Kellwolf's Pinnacle Updates

[kellwolf]

Well, since Stan has dropped off the planet, I decided the compare and contrast was over. So, I'll toss the updates in this thread now for those that want to keep reading.

Monday night was Sim #7. Which could also be referred to the "how to use the CRJ in crappy weather" sim. Started off with an airspeed stagnation due to windshear on the takeoff roll for an aborted takeoff. Reset at the runway, two engine climb and windshear during the climb. Take it on up to 10K in t-storms. Cleared to join J-24 (or something like that), but there was a nasty t-storm right on the airway. So, I asked for a 10 mile deviation, got the approval, plugged it into the FMS and used the radar to make sure I was still gonna miss it. So, after that on to my nemesis.....stalls. I'd been having a bear of a time with these and I told the instructor beforehand that I wanted to work on them. This was a different instructor than our previous 5 sims, and he fixed my stalls! I managed to do all the stalls +/- 50 ft, whereas before I had been off by as much as 200 ft. So, that's more or less in the bag now.

After the stalls, we were repositioned to FL350 and got the dual engine flameout. Key to this KEEP THE AIRSPEED ABOVE 240 UNTIL READY TO RE-LIGHT. When you get to the re-light altitude (FL210), KEEP THE AIRSPEED ABOVE 300. Do those, and the odds of getting a windmilling re-light are very probable. Keeping the airspeed up keeps the N2 spinning, which is what is believed the guys on 3701 did not do. Got the re-light, told to expect vectors for VOR/DME 18R into MEM. Set up for the approach, flew the approach almost to the appraoch lights and.....WINDSHEAR! WINDSHEAR! Actually, it was a friggin microburst. Had to fight it to stay level and then climb, but managed it okay. I got the printout after the sim session, and I had about 10 degrees nose up during the shear. Looking at the printout, that and max thrust was needed to keep me from descending!

Another normal takeoff, and we were vectored around for the visual approach to 36L backed up with the ILS. If you fly it like an ILS, it's not that different. Then we did another visual, this time without the ILS. This one's a little trickier. You CAN use the FMS to sorta set you up with an indicator that resembles a glideslope, you just have to remember that it takes you to the threshold, NOT the touchdown zone. So you have to ignore it once you can get the 3 degree glideslope going. Did a go around from that one, and vectored back for another visual. Then we get a "Flaps Fail" message. Run the QRH and normal checklists, notify who we need to and come back around for a no flap landing. Approach speed = 177 kts. Takes shear force of will not to pull the nose up too much and either takeoff again or float 1/4 mile down the runway.

There was a radar failure thrown ins somewhere that got us back on the LOC for 36C. Approach was nothing new, but the landing was with a 27 kt crosswind. That was a bit interesting, but I got 'er down on the runway and kept her there.

Next sim is.....who knows. That was SUPPOSED to be Sim 10 (the last one) for me with my checkride on Sat or Sun and LOFT on Mon. But since 3 of my earlier sims were cancelled by scheduling, I have no idea what's going on. The only complaint I have so far is the people that do the scheduling for the sims are pretty....um, bad. I've heard "we're not gonna change your checkride date" and "let me look at it and get back to you" more times than I care to count. I wind up calling them back and getting nothing. Our instructor the other night was told we were on sim 10, so apparently the people in scheduling don't do a very good job communicating with each other, much less us poor trainees. So, now it looks like the days set aside for my checkride and LOFT will be my last three sim sessions, and my checkride and LOFT will be scheduled in the mythical "sometime." Basically the plan my sim partner and I have is to call them once each every day until something is done. Every day they delay is one day my insurance for my family gets pushed back.....

[aloft]

Finally...Steve rates his own thread!!! Congrats!!!

[JEP]

Congrats on the training so far Steve. Question though. If I recall Stan and you started training on the same day yet he is already flying. I know it's two different companies but what has been the cause of the biggest delays? Is it schedulnig, sims down, etc....? Is everyone getting pushed back or have you just hit the (un)luck of the draw? Are they trying to push too many people through at the same time?


