Piedmont Airlines News & Rumors
12-09-2018, 11:46 AM
#3082
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 131
Originally Posted by AZFlyer
You're misunderstanding the argument. No one dislikes the RTP guys as people. Everyone of them that I have met and flown with have all been good guys, professional, and with good attitudes. However, every single one of them that I've flown with have also displayed flying skills that are where I would expect someone to be at with a majority of helo time and only ~250-300 hours of light-piston fixed wing experience (and many of them had their fixed wing flying logged a number of years ago).
The market for pilots has gotten to a point that pilots with a considerable lack of relevant experience to jet 121 flying are being recruited because not enough pilots with a more desirable flying background are applying for the job. That's the point here. The airlines didn't just have a sudden epiphany about the outstanding attitudes and trainability of military aviators...the airlines have known that for decades.
This comes at a very real and tangible cost to the airlines in the form of greater time spent on average in the training pipeline for the RTP guys compared to most candidates with a more traditional flying background. It's naive to believe that the airlines (regionals in particular) are choosing to spend more money than they would have otherwise had to for the purpose of attracting pilots with a largely dissimilar flying background.
The market for pilots has gotten to a point that pilots with a considerable lack of relevant experience to jet 121 flying are being recruited because not enough pilots with a more desirable flying background are applying for the job. That's the point here. The airlines didn't just have a sudden epiphany about the outstanding attitudes and trainability of military aviators...the airlines have known that for decades.
This comes at a very real and tangible cost to the airlines in the form of greater time spent on average in the training pipeline for the RTP guys compared to most candidates with a more traditional flying background. It's naive to believe that the airlines (regionals in particular) are choosing to spend more money than they would have otherwise had to for the purpose of attracting pilots with a largely dissimilar flying background.
Of course, I am not saying don't go to these companies if your family/financial situation requires it, but you're not making the process easier for those pilot groups.
12-10-2018, 06:30 AM
#3083
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2016
Posts: 92
RTP was a mandate from American to get military pilots some expereince at the regional level before they came to AA. It has nothing to do with butts in seats at the WOs and everything to do with butts in seats at mainline. It was important enough to them to throw millions of $$ at it. Don't think anyone realized the training delay consequences. Probably worth it (to them) in the long run. They're good guys who reinformce the AA comitment to military.
12-10-2018, 07:16 AM
#3084
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,109
Originally Posted by PiedmontFlyer
RTP was a mandate from American to get military pilots some expereince at the regional level before they came to AA. It has nothing to do with butts in seats at the WOs and everything to do with butts in seats at mainline. It was important enough to them to throw millions of $$ at it. Don't think anyone realized the training delay consequences. Probably worth it (to them) in the long run. They're good guys who reinformce the AA comitment to military.
Even if it takes longer and costs more to get them through training, it’s still cheaper than permanent raises for everyone.
12-10-2018, 07:39 AM
#3085
Banned
Joined APC: Feb 2016
Posts: 761
It's as simple as this:
An RTP guy with 250 hours of fixed wing will not have the same amount of fixed wing knowledge and skill as a 1500 hour fixed wing guy.
It has nothing to do with the person, and it has nothing to do with their potential. It has everything to do with the fact that you have 1/6th the amount of fixed wing experience as most people when they start at the regionals.
As a side note, I truly have no idea how much army helo guys fly around storms etc but I have noticed that anytime there is weather I have to talk the other guy off the ledge. AKA they are quick to decide we need to divert/take a 100 mile vector. This is the kind of stuff that comes with time and experience.
As for AA bringing these guys in to fulfill their commitment to the military, I just don't see it. Not sure who you know in upper management at AA who feeds you this stuff so that you can post it online lol but I doubt the truth of that statement
An RTP guy with 250 hours of fixed wing will not have the same amount of fixed wing knowledge and skill as a 1500 hour fixed wing guy.
It has nothing to do with the person, and it has nothing to do with their potential. It has everything to do with the fact that you have 1/6th the amount of fixed wing experience as most people when they start at the regionals.
As a side note, I truly have no idea how much army helo guys fly around storms etc but I have noticed that anytime there is weather I have to talk the other guy off the ledge. AKA they are quick to decide we need to divert/take a 100 mile vector. This is the kind of stuff that comes with time and experience.
As for AA bringing these guys in to fulfill their commitment to the military, I just don't see it. Not sure who you know in upper management at AA who feeds you this stuff so that you can post it online lol but I doubt the truth of that statement
12-10-2018, 10:56 AM
#3086
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2016
Posts: 92
Originally Posted by MantisToboggan
It's as simple as this:
As for AA bringing these guys in to fulfill their commitment to the military, I just don't see it. Not sure who you know in upper management at AA who feeds you this stuff so that you can post it online lol but I doubt the truth of that statement
As for AA bringing these guys in to fulfill their commitment to the military, I just don't see it. Not sure who you know in upper management at AA who feeds you this stuff so that you can post it online lol but I doubt the truth of that statement
12-10-2018, 11:04 AM
#3087
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2017
Posts: 162
Originally Posted by PiedmontFlyer
RTP was a mandate from American to get military pilots some expereince at the regional level before they came to AA.
Any evidence of this, or are you making things up in your own head?
12-10-2018, 11:19 AM
#3088
Banned
Joined APC: Feb 2016
Posts: 761
Originally Posted by PiedmontFlyer
Meh. You don't have to believe me, just look at where AA spends their money. https://skyballinfo.com/
12-11-2018, 12:54 PM
#3090
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2013
Posts: 110
Originally Posted by PDTFlyer
In other news, how about those new and dreamy schedules? Union dues are going to good use. Can’t wait to read the MEC update on how many strides they are making on improving QOL here.
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