Jetcareers - Airline Pilots

XBox On The Road?

FlyChicaga — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:59:09 GMT

Has anyone here ever brought their XBox360 on the road? If so, how did you carry it? Was it worth it? I'm thinking about bringing mine... I've had some long overnights lately without much to do, so playing some hockey or MW2 sounds like a good way to pass the time. Especially with winter coming.

Another Skywest ALPA Drive

mrivc211 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:04 GMT

Looks like the troops that voted no last time are starting to get pissed and see the light. I wonder if ALPA is gonna give Skywest pilots another chance? Things to consider:

*NMB rules have changed
*one year upgrade gone
*continued erosion of pay and benefits
*continued "secret" firing of pilots for being human

I wonder if thats enough reason to change their minds?

Hey Segg, you got that number to truck masters?

I'll just put this right here...... (awac hiring)

Table Two — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:24:17 GMT

https://www3.ultirecruit.com/air1002...px?Page=Browse

Air Wisconsin Airlines is accepting pilot resumes in anticipation for potential hiring in early spring 2010.

"Letter of the Week: Whining Pilots"

the_dmn8tr — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:58:44 GMT

My captain found this on avweb this morning, then the entire crew room had a good laugh...

Quote:

Letter of the Week: Whining Pilots

In a given week, my career responsibilities may take me to two or three cities across the U.S. On more than one occasion, I've seen both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on the same itinerary. Airline travel is not without annoyances, but in recent weeks, a particular thing has started working its way to the top of my list of travel peeves: whining airline pilots. I can guarantee with 95 percent certainty that if two or more people with white shirts and epaulettes are chatting together in an airline terminal, they're probably complaining about their jobs.

Airline flying is among the most respected of all professions, and the outwardly negative demeanor I see detracts tremendously from the well-earned image. As a private pilot who strives to maintain the utmost professionalism in my flying, I'm heretofore going to do my own part to restore prestige to the role of commanding the big iron. From now on, whenever I see pilots complaining in the terminal, their names and an account of their actions will be sent to airline customer service at my earliest convenience. I'd encourage the rest of my travel companions to do the same.

Airline pilots, I know the job ain't what it used to be, and it's not likely to change for the better. Ruminate all you want in private, but when wearing your uniform in view of passengers who entrust their lives to you, provide the modicum of professionalism the people expect. If that's too much to ask, please turn in your stripes and earn your pay on the ground like the rest of us.

Matthew Sawhill

http://www.avweb.com/news/avmail/AVm..._201541-1.html

Delta taking apps

MDPilot — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:49:51 GMT

http://www.deltajobs.net/pilot_qualifications.htm

We are proudly recruiting pilots for first officer positions. As a new Delta first officer, you have an opportunity to initially be assigned to a MD88/90, a 737NG, or even a 757/767 aircraft type among our fleet of more than 440 aircraft. To qualify for employment as a pilot with Delta, you must meet all of the following requirements.
General Requirements

At least 21 years of age
Graduate of a four-year degree program from a college or university accredited by a recognized accredited organization
- Degrees obtained from a non-U.S. institution must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- Postgraduate education will be given favorable consideration.
Current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents)

FAA Requirements

FAA commercial fixed-wing pilot license with an instrument rating
Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Passing score on FAA ATP written exam preferred

Flight Time Requirements

Minimum of 1,200 hours of total documented flight time
Minimum of 1,000 hours of fixed wing turboprop or turbofan time

When evaluating the flight time of applicants meeting the basic qualifications, consideration will be given to, among other things, quality, quantity, recency, and verifiability of training; complexity of aircraft flown; types of flight operations; and hours flown as PIC in turbine powered aircraft. Applicants invited to interview must provide appropriate documentation of all flight hours.
Other

FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit (RP)
DOT required pre-employment drug test and a medical exam administered by Delta
TSA required fingerprint based Criminal History Records Check and a Delta background check

Applications for employment as a Delta pilot must be submitted through AirlineApps.com. Applications for Delta pilot positions may be submitted free of charge, though a fee may be charged if you wish to join AirlineApps as a member for added features. If you are already a member of the AirlineApps system, sign in to your account and add Delta to your target listing.
New users can create an account to begin the application process.

Where is H.R. 3371?