At least you can start to see the see the light.

And yeah, what about that Stan guy? Gets a new gig and go's and forgets about the rest of us....

[desertdog71]

Sounds pretty intense. Good luck with finishing up, hopefully the schedule geeks will pull their head out.

[gurisudenko]

Is Sue Lien in your class?

[frog_flyer]

steve, you are my hero, and it was an honor to meet you that wonderful day in late january.

[Alchemy]

Good job on the stalls Kellwolf. I know I had a little trouble with those too when I was first learning them....I kept getting the pusher. Luckily I got it down eventually.

Wow, 10 sim sessions? That's quite a few. How long does each one last? At XJET I think we got 5 sims before the checkride, but each one was about 6 hours long including the brief and debrief. Then again, we also had 6 FTD's before the sims. Each sim session felt like a checkride, and I prepared for them every day like they were one. I think the instructor has a lot to do with that. Are they keeping you guys with the same instructor or switching them around?

Keep up the good work Man!

[ERfly]

Good job and congrats on your training thus far. I think switching instructors part way through training is a good thing. I was doing pretty well on some stuff with my first instructor, then we switched and the new guy was awesome. He showed us a bunch of stuff (target pitch and power settings) that the previous guy didn't. It really helped with the airwork part of the training. Its good to get someone else's perspective.

Best of luck with the rest of your training.

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by JEP

Congrats on the training so far Steve. Question though. If I recall Stan and you started training on the same day yet he is already flying. I know it's two different companies but what has been the cause of the biggest delays? Is it schedulnig, sims down, etc....? Is everyone getting pushed back or have you just hit the (un)luck of the draw? Are they trying to push too many people through at the same time?

Part of it is that PCL gives us a TON of sim sessions. It seemed like Stan's first few sim sessions were the equivalent of our CPTs or the FTDs at XJT. We get three CPTs and then the 10 sim sessions. It's actually a lot of training, but hey, I'll take it! For the most part, my sim partner and I have been the unlucky ones this round. Our class was 30 people (counting the sim instructors in our ground school), so that's 15 sets of 10 to schedule. We also had a few guys in the class ahead of us bust their checkrides, so they had to re-scheduled. Add to that the upgrade classes and re-currents, and it's pretty tight considering we only have 3 simulators running 20 hours a day. XJT has the option of sending guys over to another bank of sims at Houston-Hobby. For some reason, I guess we don't have access to any other CRJ sims. The other guys that started Sim #1 the same day as us are already done and have their checkrides scheduled this weekend. We just got hosed. I'd say that yeah, they are trying to push too many people through at the same time. Our first round of guys from my class aren't even done, and I'm seeing guys from the class behind us starting. The way our schedule was SUPPOSED to run was 3 on 3 off, 3 on 3 off, 4 on 4 off, then checkrides. Some of the guys behind me have eleven days off, so that sucks.

Cristl, #1 Don't know Sue Lein, so I guess not #2 Where the hell have you been?

Alchemy, Our sim sessions are a one hour pre-brief, 4 hour sessions (2 as PF and 2 as PNF) and a one hour de-brief.

ERfly, we've mainly had the same instructor, but switching instructors allowed me to get the second viewpoint that fixed my stalls. I'm a firm believer of getting at least two or three different viewpoints from other instructors. Even as a CFI, I'd send my students up with other instructors to make sure I hadn't missed anything or to try to fix problems they were having.


At least you can start to see the see the light.

And yeah, what about that Stan guy? Gets a new gig and go's and forgets about the rest of us.... [/quote]

[CL-65]

I am starting training down in Memphis on the 22nd. When do travel benefits start? Jumpseat?

