No. I received a hotel accommodations email saying where and when, and to expect a confirmation email when the background check came through. This was the week before christmas. She said they wait for the background check to clear before they make any further plans, like travel arrangements, etc. I think they had FA interviews all last week, plus the holidays, so I'd expect something this week.

 

On that same boat, sending in drug test tomorrow. Hopefully everything will be kosher before the 16th. I have their phone numbers so I am always calling to make sure they are diligently working on things.

 

I thought the same till I took this drug test, they sent me the paperwork to take it at a place closer to my house they did not sent the billing paperwork and I asked how much it was to see if it was worth the hassle and it was only $26 I just paid it and got it done. Seeing that I don't think they worry too much about it.

Ya I was thinking of maybe calling midweek because it is less than 2 weeks out to find something wrong out now would not be good.

 

Except you're not...it's the exact same setup as Lakes, except it monthly reduces here (which for a training contract is far better than the balloon until the end like Lakes has, IMO).

Sandrich did say it's a rumor he's heard...if not then it's still far better (again, for a training contract company).

Training is understandably a very heavy expense for a company when you consider how much they invest (pay, hotels, time for training department people, sims, etc.), however if they offered reasonable pay and benefits, they wouldn't expect people to walk off a few months into the job.

 

Training has been very thorough from what I can tell, but I've never been in a 121 event before so it's hard to judge. We have previous 121 guys in class who have said it's leaps and bounds better, but also much more tough than the others they have attended. Depending on where you live if you are driving down I would suggest bring food. Money will be tight and it's imperative to save as much as you can now. Per diem is not a whole lot, but if you can manage to save it you will have a nice chunk of change to sit on in case something comes up. There is a microwave and mini fridge in every room so bring juices and your own soda/pop, sandwich meats, bread, tuna, raman etc. etc. You get the point also get a small collapsible lunch box and bring lunch with you when you go to class. (Part of that saving money) You will need the lunch box because the turns are too quick on the line for you to catch a break and eat so you will have to eat on the fly. As for the uniforms they are worn every day and I suggest you iron them every night so that they look good. There is just too much slop in class right now and it's a disgrace. I can't say I agree with having to wear them in class, but it's the rule so I do it and make sure my stuff looks good. Instructors are very nice and will make sure every question you ask get's answered.

You will need a flight case for your books and binders they kinda harped on us for using book bags and such so grab one up. Note cards are provided, but if you're like me a pack of a 100 doesn't last very long so bring extra. Couple folders and spirals are good plus a mixed color set of high lighters wouldn't hurt you either. Keep your nose in the books and study with people who have the same learning curve as you. I tried doing a big group study once and it just didn't fit me so I kept it small with just my sim partner and I and one other gentleman. The three of us scored the best in class on systems so do your best to pick a study buddy you can jive with.

I don't really know how to guide others in this process I'm new to it all as most of you probably will be so what I've wrote is just my opinion on how to do a good job at this.

 

I remembered you mentioned how members of your class have flight experience from 250TT to ATPs. Did they help everyone make it through training? If you have a great attitude and the willingness to succeed is it tough, but doable?

 

I'm not going to dive into details, but everyone made it through ground. To answer the second question yes you need a good attitude and willingness to succeed, but let me break it down more. This is the first class that afaik is not PFT. While non revving home I was immediately compared to the old GIA even though were not GIA anymore. Now let me tie it back into your question. If you do the bare minimum and are a lousy pilot you just keep that old GIA mentality coming up. I believe though that if you learn as much as you can, score well on your tests, do good in the sim, and are professional on the line there maybe a way to reverse the negative connotation associated with this place. Either way you can get the min score on the tests and make it on to the sims and barely pass through there and life will still go on. Too me it's not fair to the passengers in back for them to have a guy/gal flying around who only passes by with the bare amount of work given. Is it hard to pass here egh it's not easy but not hard. Is it hard to do well and score good.... heck yeah!

 

In sorry dude, but there's so much more to this job than doing well on tests in a classroom. When the sh!t hits the fan it won't matter if you can recite the type of engine and how much oil is in the reservoir, what matters is the experience that you bring to the table. Experience that you can only get by flying around and making a mistake that scares the crap out of you. While it may be true that this place isn't like the gulfstream of old, it still seems like it can only attract the type of people that either cant get a job anywhere else because of past mistakes outside of aviation, low time, or guys that are chasing a quick upgrade. But please, I hope y'all prove us all wrong and y'all start to stand up for yourselves to management and fight for a decent contract with respectable payrates. Dont be fooled by a measly $1000 bonus, I promise you that they did not do this out of the kindness of their heart, I guarantee you that there is more to the story.

 

WHY DONT THEY FLY us DOWN FOR INTERVIEW? cant they put us on Continental? I hate to buy plane fair.

 

Amen. Buying a plane ticket just to go interview is BAD!