Kalitta Air Interviewing

[iaflyer]

Another class

Another new-hire class of 12FOs and 6 FEs is scheduled to start in August. That should be the 4th class of the year for Kalitta Air.

 

[Birddog]

Just got offered a spot in the August class. Looking forward to it.

 

[Kaman]

Actually, the AC and co-pilot were both very senior LCOL's and AC's and at least one was also an IP. The FEs were also senior NCOs all from the reserve associate wing out of Dover aFB. Delaware. However, if one were to listen to the CVR you'd be amazed at the poor CRM/leadership in that cockpit.

 

[ILStoMinimums]

What are the chances of getting a call with 2000TT, about 1700 121 flying right seat now? Thanks

 

[Birddog]

Hard to say. The backgrounds of the people in my class are all over the board. You chances are better if you can get in front of them at a job fair, or get a letter of recommendation in with your resume.

 

[NEWSOUTH]

Birddog

Not trying to be confrontational.....How do you know what the backgrounds are of the pilots you are gonna be in class with in Aug.? Since there has been little discussion of the Aug. class on here, is there another way to know who is in that class?

 

[Birddog]

I swapped to the June class at the last minute.

 

[NEWSOUTH]

Birddog

Thanks for the reply.

Can you talk about your favorite pros and cons, so far with the company and the new job to be?
What kind of job are you leaving behind?
Can you give some insight on how you will handle the new schedule? Do you have a family? Have you heard upgrade is as little as 12 months for those that qualify?

 

[Birddog]

I don't know about a 12 month upgrade. An upgrade class just ran and the most junior guy in it has been here not quite 2 years. To qualify for upgrade, you need at least 5000 total and 500 on type.

As to the pros, I see them as:
extended periods at home
home basing (unofficial now, official status pending)
a variety of flying
good experience
profitable company
growing company

Cons:
121 supplimental duty rules
long stretchs on the road
harder to keep in touch with family

In about six months I hope to be able to provide more significant insights. I do have a family and am coming from an on-demand 135 gig, so we are used to the 2 to 3 week seperations. Investing in a laptop, webcam, and Skype would be a good idea. It also helps that my wife has a flexible work schedule, so that helps with child care and related issues.

So far, the company has a very casual, laid back air. They don't sweat little things and have a real clear idea as to what the big things are. The head of crew scheduling is a relatively recent addition, and he seems determined to make things as humane for the crews as possible.

Everyone I have dealt with seems decent so far. I haven't really been here long enough to have any real bad experiences.

Thats about all I can offer right now. Maybe some of the more experinced Kalitta guys here can offer some more info. Hope it helps. Do you have a class date?

 

[Guam360]

That's right Birddog, tell 'em.
I left Jetblue, so it has to be good, right?

I am happy with my decision, no looking back. Upgrade at 2 years and a few months is not bad, more airframes coming. anyway everyone knows how that is, until they are on property and flying is one thing.

classes in Aug and Oct. for now.

 

[Birddog]

Thanks for the support. One thing I didn't stress before, is that the type of work Kalitta does is not for everyone. If you like a firmly structured schedule, it may not be for you. If you want to fly the latest greatest aircraft, it may not be for you. If you consider being away from home for more than a week a hardship, then it may not be for you. If you want all of your controllers to speak clear, intelligable english, it may not be for you.

If none of the above seems like a deterrent, then give it a shot. I am happy with my decision so far.

 

[mrvmo]

Did someone finally off Mark Ryan? What happened? How did you get rid of that piece of turd?

 

[Junkflyer]

Connie fired him. About 2 years too late.

 

[OrionFE]

Complete 180 (scheduling) since he has gone. QOL definately went up a few notches!

 

[Floyd R. Turbo]

Better late than never.

 

[propsarebest]

Thanks for the support. One thing I didn't stress before, is that the type of work Kalitta does is not for everyone. If you like a firmly structured schedule, it may not be for you. If you want to fly the latest greatest aircraft, it may not be for you. If you consider being away from home for more than a week a hardship, then it may not be for you. If you want all of your controllers to speak clear, intelligable english, it may not be for you.

If none of the above seems like a deterrent, then give it a shot. I am happy with my decision so far.

Same thing goes for EV.