Hello Airtran! Thank You Lord!

[Airtran Fanatic]

I just got the call! I have never been sooo excited in all my life! This is the only airline I applied for and the only airline I wanted! I will retire from Airtran! It will be nice to fly with some positive people for a change! Im so tired of all the negativity in the regional industry!

I have a couple questions for those who just went through training. It will probably be close to a month and a half before I get to sim, Im a little scared of getting rusty sitting in a classroom. Are the instructors cool? Ive heard stories that the entire 717 department is of the old "eastern menatality" and want you to know where every rivet is on the plane, while the 737 department is new and not so worried about details like that. Is it a hard transition from the RJ to the 717 or 737? Do they work with you? Dont get me wrong, I have never failed a checkride, but I dont want to start either, and especially at the place where I want to spend the rest of my career. Just want to know what to expect.. So any input is greatly appreciated!

Anyway, glad to be a part of this great company and hope to contribute some great things to this airline!

Cya,
AF

 

[Hpilot]

Cool

Congrats! A guy I used to fly with went to Airtran right before I headed to America West. He loves it. Sorry he didn't give me any details on training.

 

[XGmaninGA]

Both 717 and 737 instructor staff are top notch. Like anywhere else, come with a good attitude, show that you're working hard, and they will bend over backwards to help you. Welcome aboard!

 

[UAL-GSO]

Fanatic,
Congratulations and welcome! You have come to a geat place. This is airline #4 for me and I have been very impressed with (most of) the people and the overall operation.
As far as training goes, I would not worry about getting rusty. Use the time "out of cockpit" to FORGET about your previous airplane's limits, callouts, fms, etc... The 717 training dept. will give you all the tools you need to be successful - just show up with the proper attitude. I don't think that will be a problem for you. You will not have to "build the airplane", but you will be expected to demonstrate a good working knowledge. Remember, upgrades are currently less than three years - they are training you to be a Captain.
I can't speak for the 737 side, but having flown it in a previous life, I don't think that anyone with a RJ/glass cockpit background will have too much trouble.
Congrats again and welcome aboard!

 

[180ToTheMarker]

When did you interview??? I interviewed last week and have heard nothing yet but I'm told it takes awhile to hear. Congrats.

 

[Airtran Fanatic]

Thanks everyone for the replys! Im so happy to be there, I cant get the smile off my face! Everyone I have met at the training center during my interview from management to pilots in recurrent were top notch! They all went out of their way to talk to the interviewees and tell them about the company! I have lots of glass cockpit time so I guess I will just need to get used to the different way the information is presented (i.e different flight director, fms..etc).

180,
It took about 5 days for the people in my interview group to hear from Klaus. They have a big class they have to fill Aug 11th (29 pilots) so Im sure they will give you time to give your 2 weeks notice if they need you in it. Stephanie was awesome! Good Luck!

AF

 

[180ToTheMarker]

Hey Fanatic, got the call a few minutes ago...I'll be in the Aug 11th class. Hope to see ya there!



-180

 

[410dude]

I just got the call! I have never been sooo excited in all my life! This is the only airline I applied for and the only airline I wanted! I will retire from Airtran!
Cya,
AF

It's nice to know that you had set such a lofty goal of ONLY wanting to fly for Airtran. Congrats and hope that it makes YOU happy. It's amazing now how airlines like Airtan are suddenly places where pilots have been waiting their entire career to get on with. I for one, have a much loftier goal than Airtran. Back in the good ole days, people couldn't wait to leave Airtran for a "real" airline.

 

[canyonblue]

Back in the good ole days, people couldn't wait to leave Airtran for a "real" airline.

And you were like what, 6?

 

[Airtran Fanatic]

It's nice to know that you had set such a lofty goal of ONLY wanting to fly for Airtran. Congrats and hope that it makes YOU happy. It's amazing now how airlines like Airtan are suddenly places where pilots have been waiting their entire career to get on with. I for one, have a much loftier goal than Airtran. Back in the good ole days, people couldn't wait to leave Airtran for a "real" airline.

