AirTran

[Ty Webb]

So Ty, you think it best to bid the 737 since I 've been on it? I know it would be less stress during training but it would be nice to fly something different, not to mention overnights in MSY, home.

Either aircraft will do me just fine and am looking forward to a long career here. I wish all the best to my ATA buddies, lots of good guys there.

.

In that case, it sounds like the 717 would be a good fit, too. Either way, it sounds like you can't go wrong. Right now the lines are better on the 717, but at some point, if they start phasing them out, there will be a reversal of fortune. . . . MAgic 8-ball says, "Ask me again later".

 

[jimcav]

A lot of us AirTran guys who have been around the block here are not likely to come across as koolaid drinkers. However we are very proud of who we are. We bust our a$$es to make our operation work and take tremendous pride when it does. It takes a certain type to fit in around here because the culture is different(innovative). You will find a huge majority of the pilot group loves this place myself included, but do not feel compelled to wear it on their sleeve. Fly on our planes a little and you will find a bunch of dedicated professionals who enjoy their jobs and each others company. We don't go around slammin others to make ourselves feel a little bigger. Yes DAVE this aimed at you. Grow up punk!

 

[FL717]

A lot of us AirTran guys who have been around the block here are not likely to come across as koolaid drinkers. However we are very proud of who we are. We bust our a$$es to make our operation work and take tremendous pride when it does. It takes a certain type to fit in around here because the culture is different(innovative). You will find a huge majority of the pilot group loves this place myself included, but do not feel compelled to wear it on their sleeve. Fly on our planes a little and you will find a bunch of dedicated professionals who enjoy their jobs and each others company. We don't go around slammin others to make ourselves feel a little bigger.

What he just said sums it all up pretty good!

 

[75M]

Right now the lines are better on the 717, but at some point, if they start phasing them out, there will be a reversal of fortune. . . . Magic 8-ball says, "Ask me again later".

Just to elaborate, the 717s are on 20 year leases with the oldest one a little over 5 years old. They should be around for quite some time (15-20 years) barring any further developments (such as Boeing buying them back and replacing them with 737s).

Welcome aboard.

 

[Steeler Fan]

Just to elaborate, the 717s are on 20 year leases with the oldest one a little over 5 years old. They should be around for quite some time (15-20 years) barring any further developments (such as Boeing buying them back and replacing them with 737s).

Welcome aboard.

Why do I have a feeling that you're going to try to stay on the 717 'til the very end?

I think there are alot of great guys here in the pilot community, and as I've said before, I see things getting better as we get a new infusion of really good people (flight attendants and gate agents included). I certainly see the future of AirTran being centered on reducing our dependence on ATL (the "ice storm" reminded us of that in a very obvious way).

It's simply up to each of us to keep on trying to make things better. I see lessons that we can learn and apply here to really make AirTran an AWESOME place. I don't think we're there yet, but the potential is definitely there! I view one of our jobs as pilots here is to help keep working to make things better. (If it sounds like I'm an AirTran cheerleader, then sorry, but most of us are planning on this being our last airline, so I hope we're all thinking long term of how we can make this company better).

 

[75M]

Why do I have a feeling that you're going to try to stay on the 717 'til the very end?

Because I can already feel my brain starting to harden.

 

[Ty Webb]

(the "ice storm" reminded us of that in a very obvious way).

Heh-heh. I remember the one three years ago, when we didn;t even have our own de-ice trucks yet . . . . five and a half hour taxi for a 44 minute flight.

Hope it was easier on you guys this time around. I was lucky enough to drop a day and get the heck out of there before I got stuck.

 

[cl65capt]

Hope it was easier on you guys this time around.

Sorry to say it wasnt. Four and half hours in line, then tried to start an engine and the N1 fan wouldnt turn. Not a fun night for sure!

 

[Steeler Fan]

Heh-heh.

I was there, but relatively speaking was pretty lucky. Lots of people (pax and crew) were in hotels w/out power for the night. Other pax were stranded in the airport. I was 4 hours late off the gate, (then another 1.5 hours to get thru deice).

 

[-9Capt]

jimcav,

You f-ing slay me. See ya around.

RD

p.s. Sammy's a punk!

 

[tzflyer]

717 or 737? I am a former ATA guy at Airtran, just out online last month. I bid the 717 and love (or LUV) it! My personal opinion, with 737NG time in my log, is that the 717 is an overall better aircraft for the pilot. So welcome aboard, go with your gut, and I look forward to working with you again.
DP

 

[Pickle]

tzflyer is a crappy hockey player. I put such an awesome move on him at the the rink on 75th street in Darien that his jockstrap was turned inside out. Then he was all mad 'cuz I schooled him that he resorted to slashing me the rest of the game. No matter. He ate my blade snow.

 

[tzflyer]

Hey Pickle, I see your still frustrated because you couldn't get past me, too bad! I am still practicing and will call you next time I am in MDW with my gear!
Do you still see Mike and Pierre and all those guys there? I do miss those games now that I am in the Northeast.

 

[BigEasy]

Hey TZFLYER


Check your messages.

Later.

 

[Steeler Fan]

717 or 737? I am a former ATA guy at Airtran, just out online last month. I bid the 717 and love (or LUV) it! My personal opinion, with 737NG time in my log, is that the 717 is an overall better aircraft for the pilot. So welcome aboard, go with your gut, and I look forward to working with you again.
DP

Congrats on being here (and being junior to me on the 717)...Ditto, it's a great plane (once you figure out what the FMS speed is going to do next).

 

[freightdogfred]

Any of you insiders got news of a new city besides CLT???

 

[CF34-3B1]

Any rumors on a possible expansion at DFW?

Lots of empty gates in E these days.

 

[saltyworks]

scabs

I heard there were alot of "scabs" there?

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

Where exactly?

 

[jetdawg]

Where's that? ATA, united, continental OHHHHH you mean pretty much all airlines. You just want to pizz on Airtran. Have fun clown boy I do really hope it makes you feel better. I do mean that. Whatever you need try, to be a happy clown. That's the problem in this world to many grumpy clowns.