[kellwolf]

Pretty much everything starts right after your checkride, which for me is still up in the air. My sim partner has his checkride scheduled for the 10th at 5 am, and I got the dreaded "We're trying to get yours scheduled for the 11th." Which if history holds any water, I'll have to call them 8-9 times over the next couple of days to remind them. With the exception of the training scheduling, everything has been great so far. All the sim and ground instructors are top notch and every checkairmen I've met has been super cool.

If you've got 5 days in a row off (likely to happen with how backed up sims are getting), they can normally arrange to fly you home, though.

[blee256]

Originally Posted by CL-65

I am starting training down in Memphis on the 22nd. When do travel benefits start? Jumpseat?

i am sorry. Another one bites the dust. hahha kidding....

Steven, did you get my PM?

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by blee256

i am sorry. Another one bites the dust. hahha kidding....

Steven, did you get my PM?

Yep, got it. Hope the info you sent holds out for at least another year or two. Not sure how Compass is gonna affect/screw us over. Likely we'll at least get the freedom to bid for other airlines out of the deal, though.

Did my last sim tonight before the checkride. Flew better than I have before. Stalls were good, V1 cut was a non-event, same with the rejected takeoff. Shot two SE approaches without the AP (one precision one non-precision) and flew a SE precision with AP and the dreaded VOR/DME 18R with the AP. Only thing that was shaky were my landings. I still have a hard time getting down quick enough from MDAs on the non-precision and wind up floating.

As of right now, I have no idea when my checkride is gonna be. My sim partner's is Wed at 5 AM (so, I'll at least get the non flying stuff out of the way). Scheduling said earlier today that they will "try" to get me squeezed in the day after. Here's me holding my breath....

[NYer914]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

Yep, got it. Hope the info you sent holds out for at least another year or two. Not sure how Compass is gonna affect/screw us over. Likely we'll at least get the freedom to bid for other airlines out of the deal, though.

Did my last sim tonight before the checkride. Flew better than I have before. Stalls were good, V1 cut was a non-event, same with the rejected takeoff. Shot two SE approaches without the AP (one precision one non-precision) and flew a SE precision with AP and the dreaded VOR/DME 18R with the AP. Only thing that was shaky were my landings. I still have a hard time getting down quick enough from MDAs on the non-precision and wind up floating.

As of right now, I have no idea when my checkride is gonna be. My sim partner's is Wed at 5 AM (so, I'll at least get the non flying stuff out of the way). Scheduling said earlier today that they will "try" to get me squeezed in the day after. Here's me holding my breath....

Sounds like your training is up in the air...does that make you worried? how do you feel about the future of Pinnacle? Just Curious

[kellwolf]

Not really up in the air, just keeps getting postponed. I know I'll have a checkride, just don't know when. I've been leaving messages with scheduling all morning, and I'll probably drop in over there this afternoon.

As far as the company, who knows? Compass is more than likely gonna cut into our flying, but the boys over at Mesaba are getting the shaft a lot worse than we are. The movement here right now is mostly due to pilots leaving for other airlines (both FOs going to other regionals/fractional/corporate and captains getting on with FedEx, SWA, etc), so there's not a lot of growth. The good thing about the Compass deal is we MIGHT get let out of our "NWA only" clause in the service agreement. If we can get that taken out, then we can pursue flying at other airlines. We might not be as cheap as regionals like Mesa, but our overhead is one of the lowest in the industry and we've got a better on-time and completion record than they do. So, hopefully that might make us a competitor down the road with some of their contracts. With United coming out of Ch 11 finally, they might be willing to pay a bit more green for a higher quality of service instead of lowest bidder, but who knows.

I went with PCL because it was the best fit for me. If I could look down the road and see for sure what was gonna happen, I wouldn't be flying airplanes. Worst case scenario-PCL shrinks and stays shrunk, best case-we get some more flying from other airlines and start growing again, absolute best case (i.e. not-gonna-happen-likely) we can underbid Compass and keep some of our flying.

