NJA Question

[b757driver]

Just wondered if anyone can answer the following.
The recent application package sent to me from NJA specifically stated that NJA has no current jumpseat agreement with any carrier. I know all about the various domiciles but am trying to unravel this statement. Does it mean that NJA pilots cannot jumpseat with anyone or only that they have no formal agreement like CASS?
I currently work overseas and am looking to move back home (which is a 45 min flight from one of the domiciles) but am not in a position to relocate for a multitude of reasons.
Clearly, if there is no way of commuting for me, then the whole exercise will be a waste of time. I hope I am wrong in reading this, as from what I've read and learnt this is an excellent company to work for and they certainly sound interested in me.
I am a little concerned especially if things like reserve schedule are brought into the equation as well. Yes, I know all about crash pads and their costs and I also would be taking a 40% pay cut to work for NJA for the first year.....lots to consider.
Maybe there is nothing to worry about but I sure would like to know before I get too involved in the selection process.
Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[AirBear8]

You can't count on jumpseating because we're a Part 135 operation and have no ability to reciprocate. Some airlines like Mesa will usually let you ride but you can't count on it. My advice to those interested in working at NJA is don't unless you can drive to a domicile 3 times a month or so, or if you still have non-rev benefits via a spouse or former job.

AirBear

 

[Twotter76]

There are NO formal agreements. Now thats not to say that you can't jumpseat but I would be VERY hesitiant to rely on it to commute to work. There are a few airlines that will let us ride, Colgan (I think), Polar/Atlas, and Kalitta spring to mind. I have heard reports of some people having limited sucess with SWA and ATA too. That being said you really don't want to be on probation and not be able to get to work. Many people simply buy one way tickets and have the company fly them back home at the end of their tours (within the limitations of the contract, do a search). If you live in a city served by an LCC it is apparently quite reasonable. Don't come here counting on being able to access the hba system - it may not happen for a very long time (if ever). Let us know if we can answer anything else for you and good luck!

 

[captain dad]

One thing not mentioned is that the reserve schedules usually go senior in most fleets for FOs because fo "creative bidding" (more days off) and it pays more. So getting a 7on 7off scedule comes relatively quick and makes commuting easier.

Jump seating is not a relyable way to get to work.

 

[Masterplan]

Nja

Does anybody know if and roughly how many pilots commute from San Francisco to the LAX base using SWA? If puchased early it doesn't cost much and would be cheaper than driving. I can't move but want to work for them.

 

[RNObased]

Does anybody know if and roughly how many pilots commute from San Francisco to the LAX base using SWA? If puchased early it doesn't cost much and would be cheaper than driving. I can't move but want to work for them.

You would have to drive to OAK or SJC, SWA no longer flies out of SFO

 

[Masterplan]

Thats the answer I get? I didn't just crawl out from under a rock and think I could catch a SWA flight from SFO. I said San Francisco not SFO. Maybe I should have posted my address and asked if I could commute from there? and waited for the "the bus doesn't run in front of your house so it may be tough" answers.

 

[Ultra Grump]

Maybe I should have posted my address and asked if I could commute from there? and waited for the "the bus doesn't run in front of your house so it may be tough" answers.

Okay, that was funny. BUT, we would have no way of knowing who lives in San Francisco and commutes to LAX. Why does it matter anyway? If you're buying a ticket, who cares if the whole plane is full of NJA SICs commuting to LAX?

 

[Ultra Grump]

...I also would be taking a 40% pay cut to work for NJA for the first year...

You won't get much of a raise the second year, or third, or fourth, until you upgrade.

 

[Masterplan]

I guess the point of it was can I buy a ticket and fly down every seven days and NJA be fine with it or do I need a 310 area code to do my job?