TheOneMarine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:40:30 GMT

What happened to it? After all the excitement of it passing the house, it seems to have disappeared. When does the Senate vote on it? When will the President have the chance to sign on it? Have there been any changes made to it by the Senate? Just seems odd that it fell off the pages here.

Your airline and Military leave

blee256 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:31:01 GMT

How does your airline deal with guard/reservists for their drill weekends? At pinnacle we are docked 2.5 hours for everyday we have military leave! So in essence my guarantee every month is 70 hours because i have drill one weekend a month.

The way it works is if they insert the mil leave days into pref bid before our sched is made, pref bid will schedule around your mil days which is great, but we get docked 2.5 hours for each day. even tho its basically an off day!

You can PM me, if you dont want to announce what airline you work for. But I would like to know, so I can try to get this changed at my company.

THANKS!!

DCA parking permit

DonAlejandro — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:50 GMT

Is there anyone around that is based in DCA that can get a parking permit? I live in the DC area and commute out of there and Im looking to find someone who would be able to sell me their permit if they dont need or use it.

please PM me Thank you

Xjet to fly 22 airplanes for UAL

Clocks — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:12:08 GMT

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...-70182667.html

Quote:

ExpressJet to Operate 22 Aircraft as Replacement Flying for United Express

CHICAGO, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, today announced that ExpressJet Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of ExpressJet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: XJT) will operate 22 ERJ-145 aircraft under the United Express brand.

This new flying, which will begin on May 1, 2010, will replace flying previously done by other United Express partner carriers whose contracts have expired and is consistent with the 2010 capacity outlook United provided in its third quarter earnings conference call.

"We have worked with ExpressJet previously for short-term flying contracts, and they provided our customers with exceptional service," said Cindy Szadokierski - vice president Airport Operations Planning and United Express. "ExpressJet offered us the most competitive bid, enabling us to continue to operate efficiently in this difficult environment."

"We are pleased that our commitment to exceptional operational performance coupled with a highly competitive economic model provided ExpressJet the opportunity to offer replacement flying for United Airlines under a multi-year arrangement," said Jim Ream - president and chief executive officer of ExpressJet. "This award represents a tremendous opportunity for our company and I know ExpressJet employees are excited to deliver the very best service to United's customers."

About United

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 1,071 destinations in 171 countries worldwide. United's 47,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com or follow United on Twitter @UnitedAirlines.

*Based on United's forward-looking flight schedule for October 2009 to October 2010.

About ExpressJet

ExpressJet Holdings operates several divisions designed to leverage the management experience, efficiencies and economies of scale present in its subsidiaries, including ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. and ExpressJet Services, LLC. ExpressJet Airlines serves 130 scheduled destinations in North America and the Caribbean with approximately 1,100 departures per day. Operations include a capacity purchase agreements for United and Continental as well as providing clients customized 41-seat and 50-seat charter options; and supplying third-party aviation and ground handling services. For more information, visit www.expressjet.com.

SOURCE UAL Corporation

CAL and UA merger talks are back

nypilot88 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:05:49 GMT

Jeff Smizek, soon to be CEO says "We are watching Delta to see whether Delta outperforms us financially," a merger with united could be mean very bad news for anyone trying to join CAL in the next few years aka me:dunno:.

Int'l offline jumpseat on delta??

planejay — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:31:37 GMT

hey all I am sure i remember reading that DL allows offline jumpseaters to travel international but just wanted to be sure that nothing has changed and that it is still allowed. As I recall you have to have a seat in the back but are there any more restrictions other than the usual??

thanks in advance,

-Jay

AWAC, holding the line. . .

surreal1221 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:30:49 GMT

Bravo.

Quote:

Pilots,

As mentioned in yesterday�s Fast Read, the Master Executive Council traveled to headquarters in Appleton this afternoon to receive a briefing from the company with regard to the UAL RFP. Present for the company were Jim Rankin, Bob Frisch, and Joel Kuplack. Representing ALPA were all LEC representatives, MEC officers, Bill Patterson, and Jane Schraft.

