Fly4Lyfe

I was junior manned into the LAX DMA program starting in August. Does anyone have any insights/experience with the training, scheduling (I'll likely be on DMA reserve), Aspen flying, etc.? Is Aspen flying really as hairy as everyone makes it out to be? Do DMA pilots still do regular line flying or is it all ASE trips?

If there are any DMA pilots lurking around here, it would be awesome if you'd PM me.

Thanks all.

star1007

Training is excellent, especially IOE. Some limited flexibility in sim scheduling, depends on how many slots are available.

DMA reserves tend to be the last out because they want to keep you open for DMA trips. But if you're the only one open for a trip they'll send you out. I'm going from normal reserve to DMA reserve this winter and expect to get maybe a day or two less flying.

The lines can be excellent. I went from midpack DTW to low lineholder DMA and made more money working less days on more commutable trips.

It's only as hairy as you let it be, just like any other airport. You're more likely to encounter conditions such as turbulence and windshear, but what you do with that is up to you as a crew. I explicitly brief that we will go around for a number of factors, including turbulence beyond either of our comfort levels.

Sometimes you'll have unexpected weather events (just like any other airport), but usually there's signs that it's going to be a fun ride down. Conditions change rapidly though, so be prepared for a nice day to turn into a difficult approach.

Mostly it's DMA trips. Some regular stuff is embedded (ie you'll fly ASE-IAH-BNA) and there's some normal trips in the DMA bid package. Those are more the exception then the rule - for the most part you're either to or from ASE or EGE. Higher percentage of DHs then normal trips.

rellings

Just wondering what DMA means. Thank you in advance

TFAYD

Designated Mountaintenous Airports

Former Aspen program

savedbythevnav

For a long time I thought it was "Dangerous Mountainous Airports"

rellings

Are there certain particular bases for DMA pilots? Are there FOs and Captains that are qualified DMA or is it just Captains?

star1007

DEN, SLC, LAX, ORD, and DFW have DMA bases. CAs and FOs must both be DMA qualified.

duckman

Hello all!
I am interested in the DMA flying on the 175 out of Denver. Do all F/O’s get certified as a DMA pilot or is it only if you want to be? How much additional training do you get to be a DMA F/O?

Thanks,
Duckman

nowkk211

Currently there are no 175 DMA. It's only on the CRJ, for now.. Only a small percentage are trained to be DMA. It is voluntary, unless you're Junior manned like the OP. You'll be trained with ground and additional sims. (non jeopardy sims)

amcnd

DEN ERJ DMA exists....