PDT New Hire...

[aviator4life]

Hello everyone​

Any Piedmont pilots out there with advice for a new hire?​

Interviewed on Nov 15th and received a Class date of Dec 17th.​

What is a good flight case for the dash?​

How do the lines look at Salisbury and Harrisburg?​

Do I need to buy any parts of the uniform on my own, like white shirts, belt etc...?​

How long is reserve?​

Any info would be appreciated!​

Thanks to all who respond.​

​

 

[greyskyracer]

there is a big spot for the case. Pretty much anything will fit. You will be able to order your entire uniform from company. You shouldn't be on reserve for to long, but its hrd to quote a time.

 

[aviator4life]

Thanks for the info. How long have you been with Piedmont.

 

[jellynuts]

welcome to the suck!

 

[greyskyracer]

Thanks for the info. How long have you been with Piedmont.

lets just say I no longer look both ways before I cross the street.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

lets just say I no longer look both ways before I cross the street.

that's pretty funny!

 

[atr42flyer]

how much time do you have where did you go to school?

 

[aviator4life]

I have been a private pilot since 2001, then took a break after 9/11 for about 6 years, saving money etc. Then I started my instrument rating at a local FBO here in Maryland and I finished my Instrument and Commercial/Multi at Jet-U in Florida. Yes I am sure you have heard of it. I did not do the CRJ program, I just took advantage of the glass cockpit DA40 and DA42 Instrument and Comm/Multi training. Knew a few guys that did the RJ program and they either ended up at Peeknucle or AWAC. I have around 300 hours and I also have about 850 FE hours on the C-5 in the USAF.​

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[The_Russian]

I'm happy for you that you did not waste the additional money on their fast track program. Just as most of us tried to tell you, the career was achievable without it.

Good luck at PDT.

 

[aviator4life]

The Russian is back...

Thanks Russian, I appreciate it.

 

[motch]

From one C5 FE to another...

Congrats and good luck!~

Always
Motch
(finally made it to the majors!)

 

[aviator4life]

Where did you FE ? Travis or Dover by any chance?

 

[motch]

Neither....

Air Guard, baby~ The original C5 ANG unit!

And still doing it, at least until we get the C17 or I get the 787. Which ever comes first. LOL

Always
Motch

 

[dirkdigler]

You've got valuable experience working as a crewmember. That carries a lot of weight. It's not only the total hours as a number that counts but also the quality of the hours.

 

[epic!]

any info on new PDT aircraft?

 

[zasca]

- Any bag fits
- Don't expect hand holding in training. If you survived USAF, this should be a cake walk.
- You get to pay for your uniform! All of it!
- SBY in DEC = 11-15 days off, only 2 of 30 on RSV
- MDT in DEC = 12-15 days off, only 1 of 25 on RSV
Reserve will depend on base. SYR just closed and will create a realignment up North and affect reserve/line holders alike. Lots a guys in training now with no growth and slower attrition until people start going to mainline... We are still far from proper staffing levels and not much of a attrition rate from the captains.

 

[zasca]

No airplanes. Rates are up for vote as we speak. I forecast we keep the -100's we own and get ATR's and -300's when the leased ones go away in '09. No way scope relief will occur by then for the -400. -300's for sale are a rip off right now supposedly.

 

[EdAtTheAirport]

Did he say that he had 300 hours???

 

[greyskyracer]

any info on new PDT aircraft?

the oldest ones have been painted

 

[aviator4life]

Thanks dirk. I definately learned a lot as an FE. It was an invaluable experience. Over the past 5 or so years I have tried to stay in aviation in some shape or form. I actually dispatched and worked as a crew scheduler for a while. Those experiences taught me a lot about airline ops and the industry as well. Flying is all I have ever wanted to do, so as you can imagine I am very excited to finally have the opportunity to fly for a living rather than having just a very expensive hobby!​

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[dirkdigler]

Well, glad you're getting what you want. Sounds like you've worked hard for it. You certainly have persevered for it.

Here's my adivse for everyone going into training at PDT. Make sure you get a lot of practice in BAI (Basic Attitude Instrument flying) and basic navigation, including NDB. I know it's easier said than done but it seems like that's where some of the guys hit a snag in the recent classes. They had their hands full just keeping the sim right side up.

Basically, you need to be able to do this only with 5% of your brain power, if not in your sleep, so that you can use the rest for other things, like dealing with emergency senarios. If you can't do it in an airplane or a sim, even practicing on desktop FTD will make a difference. Hell, just get a copy of MS Flight Simulator. At PDT - and I don't mean it in a bragging way - you really will have to fly an airplane old school style.

Good Luck!!

See you on line.

dirkdigler

 

[zasca]

old school style? Nah, if you want old school airline flying, go to NW and fly the -9 or sit sideways on a -742. Better yet find a 1900 operator. At least we have RNAV and autopilot...
Most of our -8's were made in the late 80's to mid 90's.

 

[dirkdigler]

old school style? Nah, if you want old school airline flying, go to NW and fly the -9 or sit sideways on a -742. Better yet find a 1900 operator. At least we have RNAV and autopilot...
Most of our -8's were made in the late 80's to mid 90's.

Well, they've been forewarned. Did my part..

 

[aviator4life]

Dirk,

Thanks for the tip. I know what you are saying. Flying the Dash will definately be more challenging than flying the RJ (all that automation and the fact that it is a jet). That is one of the reasons I am excited about flying the Dash, because it is a challenge to fly and will ultimately make you a better pilot. Just my 2c. Thanks again for the advice.

aviator4life

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[zasca]

Maybe it's hard to land softly every time... but IF you can still see it in front of you, you can land on it - even at 230kt at 2 out, or a short approach from 9000'. It's just an airplane with props and gauges (like a seminole).