The company presented a brief summary outlining the history of the RFP to date, which they believe is in some form of its� final stages. The MEC was advised that Air Wisconsin stands a good chance of obtaining this new business if several factors play out, one of which involves the pilots directly, which is what I will focus on tonight. In costing pilot liability (expense), Air Wisconsin felt they needed to significantly reduce pilot cost in order to remain a part of the RFP, let alone be competitive. In light of this estimation, they submitted what ultimately was a 16 percent reduction from current CBA figures. This 16 percent is for UAL (new) flying, which, when shared across the US Airways flying would be an estimated 5-6 percent global concession from the current contract. While the MEC did not know prior to today�s meeting what the briefing would entail, we certainly were not surprised by the request for give backs due to past experience, and were prepared to respond. With this as the back drop, the MEC unilaterally rejected the
company�s request for concessions to obtaining new flying.

There are many reasons for the MEC to respond in this fashion, and the following represent some key components they weighed prior to taking this position:

-This pilot group is currently working under an agreement that has suffered deep, unrealized concessions for UAL

-This pilot group is being squeezed daily for maximum productivity under the current agreement

-We believe our pilot costing models show that Air Wisconsin pilots are indeed cost comparable to other pilot groups with secured flying for UAL

-The UAL RFP is direct replacement flying for MESA Airlines, another APLA carrier. It is against ALPA policy, as resolved at the 2006 ALPA National Board of Directors meeting, to accept concessions in the name of growth or to take flying previously performed by another ALPA carrier.

The above are just some of the MEC�s concerns and a part of their reasoning process which led to this decision. It is a high priority of your ALPA representatives to help ensure that Air Wisconsin remains successful, profitable, and a long term employment option for our pilots. With that in mind, we certainly hold high hope that our owners and senior leadership find a way to secure additional flying, most certainly with United Airlines. It is, however, not acceptable to have this growth lay on the backs of our professional pilots.

We believe that the business model of �cheap, at all costs� is a business model that works very well in a bankruptcy era, but that era has long since past. Now is the time for quality to thrive, and Air Wisconsin built its reputation on quality. We are indeed concerned about the future of Air Wisconsin, beyond 2015, and we feel the best road to a prosperous future is by adhering to quality and having a solid, time proven business plan - a plan that does not participate in the recently popular �race to the bottom�.

Your ALPA representatives will continue to work with Air Wisconsin management to maintain and enhance the production of a safe, efficient and quality product. Although we are disappointed that our management has again placed the fate of our growth in the employee�s hands, rather than in headquarters where that responsibility belongs, we remain confident that in the end our company will find success in quality, not quantity.

Please feel free to contact any of your elected leaders to discuss this update further. We appreciate your involvement and most certainly will provide additional hotlines should there be any future developments.

In Unity, and to our future

Republic airways pilots??

futurepilot1 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:23:02 GMT

Hey guys. Any of you fly for Republic? I have some questions about working there. we can chat via PM if you like.

Thanks.

WELCOME! to Gulfstream

Kingairer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:05:08 GMT

http://www.gulfstreamair.com/default.html click on video

What ever happened to professionalism?

Snow — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:41:12 GMT

Is it just me or is there a downward sprial in the level of professionalism of airline pilots of late? Im getting rather tired of seeing airline pilots on the front page of the newspaper too. Its bad enough that I have to put up passingers asking if Im going to be useing my laptop in the cockpit today, or if we have been drinking :( Do the pay reductions of years past mean we are no longer required to be professional in carrying out our duties? Does the fact passengers wear pajamas mean we no longer have to dress professionally? I certianly hope not!

This is just an observation I have made over the past couple of years. When I first became an airline pilot 3 years ago, I NEVER saw a Delta pilot not wearing their hat. Now I see it all the time, this the result of an influx of new hires? or a change of company policy or what? Also today I saw somthing I've never witnessed, a Delta pilot not wearing his hat and he had his jacket (not sure exsactly what its called) completey unbutoned. It was in the terminal around passigers, I think it looked completely awful. He may have even had his shirt untucked I didn't notice. Don't think passengers don't see this and wonder if their poor dress practices carry over to how they carry out their duties in the cockpit.

I ask you please to consider your apearance and how you act around passengers, they do notice and with pilots being on the front page of late, looking and acting like a smuck is the last thing we need. I take my job seriously and try to conduct myself with professionalism, I think you all as professional pilots should too.

