737 versus 717

[Lifter]

Tough choice, I plan on trying to commute from San Antonio and I think the longer leg trips the 737 should offer a fit better for me. I've heard noting but god things about both aircraft. Still no package from GC, I need help choicing a hotel. Anyone at training now, or familiar with hotels in the area, can provide some insight on where to stay, it would be greatly appreciated. I will have a car and desire some sort of kitchen, free internet, and workout room. Can't wait to start training.

I'm trying to find out the delivery timetable on the 737, hopefully there will be enough to have similiar upgrade times between aircraft. I am concerned alot of 717 FOs will transfer over to upgrade in the 737 and delay my upgrade. A good crystal ball would be nice. Also, any of the new trainees, my Class I physical expires at the end of June, will I need to renew it or will a Class II do through training?

Look forward to meeting everyone over a beer.

Had to post in new thread, for some reason replying option doesn't work on my puter.

 

[mnboyev]

Congrats on your class date ! Hotels are not a big deal in the area around the training center. Having a car would be nice. It seems the Country Inn is OK and alot of folks stay there ... The packet will have some sort of info on hotels and prices. I'm pretty sure there is a discount for our folks.

The 737 is going very junior with the exception of the check airman. Everyone (717 FO's) are a little worried that the equipment will have bummer schedules. Red Eyes, Eventually the senior guys will move over from the 717 and everything will be right with the world... However, until 'pay or schedule' become more appealing , good luck peeling those more senior dudes off the 717.

Its a crap shoot ... Not sure what you have heard... I've been here over 3 years and still havent recieved a bid for the left seat due to locks and timing... No secret .... Some guys upgraded less than 2 years .. But their schedules went to pot. So, if you commute, it would be best to wait and enjoy your seniority. Pay isnt too bad after a couple years... I think it will come up a bit next contract. ??

Its a good bunch of guys... Hang in there and be flexible... They dont spend any extra dough on lovey dovey garbage.. and sometimes the system is a bit disorganized..But they always get everything done and let you know what is required.. Crew Scheduling is great and will work with you most always if they can.. The training department is a pretty good bunch.. Have fun and Good Luck !

 

[Heavy Set]

I'd pick the 717 if given the option. You're used to flying long-haul on the C-17 - I think you'd appreciate shorter hops for awhile. Plus, you would have a lot more flexibility with more routes and bids. I have heard great things about the 717 too - looks like a fun bird to fly.

Go for the 717 - there will be plenty of 737s around later.

 

[jetguy]

I concur with HeavySet. Go for the 717! I'm typed in both and am truly enjoying the 717. I'll stay put in it untill I get a good reason to change, ie... higher pay for the 800. (Which by the way, remains to be seen).

Don't think twice about leaving a "Premier" regional to come to Airtran. I don't think you can go wrong making a move like that.

I say, Go for it!

 

[On Your Six]

717 Baby!!!!!

I agree with Heavy - go for the 717 for now. The guys I know who fly it really enjoy it - they say it resembles a sports car. The 737 will likely be flying a lot of transcon (per its mission profile). Go for the 717 and enjoy it... Let us know which one you select.

 

[Fly-By-Cable]

I think you would build seniority faster on 717. Deliveries of both types will generate plenty of upgrades. As 717 FOs upgrade on both 717 and 737 there will be plenty of movement on 717 FO list. It will be a while until any significant number of 737 FOs can hold upgrade. All movement on 737 FO list will only be generated by 737 deliveries.



As far as flying, I enjoy shorter trips. They seem to keep pace going and make it easier to get thru the work week. I really don't mind CAK-LGA-PHF-LGA-CAK. On a good day there're at least 2 hours of overtime can be picked up on this trip. Do it all month, and you are up 10 hours and didn't waist a single day off. Try to pick up OT if all that's available are long legs. You'll either have to stay over night or the trip is too long to fit in your schedule.



I've never flown 73NG, but I know those who did, and they really liked it. Still they all agree that 717 is more automated. It has lots of power, which although almost never used for economic reasons, it is nice to know that it's available. It has one of the best Doppler weather radars in the industry that is extremely accurate and predicts turbulence and wind shear. It has integrated systems that are automatically controlled. (From worry-free pressurization to landing lights that automatically retract to reduce drag if engine is lost on takeoff.) The only thing it’s missing is the good old ADF, so cockpit entertainment does not come standard.



Best of luck and should you choose 717, we might be sim partners as I start upgrade in August.

 

[Lifter]

Picked the 737

Well, I didn't think I would have to pick quite this quickly, but on the first day of indoc, we chose. I picked the 737 along with 4 others in my class of 20. There were only 5 737s, and I was lucky enough to have a choice. Looking forward to training, and there first 737 flew it first of many revenue flights today. The new paint scheme might take some getting used to, but those are the troubles I like.

There was talk today at indoc, that AirTran is increasing the number of hires this year up, to over 230. Get those resumes in fast.

 

[Obi-Wan]

The Airbus is the most comfortable, both for the pax and for the pilots.

 

[Terp737]

Lifter,

Congrats on the job and the 737! Have fun in training. I'm headed to Seattle in a couple of weeks for my training.
Talk to you soon.
Cliffy

 

[jetguy]

The Airbus is the most comfortable, both for the pax and for the pilots.

Who cares! What's that got to do with this thread???

 

[atafan]

Airbus = French Airplane.


Nuff said......

 

[jetguy]

Airbus = French Airplane.



Nuff said......

Amen!