OK, so it was just the DC9. I forgot training already. I couldn't remember, and haven't shot a CAT II in the Bus yet. Sorry.

DC-9 to MD-88 always required a full course at Delta. The MD-82 to MD-88 transition was a short course however all MD-82's have been gone for a long time. Only difference between the MD-82 and 88 was the non glass cockpit and slightly less trust rating on the engines if I recall.

Going from the DC-9 to -88 is about like going to a completely different aircraft. Some of the systems look familiar but otherwise completely different autoflight system (the -88 actually has one), FMS, Cat III ops, VNAV approaches, partial glass etc. Nobody wants to spend more time in the school house than necessary but why set guys up for failure. Also combining the categories would allow the company to operate with less reserves. Not sure we want anything to do with that at this point.

USAIR may have a SOC however they have not integrated operations between the two airlines. They are not even allowed to cross fly equipment that is common between the two airlines.

kind of like the CAL guys flying the 737-300 one leg and the 737-900 the next leg then? Just because they may be different doesnt mean it cant be done.

Well those guys push the envelope on everything. 757 to 767-400, steam guage 73s to full glass. Not a good thing in my opinion. The reason they do it is it requires fewer pilots. Is that something we want? I've flown all the above aircraft and believe me going from a -9 to an -88 is a lot more complex than going from a 737-300 to -700/-800.

I'd prefer getting hit in the face to the other end where most of the merger stuff hits.

I think that a lot of the info that sailing posted assumes that everything will be the DAL way.
I ask what is easier? To train all of the NWA guys to manually land a CAT II or to just have us not manually land anymore. What is cheaper????

I just had to speak up. For those that weren't at NW for the bakrputcy, it would now cost more money to terminate the NW pensions that it does to fund them. That was the agreement made with the PBGC. That agreement still survives the merger, so give it a rest. FWIW, I do not have a DB plan, nor was I subject to the TDC.

The Dispatchers have a TA....final vote date is Dec 30th...should know on Dec 31. If one group votes it down, then the sen. list goes to arbitration.
Most common rumor I have heard is they want all of the NWA guys down in ATL next Fall. But, the Delta people do not even have a Management group decided yet to run the show. Sen. list is blended...so if you hold a day shift you should still be able to hold one when the merger is complete. As a NWA dispatcher retires, the NWA folks move up. The end result after retirements is to have a list that will be class and craft.