Another RAH recall rumor

falconvalley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:15:26 GMT

This time from the CEO, apparently. I wasn't able to see his weekly letter myself but I'm told he talked about 1st qtr 2010. Another rumor from recurrent talks about next month. Unless Bedford is lying AGAIN, this could be real!

Re-Regulation? Maybe....

Airdale — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:11:52 GMT

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...LOe3wD9BTI1UO0

I know this is posted in the news section, but I thought maybe more people would see it here.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is taking its first step toward trying to fix the ailing airline industry, mired in a severe economic slump and facing safety worries.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is holding a forum Thursday to discuss the state of the industry and ways government can help provide economic stability for air carriers. The industry has been rocked by repeated crises in recent years, including the 9/11 terror attacks, the SARS virus and the current economic downturn.

"U.S. aviation is facing severe economic uncertainty and an open and frank conversation will help begin a continuing dialogue about the industry's future," transportation spokeswoman Sasha Johnson said.

The Air Transport Association, which represents major carriers, says airlines are offering the fewest seats to passengers as measured by available seats and distance traveled in over a decade. Airlines have shed more than 130,000 full-time jobs since 2000, and lost an estimated $33 billion over the same period. Thirteen airlines have filed for bankruptcy in the past two years.

LaHood's invitation to aviation stakeholders says the forum, which is closed to the public and the media, was organized at the request of the AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department.

Ed Wytkind, the trades department's president, said the industry has become dysfunctional, and all involved are suffering.

He said he is hopeful the administration or Congress will create a blue-ribbon commission to recommend solutions.

"We can't keep doing things the exact same way and expect a better outcome," Wytkind said, adding that there "probably" should be consideration of new regulatory authority for the industry.

Pat Friend, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said she doesn't favor returning to the type of government supervision that existed before airline deregulation in 1978.

"But, there are some areas where we think you can tweak the deregulation," she said.

Airlines are extremely wary of any discussion of a return to economic regulation. They contend they are already heavily regulated and taxed.

Airline deregulation has been regarded as a success for consumers because airfares have declined. But other trends have raised concerns about whether airlines are offsetting low fares at the expense of safety.

A report last year by a government watchdog said nine large U.S. airlines farm out 70 percent of major maintenance. Overseas repair shops handled one-quarter of the work, challenging the ability of U.S. inspectors to determine whether it is done properly, the report said.

Major airlines have also farmed out short-haul trips to regional carriers, which now account for half of all domestic flights. Regional airlines often hire pilots with significantly less experience and pay lower wages than major airlines. Both issues have been raised in the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation of the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407, which crashed near Buffalo, N.Y., in February, killing 50 people. The flight was operated for Continental by regional carrier Colgan Air Inc. of Manassas, Va.

Copyright � 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

New TSA requriment for non-citizens

bike21 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:42:11 GMT

So apparently the TSA now requires a background check before all training events which costs $70 per event. Our US non-citizens at OO received an email yesterday detailing this program and most importantly it laid out the fact that our pilots are the ones on the hook for the $70. The company is currently not planning to cover this charge. Yep, if you are a captain that is a lovely sum of $140 per year to pay for your PC.

Any other companies get this word? If so are they covering the costs as they most assuredly should? We are gathering info to see where we stand.

(and no 'should have voted union' comments, yes we know - just trying to gather data)

Cooperate and Aviate! (OOh, a rhyme!)

Doug Taylor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:25:05 GMT

Quote:

November 12, 2009

Cooperate and Aviate

The merging of two major airlines into the world�s largest is a huge and difficult undertaking that will continue to require commitment and determination. The two parent airlines each had proud heritages spanning back to the beginning of commercial aviation. They each had their own methods of operating their aircraft that were viable and effective. Now, Delta Flight Operations, while respecting each heritage, must provide the pilots of the combined airline with a common set of flight procedures.

The Phase of Flight integration is now well into Phase 4 with most issues concerning the climb, cruise, descent, approach, and landing phases of flight having been resolved.

The issues that primarily concern your MEC Safety Committee surround the pre-takeoff duties and procedures and mainly affect the former Northwest (FNWA) pilot group. This is not surprising since the most dramatic differences in how the parent airlines conducted their flight operations are found in the pre-flight phase of operations.

