NJ Questions

[CA1900]

Hello CA1900.. I start class next week and I have been assigned the XLS. Any advice?

Enjoy it. It's a fun plane. Be ready for the moving tail; it's a handful the first few times. You take off, and it's in trim. When you bring the flaps up, they move fast, but the two-position tail moves slow. So you're pushing hard on the yoke, waiting for the tail to move, then you're pulling on it again. Gooooofy design.

Other than that, it's a good airplane. I enjoy it.

How often do you leave the US?

Maybe once a month, usually to Canada. Have done the Bahamas once in a year. That's about it.

Any Transcons?

A few, but they all involve fuel stops. It just doesn't have the range for it nonstop like the Sovereign does.

What are the owners like?

They vary, but generally good people. Most just want to get on, get going, and do their own thing with no hassles. That's what we're here for.

 

[Mooneymite]

Hello CA1900.. I start class next week and I have been assigned the XLS. Any advice?

How often do you leave the US? Any Transcons? What are the owners like?

Thanks

The XL(S), huh?

I don't know what your background is, but be prepared for a Cessna product. If you have a lot of Cessna 150 time, you should be okay...otherwise, be prepared for a rinky-dink, quirky airplane.

You will come to know and love that 2 postion stabilizer that tries to fly you into the ground after takeoff and ballooons you above the glideslope on approach. The XL brakes...oh, you'll love them! The FMZ? Going right? Gotta turn left first. I could go on and on, but you'll learn soon enough.

Despite all that, you'll like the operation and EVERYONE who flies the XL is extremely good looking and smart.

There are no guidelines for how often you'll leave the country, or how often you'll go transcon. "Typical trip" is an oxymoron at NJA. However, you'll become very familiar with Canada and the Carribean, so bring your passport every trip.

The owners are 99.5% great; however you will remember the 1/2%.

 

[gutshotdraw]

Trained to Cat 1, for NJA

I talked with a very nice 450 PIC they have all the heads up goodies and I'm sure he said they were trained to Cat 2 mins.

We train on the HUD and EVS in the 450/550 to take advantage of EVS lights to go down as low as 100' above TDZ but technically we're not trained for Cat II. We can only attempt a Cat I ILS but if we see the approach lights utilizing the Enhanced Vision System (just a fancy FLIR), we can continue descent to 100' AGL'. At that altitude, the right seater has to see concrete or we go around. They are talking about going for Cat II certification but I don't see it happening or a need for it. Too tough to stay current.

 

[av8tor4239]

The XL(S), huh?

I don't know what your background is, but be prepared for a Cessna product. .

for the right amount of money, time off and to be treated right by the company... I will fly just about anything to anywhere...

 

[NJApilot]

Still doing ndb's ?

We're trained to do NDB approaches -- but since most NDB apps have GPS "overlays" crews tend to opt for the GPS approach. MUCH, MUCH easier!

 

[DHPFLYN]

If you are given a aircraft choice is there any that you would avoid if you could? Or I should say any favorites?

 

[Guitar Guy]

If you are given a aircraft choice is there any that you would avoid if you could? Or I should say any favorites?

Basically, any new plane you would be offered is going to pay the same, so the "more money" argument for the XL/XLS is gone under IBB. The 400XP has a love-it-or-leave-it rep: it doesn't perform well, so it can tend to sit around airports. That means if you want to fly instead of sit, you'll want something else. The X works a lot, too. The Ultra seems to be slowing down and the company is phasing those out over the next several years. The Falcon is probably the easiest gig for an SIC. The Sovereign is a nice plane but again, it's working harder all the time.

Bottom line: they all have pluses and minuses depending on your preferences. Maybe the best thing to consider is which one gets you on the seniority list the quickest.

 

[Mooneymite]

If you are given a aircraft choice is there any that you would avoid if you could? Or I should say any favorites?

The aircraft you fly will, to a large extent, determine what sort of a job you will have. Like long legs? Pick an airplane with big fuel tanks. Hate international flying? Pick an airplane with small fuel capacity. Like to sit around the FBO and drink coffee all day? Pick the airplane that can't fly when the temperature goes above 25 degrees C or when anti-ice is required.

If you want to upgrade in the same airplane you fly as FO, don't choose the Falcon because you might not live long enough.

Every fleet has its own unique characteristics and each fleet has its own unique characters that fly those planes.

 

[DHPFLYN]

Sounds like the X would be the way to go if I get on and offered a choice of aircraft. I would rather fly than sit in a FBO all the time.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Sounds like the X would be the way to go if I get on and offered a choice of aircraft. I would rather fly than sit in a FBO all the time.