[OldTownPilot]

From what I have read about the Compass deal is that they will fly only 76 seat airplanes 100% staffed by NWA fourloughs. There was some 70 seat flying that could be done by other regionals including PCL, mesaba and others. I may be wrong about all of that so correct be if I am.

Like a lot of others think, I feel that the 50 seat market is over-saturated, just look at the ATC delays going into PHL, LGA, EWR, BOS etc. There is no reason that the airspace is so congested. They can fly 3 70's instead of 4 50's, gain 10 seats in a market, and the hubs be less congested. Oh wait, that would make too much sense, therefore the airlines wont do it.

The Dash 8-Q400, would make a lot of financial sene for almost all of the majors that fely on feed within 400 miles. The Jets are not that economical within that radius, while the props are. The 400 would only loose 5 minutes in stage time for those distances, carry 74 people, on less fuel burn than a 37 or 50 seat jet, let alone a 70 seat plane. Oh wait, that would make too much sense too, therefore the airlines wont do it again.

[kellwolf]

While I agree that the Dash would be better suited to those markets, you also have to keep your customers in mind. Sad fact is Joe Average sees TPs as "those durn death traps" and sees jets as infinately safe. So, by going with the TP, you run the risk of losing market share to some other airline running jet service. Tupelo, MS PAID Delta (well, ASA) to start service into there because people were hesitant to get on Saabs flown by Mesaba. Not only did they pay a portion of the startup costs, but the ground crew are employed by the local government! I had an interview for a ground position there before I wised up and went to Skymates.

There's no doubt that some of our 50 seat flying will got to 70 seaters. The question is will it go to Compass, a leaned out Mesaba, or stay here. With Compass, I believe NWA may have closed the door on outside bids. The pilot group at mainline approved a third NW Airlink a couple of years ago, and the would be Compass. Not sure if they'd need another vote to get a fourth one in.

As for the staffin at Compass, it's furloughed NWA guys and then off the street for any other positions, so it's not 100% NWA. There are provisions in the contract for Mesaba, PCL, etc to fly 76 seaters, but there are also conditions attatched to that as well.

[blee256]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

The movement here right now is mostly due to pilots leaving for other airlines (both FOs going to other regionals/fractional/corporate and captains getting on with FedEx, SWA, etc), so there's not a lot of growth.

I only know of 1 capt. that has left for SWA. and he was an AA furlough. We do have a quite of bit of guys going to jetblue (probably not the best of time for the right now), Continental, and Airtran (because on of our HR ladies, went to Citrus).

Originally Posted by kellwolf

The good thing about the Compass deal is we MIGHT get let out of our "NWA only" clause in the service agreement. If we can get that taken out, then we can pursue flying at other airlines. We might not be as cheap as regionals like Mesa, but our overhead is one of the lowest in the industry and we've got a better on-time and completion record than they do. So, hopefully that might make us a competitor down the road with some of their contracts. With United coming out of Ch 11 finally, they might be willing to pay a bit more green for a higher quality of service instead of lowest bidder, but who knows.

I cant imagine we start flying for anyone else. No matter what the ASA says Daddy mainline likes having us by the balls. So I doubt we will be flying under any other name.

Originally Posted by kellwolf

I went with PCL because it was the best fit for me. If I could look down the road and see for sure what was gonna happen, I wouldn't be flying airplanes. Worst case scenario-PCL shrinks and stays shrunk, best case-we get some more flying from other airlines and start growing again, absolute best case (i.e. not-gonna-happen-likely) we can underbid Compass and keep some of our flying.

I dont know if we should ever be happy about underbidding anyone, but i know what you are saying. One thing we will never have to worry about is compass underbidding us. Considering they will mostly be mainline furloughs.


One rumor I heard was we will lose some 50 seat flying and get 70 seat flying. But in the end will end up with the same amount of planes maybe less. somwhere in the 110-125 range. only time will tell.


GOOD LUCK on your checkride, do you know who your examiner is goingto be?

[gurisudenko]

Cristl, #1 Don't know Sue Lein, so I guess not #2 Where the hell have you been?