One problem is that the first officers can become overwhelmed with the sheer number of procedures, processes, and practices; they must recognize that they can reach �absorption overload.� As of October, new or revised responsibilities for first officers include:

Engine start
Pilot Monitoring (PM) preflight
New Take-Off Performance process ( MGL 2)
Different checklist format
The Fuel Service Record
New FOM format and guidance

In addition to these operational changes, other administrative changes do compete for a pilot�s attention. For example:

New schedule bidding process (747-400, A320, A330)
Bid for the latest Advanced Entitlement
Bid for the �stub� vacation
New insurance options and the elections that will affect their families for the entire next year

Early in our careers we all learned the importance of compartmentalization. We learned not to let non-flight related distractions into our cockpits. Since 9/11, as a group, we have demonstrated we can compartmentalize to enhance flight safety through contract negotiations and bankruptcies. We can use compartmentalization to manage our way through the changes related to this merger. We need to help each other as we perform our duties and as we work through the complexities of merging two major airlines. This applies to all Delta pilots.

As the first officer�s workload has changed, the captain�s workload has been refocused to some degree. This is deliberate and is designed to provide the captain with the opportunity for more situational awareness of the operation and the environment. Captains, please use this enhanced awareness opportunity to assist your first officer as he grapples with his tasks.

It is important for each member of the crew to monitor the other member(s) of the crew so as to gauge how they are coping. Is the first officer behind with the checklists, or missing radio calls, or unsure of the aircraft position during taxi out? Is he so focused on cockpit duties that he does not spend much time looking outside? Is your captain slow in anticipating the next procedure or checklist? Is he distracted? These could be signs of being overloaded. It could be procedural overload or stress overload, but it doesn�t matter; he may still be overloaded.

If the captain believes the first officer is overloaded, or determines that the first officer may become overloaded, the captain needs to slow things down. If the first officer senses the captain is task saturated then the first officer should recommend to the captain slowing down the pace of the operation. Some tools that you may find helpful:
For captains, help your first officer out with the PM panel flows if necessary. It may not be your job to provide training, but you sure would be making both your lives and jobs easier if you do. It may be a good idea to back him up with your own panel preflight.
Prior to pushback, make sure that the outside entities (ramp, ACS, etc) do not rush your crew.
Consider two engine taxi out, if the expected length of the taxi may overload the first officer with tasks.
After pushback, slow taxi or pull into the holding area and stop the aircraft until everyone has caught up.
Look out for each other. Cooperate and aviate.

Flight Operations management and Delta�s senior executives including the CEO himself have assured the MEC that they are completely committed to keeping our operation safe, even if it means delaying a flight. They will completely support a crew that slows the operation down to make sure that it is conducted safely. The MEC will completely support a crew that does what is necessary to conduct a safe flight.

The challenges that face this combined pilot group are extensive. This pilot group has already proven that it has the determination and professionalism to face those challenges. If we continue to look out for each other and work as a team, we will best those challenges and help craft a truly world class and world spanning airline. Thank you all for the herculean efforts that you continue to make.

Richard Pauly, Chairman John Klinger, Vice Chairman
DAL MEC Central Air Safety Committee DAL MEC Central Air Safety Committee

The levity needed for this forum section

MikeD — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:06:17 GMT

Comair Recalling

NC_BE300 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:54 GMT

Memo just came out today, exact numbers can still change by alittle, but this is what the word is so far.

"We will retain 32 pilots who had originally been scheduled to go on furlough as of January 1, 2010. In addition, we plan to recall 23 pilots and 42 flight attendants currently out on furlough."

The Press is at it again

saxman66 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:11:38 GMT

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dw...2a957d631.html

My favorite was how they made a big deal that 2,700 pilots were reported by ATC. And the other pilot that was reprimanded for choosing to land at an airport farther from another with a failed engine. Guess they missed the checklist item says, land at the nearest suitable airport. :insane:

Rumot: Potential New Southernjets Pilot Base

Doug Taylor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:07:45 GMT

Guam.

Well, that's what the rumor is and if you look at the operation, it's not entirely unfeasible.

Discuss, discuss.

Seniority Question

Jshutt64 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:57:54 GMT

Hey guys, I had a quick question on seniority and payscale.

I know that captains and FO's have payscales dependent on how many years they've been with the company. My question is this...if a 5th year FO has been promoted to captain, is he a 5th year captain or a 1st year captain?

Thanks. :)