Nja News

[hydrarkt]

I agree with the above. The XLS is a little better than the XL because of the better braking system, the avionics and the better seats. It's an easy airplane to fly. But you're right about the crappy horizontal stab. And the autopilot is the worst that I've ever seen. I can't believe that the FAA certified the autopilot.
HOwever, I like flying in the XL/S fleet much better than the Ultra or X. Why? Well, the Ultra is old, small and has no APU, exernal lav. Stay away if you can. The X's cockpit is also too small and the trip lengths are always long. Also, you will work longer days and feel more tired at the end of the day when flying the X.
If you have a choice between the 3, choose the XL/S. It has its problems, but you'll be much happier..Plus you'll get the differences pay.

 

[johnsonrod]

I agree with the above. The XLS is a little better than the XL because of the better braking system, the avionics and the better seats. It's an easy airplane to fly. But you're right about the crappy horizontal stab. And the autopilot is the worst that I've ever seen. I can't believe that the FAA certified the autopilot.
HOwever, I like flying in the XL/S fleet much better than the Ultra or X. Why? Well, the Ultra is old, small and has no APU, exernal lav. Stay away if you can. The X's cockpit is also too small and the trip lengths are always long. Also, you will work longer days and feel more tired at the end of the day when flying the X.
If you have a choice between the 3, choose the XL/S. It has its problems, but you'll be much happier..Plus you'll get the differences pay.

Good post.

 

[Diesel]

ha his only one.

 

[On Your Six]

Since people here are slamming the XLS, what about looking at the other side of the coin - the A320 (as his other option at JetBlue)? Sure, nice and comfy up front, but I hear it ain't paradise either... Let's give some equal time to the issue is this guy is going to make a career decision.

I am guessing that the guy who gave the unfavorable review for the XLS has never flown an older Hawker or earlier Citations or the venerable Beechjet. Not many praises for those aircraft either. Even the Global I fly has quirks. I wish the boss would listen to me and give me the keys to a G550...

 

[Mooneymite]

Is it an improvement vs. the regular XL? What "better" airplanes are you comparing it to? Are you suggesting that starting on the Ultra, Encore or Beechjunk would be better for a newhire?

If you really hate the XL/XLS, what aircraft type would you like to bid to next? Hawker 800XP-C? G200?

The XLS is, indeed, an improvement over the XL. However, the stab, autopilot, crappy FMS and flying characteristics are the same. I agree that the Ultra/encore are non-starters with no APU and aging fleet issues and I also agree that the X is no panacea.

Sad fact: if I were to choose again, I would probably still choose the XL(S) fleet because I hate long flights and want an APU. Just be aware that the airplane is typical Cessna.

 

[Southern Cross]

Since the subject of flying the bus vs. the XL/XLS came up, I'll throw my two cents in here since I have time in both. Both aircraft have their quirks but if at the end of the day the decision to take a job came down to which aircraft I would rather fly, the bus wins hands down. IMO it's just a far more comfortable environment to work in.

 

[Fozzy]

2620 pilots on the April seniority list.

Everyone has their own idea about how an airplane should fly, but I think the XLS is the worst flying airplane I've ever been typed in. I like the trips, the average leg length and the crews, but the airplane is awful.

Everything about it is "rinky-dink"; the two position stabilizer is an abortion and the autoflight system is a joke. I'm sure there are people out there who love it. I do not.

Well you need to go spend some time in the Ultra. Now there is some "rinky-dink" work. I think you need to spend some time in the small fleets and you would have a new appreciation for the XL. Trust me.

 

[On Your Six]

Since the subject of flying the bus vs. the XL/XLS came up, I'll throw my two cents in here since I have time in both. Both aircraft have their quirks but if at the end of the day the decision to take a job came down to which aircraft I would rather fly, the bus wins hands down. IMO it's just a far more comfortable environment to work in.

Those A320s better be comfy up front with all of the red-eyes those JetBlue pilots fly. I have seen some crazy schedules from friends who are there - BOS or JFK to OAK in the early morning, sleep in the hotel during the day, then red-eye to JFK or IAD, sleep in the hotel during the day, then fly back to OAK or LGB or LAS late at night and then repeat several times during the month. What's with all of the day-rest periods? I guess you need space in the Bus flight deck to stretch out and catch up on sleep... That God for the extra room up front.

 

[Mooneymite]

Well you need to go spend some time in the Ultra. Now there is some "rinky-dink" work. I think you need to spend some time in the small fleets and you would have a new appreciation for the XL. Trust me.

I think you might say I'm not a fan of Cessna.

Heck, I don't even like the C-172!

I just wish Lockheed still built "executive aircraft"!

 

[skiandsurf]

Sure the A320 is probably one of the most comfy planes for a pilot, but I was talking to a JB friend yesterday. He has been there for about 5 yrs and is a captain on the A320. Guess where he was? In a crash pad, on reserve. You wont be sitting in any crashpads at NJ, waiting for someone else to call in sick. And on day 7 at NJ, you go home for 7 days, not 3 maybe 4days.