18 737
6 756

 

I flew the 756 loved every minute of it. What did I say that's as wrong? If you want a specific base the 756 will not get you to it the fastest. If you want to be off reserve the 756 will not be the fastest. But if you don't care and want to do some cool flying then bid the 756.

 

EWR 756 flying is probably the biggest variety of any base/equipment. Welcome aboard.

 

This is good advice. I think what he is trying to say is that if you do not have a choice of where to go, or will have to commute, the 737 will offer the most flexibility and options faster.

The 757 is a fine plane as is the bus, but you will be much fewer options, and the 757 especially, you will be stuck junior for a very long time, unless you are in EWR.

A plane is a plane. Do what will allow you the most time off with family at home. Yes, bold statement. Do what is best for you, don't follow the other lemmings off the cliff.

 

All other things being equal (base didn't matter, rsv didn't matter) which aircraft is easier to learn? If one is easier, how much so?

 

The 737's are all the same so you only have to learn one aircraft, although there are at least 4 weight groups you have to learn.

The 757's are a hodge podge and its hard to get everything down. There are United 757-200s PW engines, Continental 757-200s RR engines, Continental 757-300s, old ATA 757-300s, 767-300s PW engines, 767-400s GE engines (and a 777 flight deck with 757 overhead panel). All have little difference or major differences. It got to the point when I flew the plane I actually had to think about the proper engine start procedure. If you are new and on probation it can be quite difficult especially when you spend most of your time in the Jumpseat as an IRO.

With all that said new hires have been flying the 757 since United started hiring in 2012. No one has been fired, that I know of, and the instructors, LCAs and Line CAs (The good ones) will get you through.

Great airplane but it certainly isn't easy to learn! At some point everyone needs to fly it or they will regret when its gone.

 

Having flown all of them, you will learn any of the aircraft just fine and I wouldn't include that in your decision making.

Bid for quality of life and whatever makes life easier/better. If you Live in the NE, I'd do 756 EWR to go see some awesome places, even as a bunkie. 756 west coast is pretty nice as well, lots of Hawaii flying.
Getting a line will happen much faster on the 737. Big variety in flying from short domestic trips, transcon all nighters, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico etc.

From the looks of it, Airbus won't be offered to new hires for the time being so those are the options. If you live in a base, I would bid any aircraft to get that base off the bat.

 

The guppy didn't used to do overwater or international flying, the 757 did. Now they both do, so no real advantage learning one over the other.

737 noisy, cramped, ice age technology overhead. 757/767 much more room, a little quieter. Still 1st generation glass.

 

Thanks for the replies gents, I appreciate the details! Still have to do my interview later in the month but can't help but to look ahead a bit since I'm excited by the prospects.

The callout for being on RSV is 2.5 hours for EWR, right? Same for LGA? Just checkin...I'm looking to live in-domicile.

 

I'd steer well clear of the 756. Other than being able to stand and stretch in the cockpit, you'll be forced into a lie-flat seat for 1.5-2hrs mid-flight, ice cream, chocolate and more meals than you can handle will be shoved in your general direction and you'll have to deal with British pubs and their shoddy cask ales. It's all pretty terrible!