Thought mx ferry and paint shop flights were done by line pilots. Unless it has changed we used to run them to new iberia and gso for both. I don't think that is what test pilots do, like I said unless something has changed.

 

A good friend of my family is a retired Engineering Test Pilot for UAL. I can assure you that they do a lot more than ferry perfectly good aircraft. They all have extensive test pilot experience and do things that most line guys would rightly refuse to do, like three engine ferries of 747's, initial acceptance flights of new aircraft, etc. UAL is the only U.S. carrier left that has it's own cadre of test pilots, and in my opinion we should be grateful for them. I, for one, have no interest in doing the type of flying that they do. As an aside, my retired friend spent an inordinate amount of time at TK in order to stay current in all the aircraft that he is typed in (everything UAL ever flew from the DC-3 to the 747)

 

As someone on furlough, I don't want the engineering test pilots jobs. I am always concerned when the company makes a group of pilots reinterview for their jobs!

That sounds like a set up to me.

FMT

 

News Flash, nothing EG pilots do requires being a TPS graduate. Requirement is just a barrier to entry to prevent ALPA line holders for doing flying that should be theirs.
How many of you would like to fly past 65? Get a bonus of over $40,000 this year?
Apply for the position, they make way more than you do and work less.....

 

Thinking the same thing, it could be like a FCF qual back in the military. It could be run like our LCA program or a TAD monthly bid.

 

They do not "work less."

They may fly less, but they're constantly in the training center here at the old DEN staying current, and when they do fly, they fly on an entire different level than most others. Like ReserveDog said, stuff like ferrying 747s with only 3 engines happens more than you would think. My neighbor was an Engineering Pilot before he got a line, and has some wild stories.

 

News flash!! Nothing a physician does requires a medical degree. The degree simply organizes the idea that one can provide an alternative method that is by far more humane...

 

So are you saying that it takes a higher level of training to do stupid $hit?

 

Lets see:
1. Engineering pilots do wiffer dill over SFO in a 737, almost losing the aircraft. Captain is still flying for UAL.

2. Paul Skabo and Dave Peterson depressurize A320 at altitude trying to "trouble shoot" a problem. Mx Technician is out on permanent disability because of their actions. Peterson is well over 65 and still on the payroll.

As to time at TK, maybe 2 PCs a year, they only have to do one in type every two years.

Engine out ferries are purely for cost savings, no operational need to do them. Once you park the 400's that will be the end of those.

As to the neighbors etc that were in EG, of course they are loyal to EG. Neither one of them would have been competitive for a UAL interview if they hadn't been given their FE ticket and 737/A320 FO checkouts at UAL expense.

BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THEY ARE DOING WHAT SHOULD BE ALPA FLYING.

ALPA SHOULD WELCOME THE EG PILOTS INTO THE UNION, A WIN WIN SOLUTION

 

Now Come ON!! You and I BOTH know Line pilots are NOT going to test fly anyrhing!!
You've NEVER assisted Maintenence in troubleshooting before and you're NOT going up to test airplanes coming out of maintenence or help Maintenence nail down problems or fly gear down ferries or test flights for horizontal stabilizer trim motor changes nor double engine changes. So WHY don't we quit the blather? Because I'll bet $50.00 the FIRST time I offer it? The FODM will fall over DEAD! You'd Never get the chance to even TRY! If you can refuse an airplane being ferried for lightning strike repairs with NO restrictions?? Are you Kidding me?