this is truth. There’s really so much you can learn in 4 sim rides and a handful of CPTs. Line flying after OE has been huge for learning this airplane.

 

I am new to the Spirit training department. I have observed a lot of different instructors throughout my training. Several things they have all had in common, desire to help others learn, desire to see everyone succeed, the hope that the training department continues to improve - there has been significant improvement already under the current leadership - and a desire to deliver the best training they can with the tools they are given. Sure, every training department has a bad apple or two, but they would be the exception. The LCA that I have personally experienced here are very knowledgable and helpful. The reality is that we have a limited time to get through the entire training program and there is so much to learn. That is why OE and mentorship on the line is so important. Not just at Spirit, but every operator I have worked for, too.

 

coipdnt agree more. The people I had contact with in the training department have been great, excepting one LCA. They really are doing the best they can in the framework they have to operate in.

 

The problem with our bad apple is it stays in the basket, year after year. People keep telling the produce department that the same rotten apple sits there but no one does anything about it. Our training department would be even better if they would finally throw that one apple out.

 

Agree. I have worked in other training departments too, and for whatever reason they, like Spirit, love to leave that bad apple right where it is.

 

Earnings call article:

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-02-06/spirit-airlines-planning-midyear-order-decision

 

I vaguely recall fornaro saying somewhere that if he were starting an airline fresh he'd want to do it with the A220 (and it seems moxy agrees). Cant remember if it was in an article or just rumor mill though. Either way the article alludes to it being the airplane of choice if the price is right.

I feel like they would need to get one heck of a deal in order to offset the extra costs of two fleet types. I really, really hope they aren't underestimating the costs just because AirTran did it.

 

Airtran did it... and then their purchaser, which many would say is very business savvy, un-did it.

To be fair, I remember seeing that the 717 was simply unable to fit into the growth that Airtran eventually went after. Namely longer range flights.

 

Was told by one of the higher ups last week that the airplane must "fit the mission" for the company to purchase. When I asked does the E2 190 fit it he said no it doesn't have the stage length they want, the A220 does along with what we operate currently.

 

Well there ya go! Start studying your A220 limitations boys and girls (for those that would like to move to the A220)