Thanks. I was looking at that yesterday. Think it might be my best choice.

 

Questions for the NYC guys from an other-base Mad-dogger

The generally accepted definition of “immediately available” for NYC reserve guys is 3 hours, correct? And my understanding is that is from your CLOSEST co-terminal, not all 3 airports? Not really wanting NYC M88, but with my position on the big list (read: I can touch the bottom with my toesies) I may have very little say in the matter.

I will echo the sentiments of the other MD drivers - it’s a generally good airplane that gets a bad rap. Its certainly quirky - but once you learn its quirks, it’s a pretty good plane.

 

I agree. Its not a bad jet.
I think you left out two big PITAs though.

1. The packs can't keep up on a hot day. (you sweat your *** off)
2. The brakes chatter. Sometimes horribly.

 

I'm pretty sure it's a 2-hr limit for shortcall. Isn't it 3-hrs for LA?

Regarding the heat and the chatter, (1) I'm used to the Persian Gulf, and (2) I can't land worth a damn, anyway.

Here's another "Would someone do my homework for me" question: Do voluntary placements get pay protection? I'm seriously considering VDing off the 73 and going to the 88 so I can be in the upper half of a seniority listing for once in my life.

Weekends off, you will be mine!

 

I don't see how anyone can say they are X percentile in a category. This AE has people of extremely high seniority being displaced. That is going to cause displacement shuffling all the way down to the bottom.

The MD-88 isn't a bad gig if you don't mind flying 4-5 legs a day, possibly driving or commuting to Newark, and/or rarely having a commutable trip. That is the reality of the MD-88.

I'm writing this message from my hotel. We've had a 5am sign-in at Newark, two 4:15 am bus pickups from the hotels, and tomorrow we get picked up at 6am. Each day had 4 legs and the elapsed time from bus pickup to arriving at the next hotel was 12-14 hours. You certainly do work a lot here.

If you are senior enough to get Boston shuttle trips (yes, they're going senior now), you work up to 5 legs a day with almost no chance of making money on the trip (too much credit) and routinely there are short layovers. I have pushed the minimum time behind the hotel door many times.

Right now the trips are manageable because the ALV is down. But once the summer gets near, you'll be working your butt off.

My two cents.

 

I'm x percent as of right now. I'm sure I'll get bumped down the ladder by this displacement. In fact, I'm concerned about getting bumped off the 73 altogether, which is why I asked my initial question.

But your reality check is making me think I don't wanna VD into the 88. I may sit a lot of reserve, but I love the flying.

Thanks for your $0.02.

 

I wasn't trying to throw spears your way ... I'm just trying to point something out.

We have no idea how this is going to go. Why? Because we don't know the intentions of the former Northwest pilots. If it was just legacy Delta guys, we'd have a better idea of our commuting / moving habits.

With so many high level jobs being displaced and moved, things could get very wacky. For example, maybe there's a mass exodus from the north to Atlanta? Maybe the MSPers stay but DTW move? Perhaps a lot of former Northwest bubbas see this as their chance to finally hold Captain or to fly big iron in NYC?

There are so many variables. It is mind boggling.

I think the phrase (I think it's corny but so true) ... bid what you want, want what you bid. But we better have our MDs set up if it gets ugly.

 

How much of the new LGA flying will be MD-88 A320 and DC-9?

 

VD's do not get pay protected. Think of a VD like an AE bid, but to get it you are using the system seniority of the guys junior to you getting MDed.

 

No pay protection for a voluntary displacement.
If you really think you will get bumped off the 737 then MD is definitely better. No freeze, plus pay protection.