Agreed about the open door policy, it doesn't feel that way during training so much but I've had to get a couple things clarified during my short time on the line and the responses I got were professional and cordial despite being on a weekend.

 

In training now. The RSQ was in my sim schedule when I got it. One day off in between. Also have XR thrown into the mix. Guess they are starting to get a little more organized as time progresses. I know others ahead of me had to return later for RSQ and XR, so it will be nice to knock it all out at once.

As for the hotel during IOE, I was just bringing it up because no one seemed to be aware of it and were getting surprised at the last minute. Now they can plan accordingly... Also we are to be available for IOE as soon as 24 hours after finishing sim training, not than anyone is getting scheduled that quick, but that doesn't leave much time to get anything organized, let alone move all your belongings.

 

Thanks! I sent you a pm with a couple questions.

 

That's good to hear.

To put it nicely, my experience in training has been plagued by a lack of organization and anytime someone has gone to a management for help or clarification the answer seems to range anywhere between ambiguous to something that seems like total bs.

I know there's a lot of growth, the flood, etc, but the last thing anyone should want is bad feedback circulating to former coworkers, friends, former students, etc, when we still need to hire 300+ FOs, and 50-100? CQs to staff this flying... ESPECIALLY when every other regional is hiring (lots with bonuses, some with better pay/contract).

With that being said, the instructors I've had for ground school and sims have been top notch. Very much contrary to the horror stories I heard about the training department from several years back. Also, I've met a lot of great people so far and I'm excited to get flying.

 

You do realize that most regional FOs have large amounts of debt that they incurred to get their ratings. Most I have talked to, including myself, have around $600-$800/month student loan payments. So with making around $1,000/month take home, how do you expect them to make a budget to eat, pay their bills and pay for hotels? This is a profession that takes years of training and great deal of money to even get to the level of regional FO. You should not be expected to go into further debt to accept the job. Trans States' and all other airlines goal should be to make it so that new hires have nothing to worry about except passing training. Putting food on your table or defaulting on your debts should not be something you are concerned about.

I am really hoping the union negotiating committee focuses on improving the compensation and training pay for first year pilots. If TSA wants to continue to attract new hires, it is something that definitely needs to be addressed.

Yeah, comparing Delta to any regional carrier is ridiculous as they start you off at $70/hr during training. I also believe it is wrong and one of the reasons Delta isn't number 1 on my list. Delta and formerly Compass were an outlier and definitely not industry standard as well.

Are you the same person that hears people complain about the way the government is doing things and tells them to shut up and leave if they don't like it? Civil discourse is necessary for positive changes to occur. Maybe you should listen to those that have years of experience in the industry and a wealth of knowledge. I'm guessing you are new and have very little experience; maybe you should put down the kool-aid.

You among others have talked about the positive changes that have occurred at Trans States since a large amount of Comair furloughs made their way here. They brought their experience, knowledge and new ways of doing things with them. Your goal should be to find ways to take the best practices from these CQFOs' other companies and incorporate them in at Trans States. From day one, the training department was in our new hire class asking questions of the CQFOs and the way they did things at their last airlines. They recognized the fact that the CQFOs had valuable experience that they could use as a resource.

Maybe you should start asking what can I learn from this person. Whether you like it or not, the CQFOs are a part of Trans States and are here to stay.

 

I've got to laugh at comparing TSA to Delta, that's pretty funny! Seriously dude?!?!?!

 

While training pay does suck, I'd rather them focus on improving other aspects of the contract. We are a small company and can't inprove everything at once. It's 2.5 months out of your life...not that bad. Training compensation at most regional airlines is sub par. I went through ours a year and a half ago...not even half the class made it. So, the companies ROI wasn't great. Maybe that's part of the reason for the low training pay. Things continue to get better though. Additionally, I had to wait a month for IOE while I got paid...to do nothing. All that to say, I didn't think it was too bad. I also have 500 a month in student debt and am married with many bills. I just had to plan ahead. Just my thoughts. I do value CQFO's opinion and experience.

 

not that bad?????

for every 1 hired here at least 1-2 declined it because of the training pay alone! (I have at least 8 pilot friends that said no thanks for such reason) Just imagine you can only attract pilots without families because throwing in kids, a mortgage, loans, car payment...then $1000 a month is IMPOSSIBLE unless you go into savings or borrow money.

FTR...TSA has one of the worst training compensation packages out there (compass is the exception) almost every other regional you make more to a lot more.

 

Including XJT which gives you two $1500 checks for all of training.

 

agree if they want to attract more pilots, this is something that really needs to change...geez just make it your guarantee pust per diem