I found the Airbus somewhat difficult to learn only because it was different than anything else I had experienced. However, once I started flying it many things fell into place. IMO it is an easy aircraft to fly.

Probably the best analogy between a conventional aircraft and an Airbus is the difference between a Macintosh and a Windows based computer. They both do the same thing but with different commands and inputs.

Also, the Airbus is the great equalizer. It takes great pilots and makes them good and takes bad pilots and makes them good.

I came from the CRJ-200. The hardest part was to unlearn the FMS on the CRJ and trying to learn the MCDU.

I think the current numbers speak for themselves. I think at last count there were over 40 failures this past year. Those are the ones invited to leave. There were more pink slips but those were deemed retrainable and given another ride.
In comparison, other majors only had one or two failures.
That being said, the training footprint is very small here, there have been inexperienced pilots as well as experienced not make it. Just depends on the individual.

All different phases from the oral to IOE. The company isn’t doing anything but overhiring to play the odds.

The number one thing they could do is sign an industry standard contract thus making Spirit attractive to more experienced pilots that generally can push themselves through our crappy training program. Right now our contract attracts pilots that are not yet equipped with the skills to make it through our terrible program. The training hasn’t changed in years yet failures are up exponentially as hiring has ramped up at carriers with much more lucrative compensation packages. The experience goes elsewhere and we get the bottom of the barrel and hope one doesn’t end up in a mountain one day

To make matters worse a lot of our really sharp, higher qualified guys/gals leave once they realize we aren’t close to the Big 4 and their number comes up. Good for them but terrible for those of us who hopefully will be convinced to stay.

I thought people stayed here for the amazing work rules???

Why is it terrilble and who’s trying to convince you to stay? Last I checked they said juniority is a plus and if you want legacy pay then go to a legacy.

That’s exactly what most of the younger and brighter new hires are doing,... right after they get their all expense paid for A320 type rating:D

Jyri, Is that you? :rolleyes: