Apparently ASA has enough pilots
 

Got an email from high up that ASA will run its last class on May 5th for new hires. After that, they'll only be hiring into a pool for any changes in hiring needs. Also, they've set their last upgrade class for Middle of June.

.. I smell fear!

They probably already know that Delta plans to decrease ASA's flying. They have said that post-merger, the flying will go to the WO's, like Compass and Comair, due to their "cost structure". Couple that with the ATR's going, and no replacement announced for ASA, we have some tough times ahead. I have been one of the only ones saying that ASA will not be getting any 900's, they will continue to go to Pinnacle, Skywest and Comair.......so, ASA should remain stagnant now for quite some time, especially with attrition trickling to a halt in the near future.

Get real comfy in your seat......

So close, I could almost feel the tiller, yet so far away.........snap!

The ATRs are not going away anytime soon... They have been saying that for years and when I interviewed there they told me that it will not be happening because that plane is their money-maker... especially in these times of almost $120/barrel oil...

The ATR is going away this time. The transfer of crews from the ATR to the jet has already started. DL will NOT renew the leases this time around for the simple fact that any profit the ATR's make is just dumped into maintenance for them. These aircraft have become unreliable maintenance pigs and its time for them to go. A new fleet of turboprops would be ideal, but that isn't happening. CR9's are not happening either because of DL scope clauses.

Sorry Stryker.....they are G O N E, this time. What is worse is that for years everyone assumed that ASA would receive replacement airframes, either in a newer T-Prop or bigger RJ's. However, that is NOT happeneing, so it is a step backward as ASA shrinks a bit, while Pinnacle and Comair and maybe Skywest keep adding the 900's. Any new DCI growth will be in larger airframes and ASA is left without a seat at that party.

It will be a long, lean period for ASA.

I've heard the same May 5th class date as well. May 5th is exactly two weeks from today. For those applicants who are already in the pool, I'm assuming that they should be hearing from ASA either today or early this week about this class? In the regionals is it standard to see a two week notice, or not really?

Hey it doesnt break my heart any... I think they are neat airplanes, and hear they are pretty fun to fly, but I dont fly for ASA so I was just relaying information I was told....

I happened to interview on the day they stopped hiring so I was told welcome aboard and got the letter 2 days later... so needless to say im a little upset with them.... Oh well, on to the next...

phxsuns, my guess is the May 5th class is already full. Myself and three others that I know have been assigned and got our new hire packets on friday. I also have a friend in the pool and wish you all a very short time treading water.

Congrats, thats awesome. I interviewed in the middle of March. When did you interview?

I have an interview on May 1st. Is it even worth going?

If nothing else its good practice... its a long 2 days, but I think it prepared me well for other interviews....

Plus it was my first exposure to a Level D full motion simulator.. I had done FTD training, but the full motion thing is pretty cool....

For whatever its worth, 2 friends of mine intreviewed with ASA from the 9th to the 11th of april, and appearently nobody has heard from ASA wether they made it to the pool or not... Whatever is going on, they seem to be taking their time at it.

stp84I have an interview on May 1st. Is it even worth going?

I would recommend going. ASA is arguably one of the harder, if not the hardest interview in the regionals (No flaming please, just an opinion). You'll get to fly the CRJ-700 sim (if you make it to day two) and you'll get great experience. If you don't mind shelling out the money for a hotel room I'd go. Not to mention, you'll be one of the first called when classes start back. Interviewing can't hurt you.

FlitestarFor whatever its worth, 2 friends of mine intreviewed with ASA from the 9th to the 11th of april, and appearently nobody has heard from ASA wether they made it to the pool or not... Whatever is going on, they seem to be taking their time at it.

Flitestar-Didn't you interview recently at ASA? I interviewed in mid March and haven't heard anything as well...you're right in that they are taking their time. It appears that some have heard they were added to the pool, and some have even gotten word that they are in the May 5th class. I'm wondering if they are pulling those people from this pool, or if those in the May 5th class had interviewed in late February or early March?

Quick question for you ASA guys. Why have you gone to ASQ (Acee) 4XXX as a call sign. I noticed that today when you guys were taking off in front of me. Are you getting ready to start flying for someone else?
It was not that way when I was there.

Logically any further reductions in flying will come in this order:

1) Contractors with weak contractual protection (or poor performance negating contractual protections, ie mesa)

2) Wholly owned's, which have no protection.

3) Contractually protected flying, but only as a last resort or during bankruptcy.


With the exception of a couple of bottom-feeders, most regionals have pretty similar cost structures these days...so the real determining factor for reductions will be how easily can ma delta get out of the contract in question...

phxsuns, I interviewed back in Oct. Was offered the job but they allowed me to finish school. I was originally supposed to be in the May 19th class but they cancelled it and put me in the May 5th along with a friend that interviewed with me, an ASA previous intern I know, and a CFI from my school that interviewed back in Feb. I think.

Again, good luck with everything. Hope to see you at ASA.

"ASA will use four digit flight numbers in order to comply with ICAO ATC international and domestic flight rules"

Taken from the Informational bulletin.

I interviewed at the begining of the month and DR said I had the job, but have not heard anything since I left the exit interview. Anyone who has interviewed in APR hear anything back from ASA?

so im pretty sure interviewing is really not worth it right now, they have to be done hiring for awhile. shoulda jumped on board awhile ago.

I think his question was more why we are using Acey now as opposed to Chandler from a year ago.

Unfortunately, I can not find the document that stated "why" there was the switch.

It's a long story.

He was referring to us using 4 digits now. Up until last week we were "Acey 392." Now we are "Acey 4392" in order to comply with ICAO format. We're all still messing it up... patience, my friends, we'll get it right.

1. Interviewing anywhere is great experience for those of us climbing the career ladder.

2. ASA has an excellent interview process.

3. There's an ENORMOUS amount of volatility and uncertainty in the industry right now. Numerous scenarios could possibly play out that would result in ASA running classes again.

I'd say it's definitely worth it to interview. Just continue to look for work elsewhere afterwards.