q captains for increased summer flying that Alaska wanted us to do for them. They didn't get any because no one wants to be on reserve forever along with other horrible QOL issues. Reserve is insane right now, almost 50% of each base.

So they were left with a choice..Fix the QOL issues or park more planes.. looks like they're gonna park more.

cursesRedBaron

Ouch.
Last I saw, there were 44 Qs on the list...still true?