Wondering how long training takes from Indoc to IOE on a basic airframe like the 737?
I was also wondering the average flight hours flown and credited while on reserve for a 737 vs. 757 fo?
When is the current contract amendable?
Is it true that CAL plans on losing +50% of their pilots in the next few years?
Any chat/info on how the age 65 rule would affect junior pilots?
If awarded 756 in training, how difficult is it to bid into the 737?

Thanks in advance for all the responses.

I would say 6.5 weeks from indoc to IOE. On reserve you will get 76 or 72 hours of block depending if you are long or short call reserve. On the 73 in EWR, the average line value for FEB. was 89 hours. I'll be a lineholder for March. I was on reserve only for one month. If you are awarded the 756, you have to wait 2 years to bid back down to a 737.

Good luck!

If I bid EWR 737 in new-hire training and then bid IAH during the summer bid, how long will it take to actually get down to IAH once the bid is awarded.
Also, how long to hold a line (737) in IAH.

I was hired Jan 06 bid EWR 737 and then figured out quickly that I didn't like commuting. I bid IAH in Aug and was advanced in Oct.

you will hold a line quicker in EWR on all a/c

Fellas,

Might end up being the old fart in a CAL class soon--any advice/opinion/info on which aircraft/domicile to choose given the choice?
RTOO

BTW Appreciate all the posts Re: CAL, SWA, etc with good info vice mudslinging com--helps (a bunch!) clueless monkey like me starting a second career in a field I know very little about--thanks!

EWR is the most junior base. That is the fastest place to hold a line. It just depends on where you might be commuting from. As far as airframe I would take the 737. You will get to be senior quicker. Also you can bid off of it if you want. If you take a 75/76 or 777 you will be stuck there for two years (you can bid up equipment but not down). CLE has only 737. GUM wasn't available to my class but you might get it. If you enjoy adventure, are single or have an adventerous family give that a shot.

funny how no one likes new york.

EWR has the best flying and best seniority (junior). People avoid it because of the cost of living and it's in Newark, NJ. The pilots I've flown with the last 12 years in EWR don't live there (maybe one or two do). Nearly all of them drive from surrounding states or commute from where ever they want to live. Crashpads are popular too. I've never had a crash pad. I've commuted or driven (I now live 1.5 hours away in PA).

As a new pilot:
You will be on reserve less in EWR.
You can hold any plane in EWR: 737, 757/767, and 777.
You can fly domestic or international.

CLE is only 737 and you will find it hard to get in there. Plus, the weather sucks.

GUM is only 737 and you fly red-eye round trips without overnights. It's senior becasue it's small and full. Expensive too.

IAH is in Texas and that's about all I have to say about that.

Don't forget that the 737 in EWR has the least commutability of any A/C and base in the system. Super early show times, (see 0430), and returns that are usually too late to commute home on.

IAH 737 is very commutable and has decent flying. The 756 and 777 are better than the 737. EWR is a pain due to the weather but has some excellent 756 flying.

Good Luck