Look at what Virgin America has done with pilot wages

[Long-Gonner]

but as far as wages go, FO pay 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year are far more than some majors pay. quote]

Really? What legancy does Virgin beat for FO wages in the first three years on the same class of airplane?

Research. It's a good thing.

1st year----> AWA, USAir, UA, and F9
2nd year----> UA
3rd year-----> USAir

 

[waveflyer]

VA will sort itself out-- they have 20 a/c - If you're at any legacy i'd address scope-- which is what has created the market of underpaid pilots willing to go to VA-- before i'd go b!tching about VA--

 

[Ralph Cramden]

Did I mention its a scumbag operation

"Like, that's just your opinion man"

Quote: "The Dude" Lebowski

 

[waveflyer]

p.s. Virgin needs to raise their pay!
p.s. That's a hard sell when there are so many UNDER-paid RJ drivers looking to get out of their regional---

 

[328dude]

1st year----> AWA, USAir, UA, and F9
2nd year----> UA
3rd year-----> USAir

Well ok, but you said the first three years at some legacys. I take it you didn't mean in a row.

Fair enough. I think CAL is missing from year 1

 

[Ralph Cramden]

Is it true that FO's have to clean the lavs at VA? Of course whores are good at doing menial labor.

Don't look now spacecadet1, but your maturity and wit are underwhelming us, even for flightinfo standards.

FYI, a cleaning crew cleans the entire cabin on every turn, lav included. They are usually lined up in the jetway waiting for the pax to get off.

F/Os do have to pass the type ride, get the clearance, read the checklist and fly every other leg, which for my F/Os means a leg every other day with 12 on and 18 off in a month (if they can bid senior). We also don't carry flight bags, using the onboard EFB thingie instead.

Hope life is good for you at space command. I'm still deciding if I want to apply for the Astronaut gig. Meeting some resistance from the missus.

 

[Ralph Cramden]

p.s. Virgin needs to raise their pay!
p.s. That's a hard sell when there are so many UNDER-paid RJ drivers looking to get out of their regional---

Hey, I'm the first to agree with ya on that one.

Problem is, it's a hard sell with so many pilots on the street right now.

Hopefully the price of gas will drop, guys will get recalled and life will be good again for all. OTOH, this downturn looks pretty serious.

 

[FADEC]

You rang?

FC seats are doing fine, still white, and full on the transcons I fly.

Cabin crew goes through with beverage cart to start, then turns on the on demand. It does keep them busy but the guests (pax in Virgin lingo) love it. There have been a few hiccups, such as elderly not understanding how to get food ordered as the debit or credit card transaction is done on the IFE screen only.

I like not wearing a tie. That's all I'm going to say on #3

Ralphie...

Ralphie

Whilst I'm sure you guys are full why won't your company issue any data whilst they have total access to everyone elses fiancial stats.

 

[flyipilot]

I do not have anything against VA. I do however think Branson is another story. Space travel is nuts and with the price of gas, no one will go. I would rather ride a carnival ride than fly into space with Virgin Galactic. He may have a screw loose but, so did Howard Hughs. Rich people sometimes have a hard time grasping reality..ie: starting up an airline in an overly saturated market with out of control fuel prices. But, hey, I give him guts for being somewhat of a gambler. He may just pull off one of the most successful airlines that survive all this mess. But, for the space part...hmmm, it is a fun idea but, will have zero real use and very very FEW people will go on the rides. The plane will be in a museum within 5 years of its inaugural flight.

P.S...No offense to any of the VA pilots, but if you are really thinking of becoming an astronaut for this new venture...most will have to go on a HUGE diet and would NEVER pass the required physical needed for space travel. In fact, the best candidates there are all the young F.O.'s under 30. You better pass on that yummy inflight meal they serve next time you fly...

 

[Long-Gonner]

Well ok, but you said the first three years at some legacys. I take it you didn't mean in a row.

Fair enough. I think CAL is missing from year 1

Cal doesn't operate the Airbus ..........

 

[febtober]

flyipilot your post is pretty funny. Richard Branson didn't just decide to start an airline last year. He stared Virgin Atlantic a long time ago and his many other companies have all done great. space flights will be just as popular and incidentally have no relation to the cost of aviation fuel prices. rocket fuel is not jet fuel.

and for the original point of the thread. why raise wages when you already have your pick of thousands of qualified pilots.

 

[BUDDHA145]

Look what they were able do do with the money they didn't pay their pilots. It's real nice.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/07/29/226174/video-virgin-america-to-sell-legroom.html

Just like our 737 POS at AIRWAYS...oh yes, I forgot...go EAST!!!

 

[flyipilot]

flyipilot your post is pretty funny. Richard Branson didn't just decide to start an airline last year. He stared Virgin Atlantic a long time ago and his many other companies have all done great. space flights will be just as popular and incidentally have no relation to the cost of aviation fuel prices. rocket fuel is not jet fuel.

and for the original point of the thread. why raise wages when you already have your pick of thousands of qualified pilots.

Maybe you are right about rocket fuel..I have no clue what it costs but, I venture to guess a LOT more than jet fuel. But, as for the rest of my post, I stand by my opinion and if you re-read it carefully, you will see I never stated he started his first airline..I said he started "a" airline during crappy times. We are all aware what Branson has done in aviation but, he is not the owner of VA remember? He is just an investor and lending his name. Many banks own VA and we all know how brilliant banks are at making investments these days.

 

[JumpersAway]

I think Lorenzo should run VA- that would be fine with me..........

 

[LoveGun]

The extra legroom seats are also coming with first class service -- free drinks, and free food.

The on demand food service is doing great. We sell out the food options on many flights.

There is talk of adding additional FAs on some routes to improve service. That doesn't sound like a proposal from a company that is running out of money.

Updated pilot uniforms coming this fall. No tie

The last three flights I worked each had pax come up to the cockpit and tell us that it was the best experience they ever had flying an airline.