PDT New Hire...

[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).