ASA pilots

[CLC]

how difficult is it to live away from your base?
Does ASA have such a tight schedule that most pilots just live by their base?
Is there anything in the contract that doesn't allow you to live a certain distance away?

-Thanks

 

[Palerider957]

Two hour short-call that is the favorite weapon of scheduling, no commuter clause, no seniority based reserve system.

You are a complete and total slave to the whims and black lists of scheduling until you can hold a line, then you can tell them to go f$%K themselves.


Commuting on reserve would be absolutely miserable...don't do it.

 

[DLconnection]

Also, is it true that a captain, who is on reserve, can be called out to fly as an FO for a trip? This seemed odd to me, but an ASA pilot said something about it. Any truth to it?

 

[701EV]

Yes, a Captain can be called out to fly as an F/O.

No big deal everything just moves real slow. I have to make sure I don't miss anything.

Reserve does suck, scheduling will screw if YOU give them the chance. Just know the FAR's and the Contract!

701EV

 

[probablecause]

Palerider957,

What do you recommend to the folks that are getting hired and going to Dallas for reserve that don't live there? Most people cannot temporarily move while they are on reserve.

I am going to have to commute until I can hold an Atlanta bid. Crash pads seem to be few and far between in Dallas. Are there any postings in the crew rooms for pads?

I have just started my swim. I did get a letter from the FAA last week though giving me the same info they gave to ASA.

I wonder how many other ASA pool swimmers are on this board?

PC

 

[Palerider957]

The commute from ATL to DFW is VERY challenging, you will spend most of your days off waiting in either airport watching the standby lists. There are many very senior DAL people who commute and most of the 75's have been pulled off that route for Song.

There are a lot of crash pads around DFW, check in the crew rooms, or ask a friend to do it. Since commuters don't exist officially at ASA, there is no help from the company with housing.

You really will need a crash pad my friend, don't chance it during your probationary year. Scheduling will squeeze your days off as it is, as 701EV said--KNOW YOUR CONTRACT and the FARs......if not you will be seriously abused by scheduling.

When you get back to ATL, you will be on reserve for a long time--I hate to say it, but it's true. All of the growth is out of DFW.

Eventually we'll have a new contract which should have significant QOL improvements and a few more $$....that or DAL will tank, take ASA/CMR with it, then we all get to go job hunting (again).

Overall ASA has great equipment, great crews, usually decent trips.

On the downside, management is clueless (and wants to stay that way), scheduling can be sadistic and mean spirited, and our current contract sucks.

Not to bring you down, this is a place with a future. Good luck.

 

[anon]

Ditto on what Palerider said.

DO NOT try to commute to DFW from ATL while on reserve. It will be impossible.

I have to DH to DFW (positive space) frequently and I assure it is not uncommon to see 20-30 non-rev's left at the gate ... both coming and going from ATL-DFW.

Overall, ASA is a good company once you hold a line.

 

[jstyle13]

I'm in the pool and when I start I assume I'll be in DFW. How hard would it be to commute from Nashville to DFW on reserve? Any ideas?

jj

 

[DrinkSweetTea]

There are 3 fights a day to DFW on Delta Connection, 2 ASA 1 CHQ. There are about 8 flights a day on AA md80/ Eagle ERJs.

 

[CF34-3B1]

Also, is it true that a captain, who is on reserve, can be called out to fly as an FO for a trip? This seemed odd to me, but an ASA pilot said something about it. Any truth to it?

In addition to the above reply, keep in mind the reserve Capt is paid at his Capt rate, not FO pay. In reality a reserve is not going to go over guarantee very often, but the premium pay (if any) is applied at Capt rates.

 

[Wile]

crash pad

You will definitely need a crash pad for the reserve at ASA. No one has mentioned the sleep room in DFW, and I am glad. That is not an option. New hires, you will be briefed, and if not, just ask. ASA believes that you should live in base, so plan on a crash pad. The first year, you might have the thought of calling in and all kinds of other colorful excuses, don't. The most common thing you will hear at ASA is "Lack of coverage". I think it is mostly true due to poor planning. Plan on being in DFW during your reserve call period. There are crash pads around, $150 to $200. You will need a car. Good luck

 

[bailout]

Also keep in mind, that some of the March newhires who were assigned DFW and bid ATL have gotten the award, and will never set foot in DFW. (as far as a domicile)

 

[probablecause]

Palerider957,

Thanks my friend for yours and everybody's insight. I will DEFINITELY have a crash pad!! I was just trying to make sure I could commute to the "house" every now and then. Don't worry you did not get me down, this is exactly what I was expecting. I am excited to get to work with you guys!

UPDATE! I got a call from Julie today. I am in the June 7 class. Everybody keep your phones with you.

Thanks,

PC

 

[Swaayze]

FWIW, the rumor that they won't leave a message is suspect. At least one member of our class was left a message to call back. But who knows what'll happen in the future, so good luck.

 

[jstyle13]

Julie left a message on my machine at home. She didn't call my cell phone(which is what I was expecting). She told me to call her back. I left a message with her then she called me back first thing in the morning. She told me she had several people that she called that she was waiting to hear back from. I'm not sure there is much truth to the rumor about them skipping you if you don't pick up the first time they call you.

JJ

 

[sleepy]

Re: crash pad

You will definitely need a crash pad for the reserve at ASA. No one has mentioned the sleep room in DFW, and I am glad. That is not an option. New hires, you will be briefed, and if not, just ask. ASA believes that you should live in base, so plan on a crash pad. The first year, you might have the thought of calling in and all kinds of other colorful excuses, don't. The most common thing you will hear at ASA is "Lack of coverage". I think it is mostly true due to poor planning. Plan on being in DFW during your reserve call period. There are crash pads around, $150 to $200. You will need a car. Good luck

Don't overlook some of the hotels around DFW airport (The Harvey for example). They offer rates as low as $25 per night to airline crews, and you won't need a car since they offer shuttle service 24/7. If you split the room with another FO it might be cost effective.

 

[Palerider957]

When in Dallas......

Just make sure your wings and name tag are less than 1/2 inch apart........(otherwise the plane might crash)

 

[bailout]

>>Julie left a message on my machine at home. She didn't call my cell phone(which is what I was expecting). She told me to call her back. I left a message with her then she called me back first thing in the morning. She told me she had several people that she called that she was waiting to hear back from. I'm not sure there is much truth to the rumor about them skipping you if you don't pick up the first time they call you.<<


She WILL leave a message, and simply not skip over you. However, they have a time frame in which to get a callback. You would be surprised how many people don't call her back, and they will fill the class with the next people in line. The call back time varies, but it is min. 24 hrs, or end of next business day.