CAL internal rec

[Twotter Driver]

Had my stuff walked into CAL a couple of weeks ago and was told that I was on some priority call list.
Will I get a call, and if so, how long should I anticipate it will take before I get the call?
Any insight is appreciated as this is somewhere I really want to work and I want to be ready when and if I get the call!

Thanks ahead of time for the info! TD

 

[Tonto]

I was told a month when I put on the "OK to interview" list, which is probably what you are on. Start getting ready now so you're not rushed when they do call. They gave me many options to choose from as far as interview dates. Mine ended up being three weeks after they called.
Good luck. Things are looking really good at CAL right now.

 

[Twotter Driver]

Tonto- thanks for the info! Have you interviewed yet? If so, are you doing the sim on the same day?

 

[check6]

Good luck!! CAL is a good place to be! When did you fly the six?? PM me!

 

[Jetjockey]

Is anyone worried about the amount of debt Continental has? Is that addressed at all in orientation, or during the interview. I'm not slamming Continental. I'm just curious what the feeling among the troops is on that subject.

 

[nimtz]

Is anyone worried about the amount of debt Continental has? Is that addressed at all in orientation, or during the interview. I'm not slamming Continental. I'm just curious what the feeling among the troops is on that subject.

Were you aware when you applied that CAL is not a discount carrier and has 50+ years of operational history? If so then I don't think CAL owes any explanation to you or any other applicant as to their current debt load.

 

[(o) (o)]

Were you aware when you applied that CAL is not a discount carrier and has 50+ years of operational history? If so then I don't think CAL owes any explanation to you or any other applicant as to their current debt load.

What a stupid answer to a legitamate question.

 

[ACWild]

It was brought up during my interview. The reply that I got was that CAL has about 1.5 billion in cash reserves to help them stay out of trouble until things hopefully get better. Despite the fuel prices, they actually made a little profit during the first half of the year but they expect to lose money through the second half. I don't remember the exact numbers for how much cash they are burning through. They were pretty honest about the risks and why they think they will survive with the international expansion. As with any job, there are no guarantees.
Best of luck with your interview.

 

[FurloughedTwice]

When they came in and talked to us they said that all the "legacy" airlines were drowning but CAL was in the shallowest water. That seems like a pretty good explanation to me. They also said they are "buying real-estate" pretty cheap right now and are positioning themselves for the future.

Just my opinion but it is really hard to "kill" an airline. When was the last time a Major Airline actually went out of business? A couple have been absorbed by larger carriers but it's been a long time since a major airline has actually shut the doors. I'm not saying it can't happen but I think it's safe to say that CAL is in pretty good shape right now.

CAL is hiring and that should continue for awhile because of all the retirements. Unless you have job offers at FedEx, SWA or UPS I personally think CAL is as good as it gets.

 

[calfo]

20% of the seniority list is retiring over the next three years... that's with no expansion - there'll be lots of movement.

 

[Truckdriver]

CAL has said they have significant financial obligations due in 2007 that they may not be able to meet if the current fare/fuel environment continues. These obligations may push them very close if not into the CH 11 category with the rest of the legacy carrier world. However, I think it would be a very poor decision not to go to CAL because of a possible cash crunch. As said earlier, they have massive retirements and are anticipating continued growth. If you get hired this year, you could possibly have 500-600 guys beneath you by the end of 2007.

 

[ATRCA]

Had my stuff walked into CAL a couple of weeks ago and was told that I was on some priority call list.
Will I get a call, and if so, how long should I anticipate it will take before I get the call?
Any insight is appreciated as this is somewhere I really want to work and I want to be ready when and if I get the call!

Thanks ahead of time for the info! TD

Who told you you were on this priority list?

 

[LivinDaDream]

Not trying to answer for anyone else, but the chief pilots can access this info. I was told the same thing and received the call within 3 weeks of being told. Best of luck to all.

 

[mnboyev]

What if they merged with NWA ? I know nothing is for sure... However ?

What about age 65 ? What paycut are they operating under ? How does their B fund work... When do they 'snap back'...

No Flames.. honest and sincere questions. The turnover looks good. The international flying looks good. But... ? Just questions...

Continental is a good company, good luck to all.

 

[Palomino]

Life is a contingency.

I'd rather play 'what if' with a major carrier who has steady attrition and decent finances than with any regional. I firmly believe that those who tolerate the cycles of this industry will do well. I conduct my finances in accordance with this belief.

Lucky for me that I don't enjoy boating, motorcycles, etc. I don't need the toys. My toys are at work.

 

[Pancho747]

Twotter Driver,

I had a Continental pilot formally sponsor me for employment the first week of October. They called me for an interview about 3 weeks later. I interviewed in mid November and was given a class date in mid December.

Good Luck!

The whole interview experience was very positive and they presented themselves as a very professional organization.

As for their finances - well ANY airline has it's risks involved but I'd say CAL is far better off than any other legacy carrier.

 

[SomeDude]

question to this... I know several cal pilots willing to help me. All are fairly junior. Do they actually go to Huston to walk in your resume or can they place a phone call.

Thanks

 

[Wesb737fo]

Were you aware when you applied that CAL is not a discount carrier and has 50+ years of operational history? If so then I don't think CAL owes any explanation to you or any other applicant as to their current debt load.

Hey numntz,

I'm curious as to why you think it is not wise to ask about financial details from a prospective employer. All you have to do is look around at the financial mess that litters the playing field. No one is asking about secret financial data, just the basics. What say you Mr nimtz?

 

[EMBpilot]

question to this... I know several cal pilots willing to help me. All are fairly junior. Do they actually go to Huston to walk in your resume or can they place a phone call.

Thanks

Their base CP will do.

 

[BEXFlyer]

I was also told that I was on the "interview list".....that was back in July, and no call yet. I take it that making the list is no guarantee for a call. Is there anyone else out there that has been on the list a while with no call? THX