The XL and the X are the two busiest fleets, according to the stats I've seen. Remember, there is "busy" and then there is "BUSY". Be careful what you wish for - long duty days and short overnights can get old after a while.

Regardless, I hope you get the opportunity to interview next year and maybe make a choice on your fleet. And give some careful to what you choose for a fleet if you have the opportunity.

 

[DHPFLYN]

Well I hope so also. They have recieved my stuff now all I have to do is WAIT !! I am sure that won't be hard for the next few months HA HA

Oh well that will give me time to study up on the 135/91 regs.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Oh well that will give me time to study up on the 135/91 regs.

Know thy oxygen requirements well. It seems to be a favorite topic during most interviews.

For what it's worth, I heard in recurrent earlier this month that the interview process is likely to change in the near future. I believe there will be not only union involvement in the process but also that the tech and HR portions will be separate insted of concurrent. There's also talk about doing "more stuff" on the first day of the process but I didn't hear what "more stuff" might be.

Keep an eye on the gouge sites and around here. It should be worth your while.

 

[DHPFLYN]

I haven't even thought of that yet. I will have to go to aviation interviews and see what everyone has been going through. I didn't even know it was a two day process !!!

 

[lookin4better]

I sent the email resume and got the application packet about 4 days later.....that was quick! And this is after the rumor of no more apps being accepted.....

 

[NJApilot]

I sent the email resume and got the application packet about 4 days later.....that was quick! And this is after the rumor of no more apps being accepted.....

The rumor of "no more apps being sent" turned out to be incorrect. Even I fell into the trap of believing it and made an incorrect post on another thread. The good news is that they are continuing to send out apps. Anticipating hiring for 2008, at this time, is 300-350 pilots. The interview process can require some patience -- in the meantime, you would do well to research the interview websites and prepare for the interview.

 

[NJApilot]

Maybe the best thing to consider is which one gets you on the seniority list the quickest.

I would have to agree with Guitar Guy on this piece of advice. Take the earliest class date possible, if able....unless you really have your mind set on one particular type of aircraft. Accepting a class date that is, say, one month later than the first one offered can potentially amount to a 6-month (or more) delay in upgrading down the road. It all depends on how big the classes are.

If given a job offer, I would also recommend telling the NJA that you would be willing to accept a class on short-notice, should they have a last minute cancellation (which occasionally happens).

 

[bchjetdrvr]

I didn't even know it was a two day process !!!

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=104441

 

[DHPFLYN]

What is the difference flying the XL/XLS ? I saw that pay will not be incrased while flying them if the new contract passes. Are those bad aircraft to fly? Why is there extra pay for them? sorry for all the questions. I am still trying to learn about the corporate aircraft world.

 

[CA1900]

What is the difference flying the XL/XLS ?

Well, the altitude selector knob is moved about 18 inches to the left on the XLS. You use a joystick instead of buttons to set up the takeoff speeds. And you can run the APU air on a "low" setting that's not so noisy. The brakes are not as super-sensitive. And that's about it. Oh, the screens are a little bigger.

Yeah, it's technically a different model, and being qualified in two models commands a pay override in our current contract. That override will go away if the tentative agreement passes in favor of overall increases for everyone. I'm fine with that.

Functionally, the airplanes are identical. The XLS is basically just the current version of the Excel line. The different model name is more marketing than anything else.

The upcoming XLS+ model, on the other hand, will be substantially different in the cockpit. It'll have a completely different avionics suite from Collins, versus the Honeywell stuff in the current Excels. Those differences are significant enough that it will be operated as a completely separate fleet, just as we do with the Collins-based and Honeywell-based Hawker 800XPs.

 

[DHPFLYN]

Well I guess things are looking up. I recieved the information packet with all the paperwork to fill out. I will try to do that as fast as I can. Then I am sure the long waiting game will begin for a interview !!

 

[DHPFLYN]

One other question. In the packet I recieved there is a list for the bases and the order you want them. I know under the current contract Dallas would be the closest base and I can't say I want to move to the others. Under the new contract there will be 3 choices near me. Do you think I am screwing myself by only putting Dallas as a choice? Did most of you put those other bases also? I would do it if I could jumpseat but I know that is out the window once I quit the airlines. I just dont want to screw myself before that new contract comes out and those other bases open. "If it passes"

thanks

 

[Guitar Guy]

One other question. In the packet I recieved there is a list for the bases and the order you want them. I know under the current contract Dallas would be the closest base and I can't say I want to move to the others. Under the new contract there will be 3 choices near me. Do you think I am screwing myself by only putting Dallas as a choice? Did most of you put those other bases also? I would do it if I could jumpseat but I know that is out the window once I quit the airlines. I just dont want to screw myself before that new contract comes out and those other bases open. "If it passes"

thanks

Fill it out as if IBB doesn't pass. If you will accept any of the other 4 besides DAL, put it down as acceptable to you. If not, put down only DAL.

