ACA/Indy Hiring Plans?

[ampropilot2b]

Don't know if anyone has any new info or insight on this topic, but what the heck.

I've heard hiring may begin as early as summer. Have also heard many furloughees have moved elsewhere and won't return. Will new hires stand a chance at the 'Bus or is it prohibited in the new agreement somehow?

Thanks

 

[46Driver]

I would imagine that we have 100 or so on furlough to be recalled first. Also, a lot depends on what happens with both the 29 J-41's we have and the 33 Dorniers on the Delta Connection side.

As for bidding the Airbus as a new hire, uh no. Quite a few of our junior captains as well as many of the FO's are going to bid for the right seat. (Obviously, the left seat is going very senior.) A new hire isn't going to have a snowball's chance of getting the bus for a long time.

 

[DoinTime]

Also, a lot depends on what happens with both the 29 J-41's we have and the 33 Dorniers on the Delta Connection side.

About how many pilots do you still have operating these airplanes?

 

[JTrain]

There are ~ 350 D328J pilots at ACA, including management pilots and instructors.

Just some rough math - I've seen this explained much better on our internal ALPA website - but though long term prospects at ACA may be good, short term we're looking quite fat on pilots.

Right now we have 87 CRJs, 33 D328Js and 20-something J41s.
Indy Air calls for operating the 87 CRJs, plus 25 Airbuses by 2006. As well, Indy Air has options for 25 Airbuses, which may be exercised if things go well.

However - considering the first Airbus won't be rolling onto the property until next fall, and then they'll be coming at either one or two per month until the 25 is reached (presumably in 2006).

We currently have 20-something J41s - as soon as our United Express flying is done these aircraft are slated to be parked. Knowing we're already well staffed in the CRJ, these J41 pilots will trickle there, as well as to Airbus (mostly FO but some CA positions). Also, various D328J crewmembers will trickle back to Indy Air - either CRJ or Airbus - some as CA's, but most as FOs.

Like most ACA pilots, I've come to believe in what K Skeen & co is attempting to do. I think Indy Air has a huge upside, however there will be some hiccups as we go through what promises to be a busy training/retraining cycle getting our people to the Airbus or the CRJ. And in the end - hopefully it'll all work out. I like the idea of swinging for the fences. I can see this becoming a place where people spend their careers (not that it wasn't already). A lot of mid-level seniority CAs are talking about going to Airbus FO - Airbus FO pay will be ~ that of CRJ CA, but with greatly enhanced QOL, less legs/day, interesting destinations.


JT

 

[inthepool]

I've been swimming in ACA's pool since January. Sure hope I get my shot someday.

 

[JTrain]

Hey - we'd love to have you

For what its worth, of the 115 furloughs, a *lot* have move on to greener pastures. I believe somebody posted earlier that in the most recent AWAC class, there were 5 ACA furloughts. Its sad to see them go because they are some good people who had good contributions to make to the co. Many of our other furloughs have gone to places like Comair or to corporate opportunities.
Just a guess on my behalf, but I'd estimate 30-40% of those furloughed won't be coming back.

Keep your fingers crossed - maybe things will turn.....

JT

 

[Twotter76]

This above post is quite right - many of who were furloughed (or about to be in my case) have left for greener pastures. There were indeed 5 ACA pilots in the latest AWAC class and there were three more (including me) in the class before that. I think there were even a few in the class ahead of mine. I would say that of those furloughed 40-50% returning might be more realistic number. I hope it works out for everyone but I suspect that a rather large percentage of us wont be coming back. Good luck to all!

 

[KingAirKiddo]

As a fellow furloughed Blue Ridger, I'd have to agree with the above responses. It would be tough to leave the relative security of my current employer to come back to ACA/Independence Air should the opportunity present itself. Best of luck to all Blue Ridgers everywhere. I wish you guys nothing but success with Indy Air!

 

[ampropilot2b]

So, this is all optimistc stuff but tell me what you guys think about this.

I had heard that the block hours on the CRJ were going to go way high once Indy starts in an effort to improve utilization and lower CASM. Currently, the RJs just aren't being utilized as well as they could and should in the UA system. UA reduced the number of departure banks significantly after 9/11, leaving all the planes sitting around more than they ought to. Indy will have somewhere around 8 banks/day thus much higher usage. If the block hours go up as much as they are talking, won't that absorb many to most of the current J41 guys. Additionally, each Airbus will take a significant number of pilots from each fleet type. I've heard each Airbus will require a few more crews per aircraft than the others.

So lets say the Airbus goes 1 for 1 with the J41 (though likely the Airbus will require more) and absorbes all those numbers. Lets say the Delta operation remains unchanged. Lets say 75 guys return from furlough. Seems to me that there will need to be some hiring in early 2005 by the time the Airbus' start coming in at a quick rate. Talk about a training nightmare! I suppose it also has a lot to do with how quickly UA flying drops off and how quickly Indy revs up.

Lots of "lets says", but not unrealistic in my opinion.

So don't bash my optimism, but I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

 

[inthepool]

The information I heard second hand was that the increased CRJ use would absorb all the 41 guys and the furloughs as well. IF the info is accurate they'll have to drain the pool once Scarebus training starts, assuming the Dork Jet stays.

 

[CRJ puppy]

Word from the chief pilot's office is that furlough recalls are planned for early 2006. Yes, that's 2006, not a typo.

We shall see what really happens in about 24 months I reckon...

 

[USC***]

Poolies

I know it will be a while, but after the recalls have been made, does anyone know if they have kept their list of those in the hiring pool?

I was placed in the pool November 2002. I'm patient and think ACA has a good chance of being successful with all the changes going on. Though I won't mind reinterviewing, once the Airbuses come on line, there will be a lot more pilots wanting to fly there, and the interviews will probably be harder to come by.

 

[inthepool]

The pool still exists, I had a friend go to HR personally and ask.

 

[GogglesPisano]

I hate to rain on parades, but I see the Dorphans going away next year, with a subsequent bump and flush. Additonal furloughs of around 100-150. Recalls in 2006.