Well is someone named Chris or Brooke in your class? Sorry I get excited about these things.

I've been going to school (and drinking my milk). I'm in Aviation Management with an airline focus right now, and working on my PPL WOOOO . Alongside that I've been getting into the organizations here. I was Secretary/Treasurer of SCSU Chapter of Women in Aviation last year, (and we went to the conference in Nashville yee haw!!!) and got elected President this year! YAY! So it's been busy. And, in the past couple of weeks I wrapped up a massive (but fun) project for Aviation Safety and Human Factors, and finished finals. *cheers*

Okay I'm a little excitable right now. I love reading about your training Kell! Keep us posted!

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by blee256

GOOD LUCK on your checkride, do you know who your examiner is goingto be?

Thanks, dude. It's finally scheduled for Fri at 7 PM, but I don't know who the check airman is yet. My sim partner passed his this morning with Tom Fergueson.

Cristl, got a couple of Chrises but no Brooke. They might be in one of the umpteen classes behind me, though.

[gurisudenko]

Senority'd!!!

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by OldTownPilot

The Dash 8-Q400, would make a lot of financial sene for almost all of the majors that fely on feed within 400 miles.... Oh wait, that would make too much sense too, therefore the airlines wont do it again.

I think you need to give management more credit than that. I don't believe they INTENTIONALLY purchase aircraft that are going to LOSE money. In fact, when these aircraft were introduced and 15+ year leases were signed, airlines would paying $0.25 per gallon of gas, not >$2.

That being said, you can't get rid of 50 seaters because it's the contract carriers that fly them. They aren't in bankruptcy. Where would UAL, US Air, etc. etc. be if they kicked all their feeders to the curb? I can see slowly fading them out, and that's what Doug Parker wants to do with the 50 seaters in the US Air system. However, he does not want to expand Piedemont and the prop planes either - he simply wants bigger RJ's.

I personally would like to see the return of turboprops too - but I do not think it will happen.

[kellwolf]

Sorry I disappeared for a couple of days. I've been off celebrating with my wife and my kid. I passed the checkride on Friday night, so I'm officially a CRJ FO now. I have LOFT tomorrow night from 10 pm till 2 am, then my schedule is shrouded in mystery...

Here's the rundown on the checkride:

Started at the gate with all the normal start up checklists (first flight of the day), pushed back, started both engines (one no starter cut out and the other a hot start), taxied to 18R, normal takeoff, normal climb to 10,000 feet, did the takeoff stall (best one I've ever done, only about 25-50 feet off altitude), Got a Gen 1 caution message, so that was our excuse to return to MEM. Shot the 36L ILS w/ AP to a go around and lost the left engine during the climb out. Up until now, I'd been spot on, but I got lost somewhere in the go around. That was the first time it had happened. I managed to even forget to call "flaps up" at some point. Basically, I felt like total crap. The check airman says "Do you think you can redeem yourself next time?" I replies "Absolutely." So, we continued on the published missed to the hold, ran the checklists, got set up for the approach, and then shot the ILS 36L single engine....to another go around (this one I nailed perfectly). Vectored back around for the VOR/DME 18R, single engine. No problems there, either. But we had to do another go around. Came back for another ILS 36L, single engine, but no AP this time around. Landed, reset on the runway and take off. Lost an engine at V1 (surprise!), handled the climb out and got the engine back. Came around for the ILS 36L again, two engine, no AP and landed. Reset at the end of the runway and was told "Okay, one more time and don't F this up. I already have the paperwork filled out." During the takeoff roll, got an airpseed stagnation on my side, called it out, aborted the takeoff, then got a right engine fire that didn't extinguish and did an emergency evac. That was it. Lasted almost right at 2 hours.

[jtrain609]

Congrats dude! Go bid Hooters and come celebrate with us!

[adreamer]

Congratulations. If you over night at AZO, I would buy you a beer.