Currently, the domicile or domiciles that you indicate that you'll accept does drive the timing of the interview. I knew someone who wanted LAX earlier this year and he went from submitting his resume to job offer in under 3 months. And there are stories of people around here waiting 6-12 months or more for places like PBI and DAL.

But I do believe the whole dumb-a-cile issue is a moot point in about 2 weeks. (The IBB vote count is 11/20).

 

[DHPFLYN]

So you think after it passes they will be asking everyone to fill out another one? I just didn't want to get thrown into the Dallas only pile and left to rot for a year. If the new TA passes there are about 5 bases I could choose from.

I guess if it does pass they would just call everyone due to the fact there is a base near everyone

 

[skyismyoffice]

So you think after it passes they will be asking everyone to fill out another one? I just didn't want to get thrown into the Dallas only pile and left to rot for a year. If the new TA passes there are about 5 bases I could choose from.

I guess if it does pass they would just call everyone due to the fact there is a base near everyone

When it passes send Derrinda an email to update your application. I've been waiting for PBI and have sent updates. She has been very responvise.

 

[Guitar Guy]

So you think after it passes they will be asking everyone to fill out another one? I just didn't want to get thrown into the Dallas only pile and left to rot for a year. If the new TA passes there are about 5 bases I could choose from.

I guess if it does pass they would just call everyone due to the fact there is a base near everyone

Getting in touch with DM is a good idea. She can tell you exactly what you'll need to do.

My guess would be that the company will just ignore the domicile preferences as they won't matter under the IBB proposal. Remember, under IBB, you'll be able to change your Crew Base every 30 days or so at your discretion - no bidding, no waiting for an opening, etc. So I believe that will make the dumb-a-cile selection in your app package a moot point.

When I was hired in 2004, there were something like 24 or 26 domiciles. During the application process, I don't recall having to do anything other than tell the company what domicile I would use. When I moved several months after starting, I simply filled out a change of address form. So I think given that IBB will rather mirror that process, I really don't think the company will have you re-select your preferred Crew Base if IBB is ratified.

But just ask DM and get the straight answer.

 

[DHPFLYN]

Great thanks again for the quick response. It is driving me crazy I want to send my application in but have to wait 5 business days to get a copy of my drivers record. I have never had to wait before. I guess here in Texas they can only send it to you through the mail, they will not print it out at the DMV !!! I had everything else ready in the envelope to send after I picked it up today. Waiting another week will probably put me behind nudreds of people !!

 

[DHPFLYN]

Hey SKY

How long have you been waiting?

 

[Flydaplane]

Can anyone explain the new 15 day flex schedule that is proposed?

 

[CA1900]

Can anyone explain the new 15 day flex schedule that is proposed?

Pretty straightforward: You'll work 15 days out of the month. You won't know which days are workdays until the night before -- as with the other schedules, you'll get a briefing by 6pm the day prior to your first day on your Blackberry with a show time. If one doesn't come, you call in to confirm that you are indeed off the next day. If you're off, you're off -- there's no situation where you're on-call but not on-duty here. Repeat the next night.

There are no hard days or any kind of scheduled days off on this schedule, unless you bid for a PTO (paid time off) day.

If they do call you out for a tour, it's a maximum of 5 days long. After the last day, you'll have a minimum of 3 days off. (So if you finish on a Monday, you won't have to bother checking the pager until Thursday evening.)


For a first-year pilot, it pays $5688 a year more for that flexibility to the company.

Hope that helps.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Can anyone explain the new 15 day flex schedule that is proposed?

The company will be able to use you for up to 15 days in a schedule month. Tours will be up to a maximum of 5 days and with a minimum of 3 days off between tours, regardless of the length of that tour. The Flex schedule will pay 10% more than the regular 7/7 schedule. That schedule also works 2 days less in a year: the Flex is 180 work days over a year while the 7/7 is 182.

The Flex will encompass 10% of the pilots in a given fleet/seat combination. That means that if enough pilots don't volunteer for it, the Flex can be junior-assigned.

There are some potential drawbacks to the Flex. Perhaps the greatest one is that you have no way to get guaranteed days off without using PTO days. It could be a challenge just to accomplish something like an FAA medical if you don't know what days you'll have off. And unlike the IBB rules for the 18-day Reserve schedule, you won't have a set schedule so you'll have to get in contact with the company before any non-required day off to determine if the following day is a work day or not.

I hope that answers your question.