How long is the trainging at ASA? What about reserve time? What are the lines like?

 

I wouldn't be to quick to jump on Xjet right now. I have a few friends that have worked there since it was owned by continental and they actually told me not to go there just because of the unstability of there company right now. They are kind of in a weird place with the branding thing and having rumers of Cal pulling more flying from them. If the branding thing dosent work or if Cal pulls more planes they will unload pilots. Just my 2 cents.

 

Training is about 2 months. A little longer if your on the 700. Which some new hires are getting during training. Right now reserve time is next to nothing. 1-2 months maybe if that on the 200. Havent heard about reserve on the 700 or the ATR.

 

Sorry Kit, but there is no such thing as an "easy" commute.

Onfinal

 

Commuting from Florida is the worst! Last time I jump seated to MIA on Airtran the guys were saying over 100 airtran pilots commute out of south florida! I've heard Orlando is even worse.

 

What about RSW, would that be pretty tough?

 

Probably better. But then I don't know how many people commute out of Fort Meyers?

 

Commuting from anywhere is tough. I have been commuting over two years to ATL and it can be very draining. You do not get paid to do it. I have to get up at 0330 to catch a 0540 flight in order to duty in at 1300. That of course fluctuates but it has been more common these days. The trend right now is no mainline only SKW/ASA. Those fill up quick; especially with senior Delta flight attendants. I like ASA. It has room for improvement but so does anywhere else. Best of luck.

 

I work at ASA. Actually just finished BI on Friday. They are giving me a weeks paid vacation because sims are backed up so I wont be back till a week from Monday to start systems. After that it is pretty much training till you get to your PC where there is a little lag in the system. I am guessing early August I will be on IOE and I started June 4.

ASA so far seems great, I think they will be around longer then people give them credit. Everyone is very optimistic and the only reason we don't have new planes or routes is because we are trying to get the contract finished. As for that I can tell you there are only three objectives left but I don't have an idea as to when it will be finished. I can tell you though that after it is signed pay will go up all across the board.

The pilot group at ASA is AMAZING! My class has 18 in it and they are probably some of the most fun people I have met! I came to ASA with 830/80 because I applied at xjet, RAH, Horizon, and Piedmont; ASA was the only place that called me back! I have been enjoying my time so far, I was awarded the 200 so I am very excited.

If you have any questions shoot, I will tell you all I know (which isn't much :-) )

~Mike

 

I was over there for 10 years before making the move across the street. It is a great group of pilots. There are some major issues with the current leadership, but they do take their orders from someone much higher up then they.
That said, they are readjusting the ASA footprint in ATL. DAL has no desire to put ASA out of business. DAL needs them for the feed. They are the first ones to admit that with out the feed DAL is dead in the water. ASA will be around in some way shape or form for a long time. Maybe a different name, or something with closer ties to SKW, but the flying and certificate need to survive for many reasons.
On the contract front. I would be careful about this with the line guys. They have been fighting for almost five years for what many other companies have had for a lot longer. Are there things that they would give up, yes, but we know why they are still asking for them. (Shoot for the stars and if you hit the moon it is OK) The sides are are less than 10 Mil apart. That is nothing in Airline speak. It will happen someday.
Just know that for now your career is on an elevator and upgrades will be near two years in the near future. Best of luck. ASA was very good for my career.
On a side note. The training that you will receive there is second to none. ASA really knows how to standardize their flight decks. You will realize this when you leave there. It truly is a class act.