Flying different aircraft

[no1pilot2000]

When an individual applies for a pilot position with a major airline that operates different "types" of aircraft, does the applicant choose which aircraft they want to fly, or does the airline tell the applicant which airplane they will fly?

 

[BlueandWhite]

I'm going to assume this is an honest question. It's all about seniority in the airline world. You apply to an airline, and if hired, train in whatever aircraft positions they have vacancies for.

 

[GuppyWN]

You first get assigned the most junior aircraft and as you get more senior you have the ability to bid different equipment.

Southwest, for example, assigns you to the 737. After a few years you can work your way up and bid the 737.

Gup

 

[Twisted Mind]

It could happen that they let you pick. Most likely they will tell you what you are getting. Never delay class and thus your seniority number for a "better" airplane. Example wait for the jet instead of the t-prop.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

With some regionals, DOB at the interview determined whether you went into a TP or an RJ. Mostly though, it's assigned per staffing requirements and domicle.

 

[aa73]

at AA it was date of birth. and yes, if they are in big expansion mode, you can sometimes get to choose what you want in your class by (UNBELIEVABLY!!) swapping seniority #s with someone else.

In my class, it was all MIA 727 F/Es. Some later classes had 727 F/O, MD80 F/O, and for awhile 767 F/O. Some senior F/E new hires would swap seniority with junior F/O new hires just to get the F/O slot. Big mistake, even one seniority # could mean the difference between furlough/staying employed, or CA upgrade in 5 years instead of 15. You never know. Keep the seniority!

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

At my airline seniority in your class is determined by last 4 of your SS#.

We had a mix of 1 NYC 737, 4 ATL M88, and 5 NYC M88 slots that was available to us. They start with the most senior person in class, ask them what they want..and so on.

 

[145BOSS]

In my class we were assigned seniority by D.O.B and the positions available were: 4 737-IAH, 4 737-EWR, 8 757/767-EWR

Junior man in the class was assigned 737-EWR.

 

[Whine Lover]

Suffice to say...there really is no pat answer to this question.

Every airline assigns seniority differently. Every airline hires differently. Every airline fills classes differently. Every airline staffs differently. Every airline changes the way they do all the above frequently.

Basically, you get hired and wind up where they need you, at that immediate point in time, on whatever new or old aircraft they need you on, according to whatever cockamamie plan of the week they have come up with at that specific point.

Sometimes you have a choice, other times you do not.

None of that really matters...You got hired. You are a Lucky Man. Go with the flow. Cooperate and Graduate.


YKMKR

 

[vtwo]

Suffice to say...there really is no pat answer to this question.

Every airline assigns seniority differently. Every airline hires differently. Every airline fills classes differently. Every airline staffs differently. Every airline changes the way they do all the above frequently.

Basically, you get hired and wind up where they need you, at that immediate point in time, on whatever new or old aircraft they need you on, according to whatever cockamamie plan of the week they have come up with at that specific point.

Sometimes you have a choice, other times you do not.

None of that really matters...You got hired. You are a Lucky Man. Go with the flow. Cooperate and Graduate.


YKMKR

NOW YKMKR have you fallen off your Rocker? You said he was Lucky to get hired. In reality he would be lucky to Not get hired find a new more respectable career, like whore house piano player. or a More secure job like being a Plumber. Now go back to your locker room duties, SIR.

Young man. sing it with me.

 

[HalinTexas]

You never know. Your least favorite airplane might end up being the most rewarding of the options.

Go with the flow. Learn something. Attitude (in your head).

 

[jonjuan]

Big mistake, even one seniority # could mean the difference between furlough/staying employed, or CA upgrade in 5 years instead of 15. You never know. Keep the seniority!

One seniority number could also mean the difference between staying a career F/O at UAL/AA and being a CA at JBLU, WN, or NJA.

 

[waveflyer]

but long story short-- seniority is key- The race is to get a number as quickly as possible-- kind of sucks actually- but if you think you might want to work at X airline- get there as soon as you can- enjoy the stops along the way, but always remember it's a race- a marathon, but still a race

 

[Whine Lover]

" Young man. sing it with me."


It's fun to work at the Y-M-C-A...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS9OO0S5w2k


But, not just anyone can make it to this lofty perch. You have to start somewhere, and our poster will need at least 20 years , 2 type ratings, and thousands of hours of airline experience before he can aspire to higher things such as these.

And, I am Membership Services SIR. NOT, Towel Boy.

That will take a few years of YMCA experience and training.

I'm working on it...





YKW