To answer your question about preparing for the CRJ. I believe Bombardier in conjunction with our recently hired CRJ instructors will be teaching the first several CRJ classes until the FAA feels our own instructors can teach on their own. Usually when we've received a new aircraft, the limitations, procedures, memory items, etc are manufacturer based until we as the company learn more about the aircraft flying in our environment (airspace, weather, etc). But it wouldn't hurt to get ahead and see what the CRJ is all about.

crashpad
 

Hey saabtrash do you know how difficult it is to find a crash pad in MSP, or what prices are like? I fyou don't mind what exactly is attrition?

I know of one crashpad in MSP right by the Mall of America which is right across the highway from the airport. I'm sure there are many others. Crashpadders seem to have a network, so all you gotta do is ask around.


Attrition is pilots leaving our company for greener pastures. Pre 9/11, when we were growing and losing 15-20 pilots/month (to all of the big carriers like UAL, AA, Delta, etc), Saab upgrades were as junior as 1.5 years.

Now the attrition rate is maybe 4-5 per month. Many going to SWA. Some FedEx.

Employee handbook
 

Hey Saab
I got my book and paperwork today. Should I fill that stuff out now or wait until I get there? I didn't know if we would go over it the first few days or have an opportunity to ask questions. Because I have a bunch. On one piece of paper it list the 10 people in class with me and a 5 digit number out next to our name, is that our employee number? It also has us in class for about 3 1/2 weeks I guess we'll go to sim training after that. Do people travel home any during class, can you fly for free? Well that's enough questions for now. Thanks for the help.

Not sure what paperwork you have but you might as well fill it out so you're not overloaded with paperwork on the first day of class. On the first day or two, there will be plenty more paperwork for you to fill out.

The 5 digit number sounds like your employee number, probably starting with a 12 or 13 or 14? most newhire numbers are starting there.

During your first week in class, you should get your company ID badge. This will allow you to jumpseat on virutally any US airline (yes for free). So yes, if you feel you have enough time to get home Friday night and come back sunday, then go for it. Not sure if this is your first airline job, but I think it's safe to say the CRJ material will be like drinking out of a firehose. So you may not be wanting to travel around liesurely. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks
 

Hey I really appreciate all your help, The book they sent me has Insurance info and a PCS, direct deposit stuff you know. Yes this is my first airline job and I've heard the training is pretty intense so I probably will not be traveling back and forth at all. I can't afford to washout. My employee # starts with a 15 so maybe it has something to do with the CRJ. Also there is a person on the list who's # is like a 4 digit 60.. Maybe they came from other equipment. I'm pretty excited about next week I'm staying at the towneplace suites. I guess you spend alot of time study in the 'ol hotel room. Any way thanks again and maybe we'll run into each other in MSP one day.

I hear XJ has made the choice to expand the much more appealing Saab fleet and forgo any CRJ expansion.

Expansion? Last one to leave....
 

If you believe the company propaganda, Mesaba is "expanding" all the way down to 49 Saabs - a 50% reduction in fleet size. No more Avros, no more CRJs. Might as well shut the doors.


....turn out the lights.