Ok, that sounds good. Another question... As a financially strapped FO that cannot afford a crash pad, which base (DTW, MSP, MEM) has a better ops facility to 'live' in as a reserve FO?

Not sure if this will get some flame, but when I was at Comair, our CVG ops 'trailer' had 'dark' rooms that you could sleep in and showers... many guys lived in ops during reserve so I am just trying to compare.

 

NONE! Really there aren't any decent crew facilities for that at any of the bases. Heck in my opinion they aren't even adequate for ready reserves, just short breaks in between turns.

 

I know a few guys who stay in the MSP "dark room" for their whole reserve period. Not sure what they do about showers or if they still do it. I don't know how they can pull it off.

 

MSP does have a dark room where you can sleep but I don't know if you can live in the Ops room 24/7. I wouldn't advise it as it can get noisy and there are no shower facilities.

When you start flying, introduce yourself to as many XJ pilots as you can and see if you guys can start up a crash pad arrangement. There will be many junior CAs and FOs who will be on reserve and will need a crash pad right about the time you start. Another option is to stay at a hotel that gives special rates for XJ pilots but this option is only feasible if you only have to pay for a hotel room 1 to 3 nights per month.

Also look at the news board in the crew room because people advertise crash pads there. You can also place an ad. Use your Avatar picture as that will probably get you more attention than the usual boring ads you see on there.

 

It'll be posted (awarded) at five today the 29th. That will have the base vacancies for the new hires once its posted.

 

I remember hearing about some pilots in MEM pretty much living in ops, they even brought in cots to sleep on. The ramp workers had showers so they used theirs. I guess they got in trouble and can't do it anymore?? Not sure though.

 

I suggest an old camper in the crew lot!!!! Or in DTW you can probalblyfind a vacant house to squat in!!!! Seriously, there are several veryreasonable crash pad options. I know it sucks, but its better thanliving in ops!!!! But then again if you could pull it off you would bea legend!!!!

 

I hate to ask this but I'd rather ask the trying to search through the forums to find out. But does anyone know what the hiring is projected through 09? Thanks for your help.

 

If you get assigned to DTW..... why not just buy a house?

4750 W Buena Vista St, Detroit MI 48238 Home for Sale - Yahoo! Real Estate

5 bedrooms right there for $6,000 and you own it outright and start a crashpad.

 

Just don't forget your glock under the pillow and a your flack jacket so you don't catch a stray bullet. Not exactly the best part of town....Can't beat the price though, haha