Don't fly off the handle...this is not an emotional argument. I was addressing someone who was CONSIDERING xjet, not someone who currently works there. You are already along for the ride, and can't do much about it, but let's be honest...

69-11 = 58 airplanes x 5 crews = 580 pilots...that's a lot of people, and a modest increase in CAL block hours for the remaining airplanes will not account for that many. Maybe you haven't been in this business long enough to understand the rumor mill, but it I can guarantee you that any speculation that's not in an official company press release is just science fiction.

Any way you slice it this is not good news...until another codeshare is officially announced.

 

Im not flying off the handle, just trying to be optimistic, there is enough pessimism in the industry already

 

I absolutely agree that you should be optimistic...xjet is a good company, with a good history, and will likely come out on top in the long run. But a new-hire prospect needs to be aware of, and consider the near-term bump in the road.

 

SAAB, did they let you out of your cage AGAIN?!?!

 

With 35+ CA's (captains alone).... leaving for CAL and other places per month, even the number you quoted (500) would take but a year to equal out. Now, we arent losing 500 numbers as we have charter, and increased block hours. Do the math....there really isnt gonna be much loss....in fact with the attrition, hiring will likely continue.

I can tell you right now the training center is wild and crazy. we are running 2 classes simultaneously currently. One 0600-1500 and another 1500-2400.....Rumors are that by January it will be 3 at a time....one being the graveyard shift...i sure hope not.....

Hiring is still high.... We are using sims in our facility at IAH as well as HOU, DFW, and now PHX. That is not cheap, and would not be spent if furloughs were coming. This is the real deal guys.

 

Whoa, nuts! All I heard out on the line was that they were trying to hire more ground instructors...

 

Just wondering.... how hard is it to get a ground instructor position as a line FO? how much seniority w/the company do you need? how does the pay work? how much flying vs. instructing do you DO?

 

Positions are as needed. I was picked up 2 months ago with 3 others (4 brought on). Since then 2 more have been added and just recently they put out a letter that they are looking for a couple more. Just as needed.

Most ground instructors are FOs so thats quite common. Most are more senior but some like myself are not. They "prefer" an off probation pilot however myself and at least one other are still in our first year as FO with the company.

Pay is your regular contractural longevity rate plus an override. 16 events (days) per month at 5 hours of pay per event yeilding an 80 Hour per month guarentee. (14 off schedule).

You are allowed to fly on your off days so long as you still get your one off in 7 for FARs. You get auto lineholder status so no matter what your seniority you can pick up open time. All flying you do is paid on top of instructing pay at normal pay (no override). I have no problem flying 30-40 hours per month and still having some time for me. December i left min days off and have about 60 hours of flying in my schedule but thats on the high end.

If you enjoy teaching, and dont mind flying less, it is a great position. When your number comes for upgrade you can do so and remain an instructor. (no reserve...)

 

Sounds like a great deal! How much override do you get for instructing? (if you don't mind me asking)

How much commitment to ground instucting do you have to give? Are there guys who do it only for like 3-6 months or so, or are the looking for someone who is going to commit for long-term?

Thanks for the info!

 

Actually if you look at the history of airline hiring, they typically hired right up until furlough. As crazy as that sounds. What's $30k when you're paying $500k+ per month for just one plane ? Answer: a drop in the bucket .