NWA Training SKD

[n6604f]

Can anyone share how the schedule is laid out for the NW training program?

Are there any breaks to travel home?

Has anyone living outside of MSP and not based in MSP as a newhire not been given hotel?

Looking forward to starting with NW.

Thanks for the info in advance.

 

[ExAF]

Scheds

Usually you get weekends off and can pass ride home if you want. Usually done in ground school by 4:00pm on Friday and start up again about 8:00am on Monday. Schedule varies when you start the sim. I'm sure some more current guys will chime in soon. Welcome aboard.

 

[n6604f]

Thank you for the info and the welcome!

Any home study or is all the training in MSP?

 

[Clacker]

I believe that pass travel to and from your home while you're in training is positive space. (Though that might have changed in the last contract) Anyone know?

 

[FmrFreightDog]

You'll get a hotel and per diem for training, but lose it if you get assigned MSP (you won't get right out of the gate). Most guys are going to the -9, but there are a few slots popping up on the panel up in ANC. Conventional wisdom says new hires will be seeing the 320 regularly pretty soon. It's more or less weekends off, and you are positive space anytime you travel home and back. You definitely have time to go home on the weekends during indoc, and probably can manage to get home during systems/sims if you're disciplined about staying ahead and studying while you're home.

 

[MJ42]

n6604f,

When is your class date?

Another question for NWA pilots...How long before we can jumpseat (i.e. in NWA's cass system) instead of pass riding home? I presume we get our ID the first week of class. Just interested if I'll have the flexibility of using OAL getting to and from MSP if I choose to go home on a weekend.

 

[Occam's Razor]

It takes a couple of days to get your ID, then takes another day or two to get you into the CASS database. Most are in the system by the end of the second week.

 

[MJ42]

It takes a couple of days to get your ID, then takes another day or two to get you into the CASS database. Most are in the system by the end of the second week.

Thanks for the info. I've researched the major details but little bits like this help. I've got some big decisions to make over the next few weeks but my gut tells me NWA is where I want to be! It's nice to have choices after years of no movement at the major level.

 

[mwmav8r01]

Is there a seat lock if you get the panel? Can you bid off of it right away?

 

[JAM-BRO]

Is there a seat lock if you get the panel? Can you bid off of it right away?

No seat lock on your initial equip. If you bid out of it, then there is a 2 yr frz. The back seat is a good way to remain "under the radar" while on probation.

 

[n6604f]

Thank you for he information.

Anyone commute ATL-DTW OR MEM
Which is better?

Anyone Commute BOS-DTW? How is that commute.

How are the pass privelages at NW? Charges, first/business space a, buddy passes and intl travel?

Thnx

 

[d.fitz]

as long as we are asking questions....

How easy is it to trade/drop/swap trips?

 

[NuGuy]

as long as we are asking questions....

How easy is it to trade/drop/swap trips?

Heyas,

Trip swapping is subject to a myriad of rules that no one quite understands %100.

If you can find someone to swap with (there's a part of the company pilot site that lets you post a trip), then you are ok. You can't just dump the trip into open flying a hope someone picks it up. That'd be too easy.

In order to drop, you MUST pick something up from the open board. There is no such thing as a straight drop. You can drop a 4 day for 1 day, but if you fall below 7 hours of the monthly max, you have to sit reserve for the last 2 days of the month.

Some enterprising pilots intentonally bid a schedule that has a trip over the last two days. Then you can drop way down and not have to sit reserve at the end.

Oh, yea, nothing about the system is automated. Open flying requests are worked by hand, at midnight, every day. If it's denied for any reason (and there are MANY), you'll never know unless you call and ask a scheduler.

Yes, I know, it's a total screw all, straight out of the 1950's. Understand this, and you understand more about NWA than you probably want to know.

Regarding commuting for the above poster. Anything from the South can be difficult. Anything from Florida can be downright improbable. Mostly because service is limited, and is usually reduced seasonally.

Commuting from the NE is, however, reasonably hassle free.

Nu

 

[exregionalpilot]

Is there a commuter clause at NWA?

 

[DTW320]

Is there a commuter clause at NWA?

Yup. Call-in-honest program. If you allowed yourself a backup that would get you there by check-in time and you don't get on the first one they will give you positive space on that backup flight.

 

[NuGuy]

Yup. Call-in-honest program. If you allowed yourself a backup that would get you there by check-in time and you don't get on the first one they will give you positive space on that backup flight.

Heyas,

The above is correct, except that it's at company option to positive space you to work. They may say "well, get here when you can" or they may pull you from the trip entirely (although, usually not because of staffing).

In any case, if you miss any or all of your trip, you are NOT pay protected.

Nu