Hello, everyone. New hire here. First major carrier and coming from the regionals. Being the new guy on the block again had me thinking about probation.

Back at my regional, probation was used sort of like a carrot dangling over your head. I did a lot of work with the union and saw a pretty surprising amount of pilots get released from probation and many for very small, honest mistakes.

Is that sort of thing common at United? What are some common reasons pilot will bust their probationary period? Thanks for any info.

 

Generally at the majors it's a non-event, unless you screw up very bigly or have very bad luck. Or just do very dumb stuff on a routine basis.

 

Too many miss-trips can do it. Or, lying about something.

those are the two biggies.

 

Word from several LCPs is that UA has an unwritten three-strike policy.

Miss a commute and use the commuter clause? that's a strike when you're on probation.

Unable To Contact while on reserve? that's a strike when you're on probation.

Late and the CA doesn't or isn't able to cover for you and flight goes out late and someone notices? that's a strike when you're on probation.

Bad probation eval from a CA? Probably a strike.

Post something they don't like on social media? That might be all three strikes.

Probation isn't difficult at UA, but do not treat it lightly.

Answer your phone when you're supposed to.
Show up to work sober, rested, on time, in a clean FOM-compliant uniform, and shaved. Don't forget your duty items.
Give your self extra options/time if you're commuting - night before is always the better choice when on probation.
Buy a ticket to work if you can.
Notify scheduling early if commute is falling apart.
Carry an excellent attitude even if the CA doesn't.
Receive all mentorship with grace.
Know your FM, FOM, and your job well.
Don't lie, cheat, or steal. If you make a mistake, own it.

If you have something going on at home, reach out to CPO for help before it becomes an issue with work.

And this won't get you fired if you don't do it, but wear your half-wing pin on your lanyard in training and on your tie when on the line. Enjoy the free beer and dinner. Welcome to UA!

 

All excellent advice for a probie. Also excellent advice after probation. Makes the job fun and easy.

 

Not necessarily the company’s priority, but from the line pilot perspective, that half wing alpa pin front and center on the tie is far more important than any other part of the uniform. 👍🏼

 

no, all of this is very bad advice.

just do what you want!

 

Delete any and all social media accounts ASAP !
They are tired of dealing with that . 1000%

 

Get a small battery powered alarm clock while on probation. Cell phones glitch.

Trust hotel wake-up calls and hotel alarm clocks as much as you trust Mexican tap water.

and follow all the advice given above.

 

Most of the people in the Chief Pilots office say that about 80-90% of issues they encounter during probationary periods are commuting related.

In short if you aren’t going to be commuting, you are eliminating most threats associated with not completing the probationary period.