CAL Training ?'s
 

Hello all. This is my first real post, so I wanted to say hiyah. I am getting out of the AF in 1-2 months and starting at CAL around the same time. I live in S Jersey, so I plan on commuting to EWR for a while which works out very well. But on to the reason I am posting--I have a couple of questions about training, please excuse my ignorance! I studied a ton about the company for the interview but never looked beyond that as I didn't want to count on getting the call.

1- How rigourous is the training? Am I going to go through AF pilot training again or is it more relaxed?

2- As a military guy am I completely behind the 8 ball because I may not know the FAR/AIM as well as others?

3- What is the initial checkride profile like, and how often are they?

4- How long is IOE typically for the 737 (I assume I will get that, but don't know for sure), and what exactly does that entail?

Thanks for any info!

1. Our training is extremely relaxed and is very low stress. Just do what they ask and you'll have no problems. I go home and do minimal studying on my break days. Some guys will stay in IAH and over study, don't do it.

2. As an F/O the FAR/AIM's aren't your primary concern. They will go over what you need to know.

3. Once a year training that is very low jeopardy. We don't have to do a complete oral every year, (we do fill out a bi-yearly systems exam that you study for at home and take the test online).

4. Forgot how many hours IOE is but provided you know your stuff, it isn't that big of a deal.

Hope that helps.

i assume this is either shayne or strom...since you cant pm yet, shoot me an email on my auab global address. i have 3 good buddies that just went thru at CAL in the last year and they are all ewr based.

Thanks for the posts gents.

This is Strom my friend. Shayno is Delta now, 757 out of JFK I believe. So I know I should know this, but I don't. Is this BB or Vinnie?

the good looking asian.

What up!!
 

Ahhhh yes. I wouldn't say good looking, but hey, that is just me. I will drop you a line. Hope all is well in the land of sun and fun. A couple more dudes just dropped papers as well, lots are leaving! Take it easy, say hello to BB for me.

Don't worry about training. It is very relaxed. They want you to pass. I had an F-18 guy in my class who knew nothing about the FAR's and he did great. All of that stuff will be covered in basic indoc.

I'm not sure what the class drop has been lately, but it's usually a mixture of 737 and 756. Have a pretty good ideas as to which one you want when you get there because you will be bidding on aircraft the first week. If you choose the 737, you can bid up to the 756 anytime after training. If you choose the 756 as a new-hire, you will be seat-locked for 2 years and will not be able to bid down to the 73 during this time. You are only seat-locked from bidding down in equipment, not up.

Dannolars,

You the D. S. originally from 7AS at TCM?

IOE is 25 hours minimum. Fun time. Enjoy it.

There is no "oral" on systems. It's called a systems validation test. A multiple choice computer exam. Pay attention to the CBT (computer based training- there is little classroom on systems), take few notes, read a little, and get the test gouge. It's easy. I've taken three of them and the most I've missed is 4. There is normally 150 questions and you need a 80% to pass.

Relax, it's easy. Have fun with it.

Yep, the original. Been at WRI for the last 4 years until I could punch. Just got back from 4 in the AOR and am more than ready to split. Who are you? Are you from the 7th?

757 Driver, Otto and RK-thanks for the heads up. I really appreciate it, glad to hear it is fun and relaxing.