The official word is no hiring for 2011. I wouldn't be surprised if Delta held interviews in the Fall of 2011 for early 2012 staffing. However, once hiring starts, it will not stop for over 15 years, since we're facing the loss of over 7,600 pilots in that time frame.

Oil over $100/barrel & the Tsumami/nuclear disaster in Japan slowed things down temporarily. It can start up just as quickly, so be ready.

I was hired at Delta in Sept 2010, and my seniority has moved up from 12175 to 12108, about 70 in 8 months. I hope it won't be until 2013 because I don't want to be on reserve that long.

My point is that there appears to be more movement than what was anticipated by management which could lead to staffing concerns.

For what it's worth from a different forum:

"My buddy in the hiring pool (all 8 of them) just received a letter from the pilot hiring manager yesterday stating zero hiring until December 2013. His conditional job offer expires in August and he will have to re-interview, the whole process. 4% reduction in domestic flying. 8-10% reduction in Atlantic flying. 243 pilots on recall bypass who 90% have indicated they will return in December, which is the 10 year point from the initial 9/11 furlough. Around 800 are actively on mil leave and medical who will eventually return as well. Wish it was better news."

True or False? You at DAL might have a better grasp on that question than someone like me on the outside wanting to get on with DAL.

Six months ago the mantra was 5-7% growth this year, you see how quickly things change. The above statements may simply be a current snapshot, but if the FAA Reauthorization Bill is passed, that adds a requirement of 120-400 pilots due to crew rest rules according to Crew Resources. If the LGA-DCA slot swap with US Air gets approved by DOT, that will lead to a staffing increase. If Japan gets settled and loads increase, then we'll reinstate Haneda service and that will be higher than current flying. Put yourself in their shoes, there are so many variables...again, just be ready for the time that hiring is formally announced.

With the latest AE any word on hiring for 2012?

With the March Crew Resources Update, I get a "feeling" we might start up the hiring.

Get your stuff current.

TEN

Let's see ... displacing from DC-9, 744, 777, 765, and 767. Did we read the same update?

There are a couple of ways to read that one. But there is one conflicting sentence that talks about adjusting our staffing levels. Now, that could mean more MDs - certainly off the MSP DC9, but it could mean they need to bring some folks onboard.

Ed also mentioned in his comments recently about looking at another buyout. Last time we were added to the mix when we weren't intended and about 100 more guys than they expected took the buyout. So, if they offer it again and we can get guys off the top of the list and bring guys in on the bottom, that might be a win for all concerned.

Only thing I'm sure about is I have no control over it.

more MAY take it this round also because of alot of guys being forced into commuting and we're getting closer to age 65 full effects meaning those that have stayed past 60 are getting closer to 65 thus giving guys that will have to retire soon an option to take a buyout and the incentives that come with an early out. A couple years ago there was an over 65 guy on the engineers seat of the whale and when they announced the parking of the fleet he was going to get forced out anyway so took the buyout. win for him cause it was going to happen anyway. we'll see

With the proposed buy out's DAL may be offering soon, this kind of goes with the rumor I heard of them being fat by 500 pilots. This would lead me to believe that DAL is not going to plan on hiring anytime soon.... thoughts??