ATA Parks a few Tri-Stars

[MesaScott]

Hey Brad or 757Drvr,

Whats your take on what has been going on the past week or so? Lindskoogs weekly message talked about parking the airplanes, but there was no mention of the class of new hires being sent home from training. They told us that we would be put into a 737 class in mid to late Sept....but I'll believe it when I'm sitting in Marietta!

Its all Ken's fault.

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Well, to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. One day we're told all is well, the next day we're manning the lifeboats.

I don't know what's going to happen. I was suprised you were put into an L10 class, as most of us TriStar pilots haven't been flying much (I've flown 8 hours this month and 5 of that was volunteer overtime). My guess is that crew planning and staffing figured that a lot of pilots would bail from the L10 and they were going to have you guys ready to take their place. Also, there is a planned increase of military flying that is scheduled to begin in October and I guess they didn't want to get caught short of pilots.

Hopefully, ATA will still take delivery of the remaining Boeings scheduled for this year, and that these airplanes can absorb those that will be displaced from the TriStar and your class of new hires.

IMHO It doesn't look good for any more hiring in the near future.

Good luck to you and the guys in your class. I know it must be tearing you up inside and I truely wish you well. Hope to see you on the property again soon.

Brad

 

[Draginass]

I thought ATA was holding its head above water ok in these tough times.

 

[MesaScott]

Hey Brad,

Let me clarify...we were not furloughed. We are still on the payroll. I keep hearing that the 737s are severely understaffed so as long as they don't park any of them, I assume we will still be put through training. Or maybe I'm just being overly optomistic!

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

ATA

Are they parking ALL of the tristars? I hope not, I love that airplane.

 

[MesaScott]

They are only parking 3 L-1011s. One is due for D-check so its big bucks to get them back on line.

They did say that things could change anytime. Especially if we go start something over in the sand box.

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Well, I checked the delivery schedule for the rest of the year. Unless ATA can get Boeing to suspend or delay deliveries, Five more 737s and one more 757-300 should be delivered before the end of the year. What the company plans to with these airplanes who knows. Especially with the announcement that it's reducing flights to several cities.

So if these six airplanes are delivered and the company can keep them flying, they should more than offset the pilot displacements from the retiring L1011s.

Finally, glad to hear ATA has kept you on the payroll. Hopefully you'll be back in class soon.

 

[Woodrow]

Wasn't me big guy!

MesaScott,

We all know who cursed your class with the doom and gloom predictions.

Do the Al dance!!

See ya

 

[SpeedBird]

Hey Woody:

Where did you fly B707s? Was it at Robins?

 

[Race Pilot]

Speedbird

Hey Speedbird, where did you fly the 707? If Robins was it E-8 or EC-137?

 

[SpeedBird]

Race Pilot,

I flew Joint STARS at Robins from 97-01. There was a guy there named "Woody" who flew with me a lot. He's in training with ATA right now and wondered if "Woodrow" was the same guy. I hope ATA's recent announcement to reduce its flying doesn't slow anybody down over there.

 

[HA25]

B-J-J,

Your list of aircraft flown reads like a dream. I would give my left (fill in blank) to fly 1/2 of those exotic birds......B2, Concord, SR71, U2...etc... man, hang it up bro, you are not going to get anything out of an airline job (aside from $$ that is).

BTW, I too have always wanted to fly the Tri-Star, alas they are not likely to be in the US very much longer.

 

[MesaScott]

Well class is back on! Kelly just called and said they may have been a little quick on the trigger cancelling the class. I may get to fly the L-1011 after all.

 

[Woodrow]

Yes it's me speedbird.

Speedbird,
You are correct sir, it was me. Good to hear from you. I guess class is back on! Send me a personnal and I'll respond. Last I heard you were still deciding between SWA and Blue. Let me know what's going on.

Woody (Please don't tell anyone I flew J-STARS!)

 

[ATA75Pilot]

For those of interested.

Here are the remaining delivery slots (subject to change of course) for 2002 and beyond.

Recently ATA sent home a new-hire class for the L1011 after announcing that they are retiring 3 L10's this year. However, they called them a week later and told them the class is back on.

Interesting point....ATA was already planning on retiring 3 L10's at the end of this year. It almost seems that they are playing the PR card in anticipation of the Federal Loan Guarantees.

For those waiting to interview. I wish I had more news for you. Our training department is overwhelmed trying to finish the training that was generated from last years System Bid. As an example...I was supposed to be on the 737 effective Jun 1 but they won't release me from the 757 to go to training because they are so short of 757 pilots.

Hang in there....I know...easier said than done when you are the one looking from outside the fence.

- ed

Delivery / In-Service Summary 737-800

Registration # (Tail #) Delivery Date Current In-Service Date

Currently in Service: 27 aircraft

N326TZ October 2002
N327TZ November 2002
N328TZ November 2002
N329TZ December 2002
N330TZ December 2002
N331TZ June 2003
N332TZ January 2004
N333TZ February 2004
N334TZ March 2004
N335TZ April 2004
N336TZ May 2004
N337TZ May 2004
N338TZ July 2004
N339TZ August 2004

Delivery / In-Service Summary 757-300

Currently in Service: 9 aircraft

N559TZ August 2002
N560TZ May 2003
N561TZ June 2003

 

[SpeedBird]

Woodrow:

I've only got two things to say:

Pink Floyd & Sachsenhausen.

Yeah Baby!