410Dude,

Thats exactly the kind of negative attitude im so glad to be getting away from. Everyone must do what is right for them. So if flying 747's across the Atlantic is what your looking for, then good luck with that. I really mean that. Thats not what Im looking for. If Airtran does that someday than great but if not, thats great too. Me, I found what I was looking for. I found my new home. I want to be more than just a # at the company I work for. Im happy to be a part of the Airtran "Family".


180,

Congrats! check your PM's!

AF

 

[410dude]

Glad to see that you set such high goals for yourself. Enjoy your career of mediocrity and substandard pay!

 

[IAHERJ]

No offense 410 guy, but if I'm reading your profile correctly, you fly a CRJ? Until your more lofty goals are reached I suggest you keep quiet. I'm sure your posts were just flaimbait.

IAHERJ

 

[Yank McCobb]

410dude,

Words of wisdom from someone who has been around the block, I see.

To the "Fanatic" however, I will say there are no "families" in the business world. No company is a "family". If they were, they wouldn't make a nickel.

You will soon figure this out. Especially at a company with such blatent disregard for the contract. I hear complaints all the time from people I know there, and they are all about that one subject. "Fly it, then grieve it" is the company mantra.

Just like a real family. Your momma and daddy telling you to do something "because I said so".

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

No offense 410 guy, but if I'm reading your profile correctly, you fly a CRJ? Until your more lofty goals are reached I suggest you keep quiet. I'm sure your posts were just flaimbait.

IAHERJ

Good post IAHERJ. My thoughts exactly though I might have been not so polite about it. "Highly experienced" individuals like this guy really make this a fun place to read!

 

[Ty Webb]

Glad to see that you set such high goals for yourself. Enjoy your career of mediocrity and substandard pay!

This is coming from some ass-clown that doesn't even have an ATP?

Say "Hi" to your parents for us, when you log off and come up out of their basement, will ya?


.

 

[AAflyer]

Fanatic,

Yesterdays United is todays Airtran.. Congrats and enjoy the ride.. Half the battle in this business is setting goals AND then reaching them. Another hard one is to pick an airline and get on with them. Many of us sent out the resume and went with the one who called us first..

I remember the hiring, the good pay, the excitement...It tasted good, hope to have it again... enjoy the taste..... AirTran has a great bunch of guys and gals.. Especially those czech swingers....

AA

 

[XGmaninGA]

Yeaaah! Schwiinnng!

 

[Citrus531]

Fanatic,

Welcome as well....I want to build a solid foundation at AirTran like a lot of others...you'll love it...stop by ops and say hello.

 

[Flyer1015]

Glad to see that you set such high goals for yourself. Enjoy your career of mediocrity and substandard pay!

"Substandard Pay:"

12th year Capt:

Airtran - $153

Continental - $144 (737-300/500)

United - $129 (A320/737)

US Airways - $125 (A320/737)

AWA - $138 (A320/757)

Jetblue - $139 (A320)

 

[jimcav]

Welcome aboard fanatic. I'm sidestepping to the737 next month, so I look forward to seeing you around the schoolhouse.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

"Substandard Pay:"

12th year Capt:

Airtran - $153

Continental - $144 (737-300/500)

United - $129 (A320/737)

US Airways - $125 (A320/737)

AWA - $138 (A320/757)

Jetblue - $139 (A320)

I had no idea the industry had gotten so bad. Those wages are shameful.

BBB

 

[walden]

beer.

 

[Stinkbug]

Fanatic,

I interviewed with Airtran in April 2003 and was turned down. It hurt like hell. I've since found a good job but I just wanted to say I'm really glad to see how happy you are and I understand how you feel because it's how I felt just to be selected to interview. Keep up the positive attitude and remember anything in life is what you make it. I'm sure you'll have a long and prosperous career at Airtran.

 

[Ty Webb]

Fanatic,

I interviewed with Airtran in April 2003 and was turned down. It hurt like hell. I've since found a good job but I just wanted to say I'm really glad to see how happy you are and I understand how you feel because it's how I felt just to be selected to interview.

If you are still interested, reapply. We have guys who have been hired recently that interviewed previously. If selected a second time, I would say the odds of getting shot down twice are pretty slim.

