Don't read anything into it.
Recalled in Feb, but was on the March permanent bid. They tried to say we were assigned to that domicile immediately, I laughed, cried foul, and as they examined it is effective on the 1st of the coming month, not the day it posts, anyone is still assigned to their previous domicile until the beginning of the new month. Say hello to "forced moves" and all benefits associated with.

 

That I totally understand. What I meant is why would they go ahead with a permanent bid if they plan on doing another one a month later (more recalls in May). Just seems foolish with all the forced moves they will have to pay for. Example.....Pilot gets recalled April 21st. Finishes retraining, goes to EWN. Then Piedmont decides on 10 more recalls to start training on May 3rd. (Just and example don't get excited people!!!) So the company comes out with another permanent bid to be effective May 1st or June 1st or whatever. That pilot hates EWN and wants to go to ROA. Get ROA. Wouldn't the company be wasting time with that?

 

That's how they were doing it when I got hired. There was a class every month, so there was an associated permanent bid posted every month. If you changed bases voluntarily, the company didn't pay for it since it wasn't a forced move.

 

Ok, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a sign they were done recalling or something. Hopefully they will make an announcement soon. Seems they are calling 3-4 weeks prior to classes. Maybe something in the next 2 weeks. I hope...

 

So just got back from CQ and the new hotel is a world of difference. It is an older hotel that has been remodeled. Breakfast in the morning including sausage and eggs along with the normal hotel breakfasts. Free internet. There were microwaves and fridges in the room room. I didn't use the van as I drove to CQ so can't comment on that part of it. Also, it is within walking distance without having to cross any busy streets of several restaurants including Chili's, Sonny's BBQ, Kubuto's Japananese Steak & Sushi and a few others. It was a nice hotel.

As for the ground instructor quiting, we started watchin a video this morning around 8am. He stepped out for a few minutes than came back in and said he was quiting and packed up his bag. He seemed upset but if he feels that strongly about something, good for him. At least he stood up for something he believed it. It's a shame we lost such a good and knowledgeable instructor though.

As for CQ in case anyone is wondering, they are still using the 2009 guide and scenarios as posted in the 2009 guide. I was wondering before I went in if there was something I was missing. Anyways, 2010 is ready to go but it includes stick shaker/pusher training in a 300 and since the sim is not approved for 300 ops, we cannot use it.

Also, the 200 training is there in case we do get some new equipment. As it was explained to us, we are doing so if we do get new equipment, we will only have to send out a difference test or booklet similar to the winter ops test to qualify the entire pilot group rather than requiring everyone to attend a difference training course in clt.

Even though they did the 200 difference stuff no one seems convinced we will actually have to do anything more. At least noone sugar-coated anything. About the only good (maybe) news was that a early retirement package has been sent to the union for approval. We shall see what comes from it.

 

do you know any details about the retirement package they sent out? As I recall the first one they tried to offer was a joke and the union just shoved it back across the table and said no thanks.

 

Thanks for all the great info! Very sad to see the ground instructor leaving. He was a very nice guy and very approachable. Best of luck to him. Who did they get to come in an teach after he left?

 

Wow! That sucks, he was probably one of the best guys they could have had in there. It sounds exactly like what happened with Bridger in 2007.

 

Question for ya guys. My buddy who works for Cape Air was non reving for a visit. He got to CLT and tried for an AWC flight. He got to the gate about 15 minutes ahead of time since he had a tight connection. Well the gate agent closed the flight 15 minutes early because it was full and wouldn't let him list for the jumpseat. Can she get reported for that and if so, who? The plane was still there with the door open.

 

Anybody try to talk to him and find out the reason why he resigned?