FE positions

[OrionFE]

I absolutely agree. But good PFE skills don't necessarily translate to good pilot skills. Please don't misunderstand, I think everybody should have their opportunity. My point is that not everybody is a good candidate for upgrade.
There should be some honest soul searching when deciding to seek an upgrade because, realistically, having the seniority to get the seat is just the tip of the iceberg.

As well with FO-Capt upgrades. Flying a B1900 and then two years in the right seat (B747) may not be enough time to bid the left seat when your number pops. Good point!

 

[Fedora]

I've flown with some great "fefo's"as we call them at Gemini, with at least one ready for upgrade to Captain. That being said, 250 hours of ME PIC time is a great place for them to start and a tough place for the airline to look at an "F/O" to fly a heavy jet. We have had some great sucess stories and some "crash and burn" stories in the sim. Bottom line is be ready and have some sim time flying on the instruments. It's a big transition between watching and doing. Good luck to all who get the chance!

 

[Fedora]

BTW, How come these posts are always " I've got a friend who" type posts? Does the friend actually have a computer? Can he post online himself? Why does he want to start out as an FE? Is he expecting you to get him a job in aviation?
I always feel like a shrink when someone asks "I've got this friend" kind of questions. What's the real deal here?

 

[Berkut]

What's the real deal here?

"I've got a friend who doesn't want to spend ten bucks to ask you this question."

What's with the blue?

 

[Junkflyer]

10 bucks is cheap if it leads to a job. Anyone interested should send their stuff in, but be forewarned that it is a difficult lifestyle. Also do not apply if you don't want a job here. If you turn it down you will probably not be given a shot in the future, though people that have quit on good terms have been rehired (with newhire seniority)

 

[Fedora]

What's with the blue?

LOL! Good one, Berkut! I dunno, I use it because it's there I guess. Been using it on chats and emails since I can remember. Tell your friend it's OK to come out and play!

 

[Berkut]

$10 is a lot of hair gel.

 

[iaflyer]

Actually, I believe it had to do more with the horribly low success rate of low time FEs (PFEs and SOs) upgrading to FO. It isn't entirely unreasonable to want pilot openings to be awarded to pilots who have the best chance of succeeding. The open positions are due to the need for more people to fly the jets, not to let folks test the waters and see how it goes. That incurs lost time, expense and possibly unnecessary training failures on the record. After which, the need is still there for people to fly the jets!

Exactly - that's why FEs who want to upgrade have to pass the same sim ride our new-hire FOs take as part of their hiring process. We don't just throw any FE who wants to upgrade in the sim and start teaching him. You are correct - about 25% of the FEs who have taken the sim ride in the last year have passed - the company isn't out much money - it's only 20 minutes in the sim and a day or two off of work.

 

[ExAF]

Not Sun Country

Southern Air, Kalitta, I think Sun Country in the 727, Amerijet

Sun Country flies 737s now. They don't have any more 72s. Champion has FEs in the 727.

 

[stupidpilot]

There is an advantage to being FE in the same aircraft before going to the right seat. You learn the systems better and operate from a more knowledgeable standpoint when you go to the left seat. (That is if your doing your job properly.) Also, you learn the callouts, company policies and procedures, the basics of the sim profiles etc. It's not as steep of a learning curve compared to an FO w/no heavy experience coming off of the street.