 

[Dogwood]

410Dude,

Thats exactly the kind of negative attitude im so glad to be getting away from. Everyone must do what is right for them. So if flying 747's across the Atlantic is what your looking for, then good luck with that. I really mean that. Thats not what Im looking for. If Airtran does that someday than great but if not, thats great too. Me, I found what I was looking for. I found my new home. I want to be more than just a # at the company I work for. Im happy to be a part of the Airtran "Family".


180,

Congrats! check your PM's!

AF

AF,

Don't let some of these guys rain on your parade. It's typically sour grapes, as they are probably looking for a job.

You made comments that you will retire from Airtran. I don't know how old you are, but my advice to you is enjoy your career at AT, but don't have blinders on. Keep your logbook up to date, and have the attitude that your airline could close it's doors any day. Mine could as well. I spent 15 years at my last carrier, thinking I was going to retire from there. Suddenly I was on the street, with no retirement and a ton of worthless stock. Looking back, I realize I had blinders on and didn't know it.

Just my thoughts. You should do well at AT, and I wish you the best of luck, but always watch for the signs of things going downhill no matter where you work. When that happens, start applying elsewhere ASAP.

Have fun.

DW

 

[Airtran Fanatic]

jimcav & citrus531, thanks for the welcome aboard, look forwardard to meeting you guys!

Thanks AA Flyer!

Also looking forward to meeting the scwinging Czech pilot

Stinkbug, you have probably heard it a million times but NEVER GIVE UP. My plan if I didnt get hired at Airtran the first time was to see them again in 6 months and then again in another 6 months, you get the idea. It was apparant from the pep talk in the interview that they really wanted people who want to work for Airtran, not someone who is just using it as a stepping stone. Which was great because THAT WAS ME! Im sure it showed in my individual interviews. You sound like you really wanted to work there as well and are now discouraged from re-applying. Pride is a dangerous thing. Dont ever let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Good Luck!

Dogwood, you can believe me when i say I dont have any blinders on, and I dont think that Airtran pilots are walking around "High Fiving each other in the crewroom". But I do think all the Airtran pilots have a great deal of pride in their airline, and I want to be a part of that! Its sooo different from where I work now. I am very proud to have been selected. Im very realistic, and if you knew the regional I worked for you would understand why this is such a huge and exciting move for me. Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my post and wish me well. Especially in these times I know its dangerous. I had several friends at TWA, 1 at Vanguard, 1 at National, 2 at the old Midway and they all thought the same thing. So I know that anything can happen in the end. But as of right now I have faith that Airtran will be around for a very long time.

Thanks Everyone!!
Fanatic

 

[Ty Webb]

jimcav & citrus531, thanks for the welcome aboard, look forwardard to meeting you guys!

Thanks AA Flyer!

Also looking forward to meeting the scwinging Czech pilot

Heh-heh . . . you'll know me by my many gold medallions and the way the foxes always try to sit next to me on the green couch in inflight.

I dont think that Airtran pilots are walking around "High Fiving each other in the crewroom".

Actually, we do, but only to fellow flightinfo.com guys . . . . it's part of our secret handshake.

But I do think all the Airtran pilots have a great deal of pride in their airline, and I want to be a part of that!

Right again. We've come a long way, and we continue to move forward . . . toward Contract 2005. . . . . !

Welcome aboard!

 

[Stinkbug]

Fanatic and Ty Webb,

Thanks for the encouragement. Actually I did reapply, but never really pushed it and wasn't called for a second interview. I've been with a different company for two years now and think I've found my home, at least for the time being.

 

[Vwipe]

Yes, Maybe, Sometimes, Yes again, Every once and a while and ...don't worry about it. It'll all work out.

Congrats and welcome. Vwipe

 

[Mr Hat]

Its nice to see a guy who's thrilled to be hired! Sounds like you wanted it for a long time and thats great that you made it. Don't let these bitter schmucks bug you, they'll never be as happy as you are right now no matter where they get hired. Good luck and I hope to be as happy as you when my SW decision board meets.