?'s about AirTran

[terrehautesux]

Looking for info on AirTran: Fleet plans, pilot hiring, new bases, life at AirTran etc...

interview forthcoming.
Thanks

 

[Angus]

I know that they overnight in Las Vegas and like to drink alot.

 

[Atlanta Vicks]

I know that they overnight in Las Vegas and like to drink alot.

*Sniff-Sniff* I smell flame bait!

 

[Ty Webb]

Looking for info on AirTran: Fleet plans, pilot hiring, new bases, life at AirTran etc...

interview forthcoming.
Thanks

Well, I'll take a stab at it:

Fleet plans: Looks like somewhere between 18-23 airplanes. Probably some guidance will be given during the Q4 conference call, which will be webcast on 1/25 http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050114/nyf085_1.html

Pilot hiring: Depends on above, but I usually figure 12 pilots per plane, including training, management, mil leave, etc., so figure roughly 20 airplanes, plus 10-13 retirements = around 250 pilots for 2005. Not too shabby, considering we only have around 1020 now.

New bases: none announced. MCO been rumored for years, as has DFW. All I can say is plan on commuting to ATL for now.

Life at Airtran: You won't find too many unhappy campers. Our contract negotiations have opened . . . . we'll see how that goes, but I wouldn;t get too wrapped up in that . . . don't expect big raises in this environment, but we are definitely looking for improvements in some areas.

As for pay, time on reserve, etc., there are plenty of guys on this board with more up-to-date info than I can provide you, but I would say you are coming on-board at a very good time. Congratulations, and welcome aboard.

 

[terrehautesux]

Thanks Ty.

 

[FDJ2]

Our contract negotiations have opened .

When is/was your contract amendable date? Have openers been exchanged, if so, has your union communicated any details on what was in the openers?

 

[75M]

Our Contract becomes ammenable on 4/1/2005.

 

[BigEasy]

I interviewed last week, still waiting to hear.


1. Aircraft deliveries will be 19 for 2005
2. Hiring approx. 259 for the year and expecting a total of 2000 pilots in 4 years.
3. Classes early in the year are mainly for the B717 with later classes on the 737.
4. No new bases mentioned but there will be one somewhere.

Great interview experience with all three interviewers. I agree with Ty, folks getting on will have a good ride. Upgrade times were not mentioned and I didn't ask so not sure what to tell you there.

Good luck.

 

[Dashcaptain]

I started on Thursday. 19 pilots. 4 to 737 and 15 to 717. I heard either 19 or 21 planes this year. 6 717s and the rest 737s. They plan on 259 pilots this year. First year pay is 42.75 with 70 hour guarantee. We were told projected upgrade for our class is 24 months or less. We shall see if that happens.

 

[Jetboy]

During the interview, or at any point for that matter, did they ask for college transcripts? I don't want them to see how poorly I did if I can help it.

 

[Haul It]

Quick question for those in the know:
I have 2000ME turboprop hrs all in the kingair, and an airtran pilot referral, do you think it would be bennificial to aquire a 737 type rating to increase my chances of getting a call?

 

[jetguy]

I know that they overnight in Las Vegas and like to drink alot.

Grow up Angus!

 

[Ty Webb]

Right now, they require 500 Part 121 PIC, or milspec PIC time. if you have milspec PIC time, it looks like you don't have an ATP. First thing I would consider is getting the ATP.

Now, you could get your ATP as part of a 737 type course, and if the GI Bill will pay for it, then that might be an option, but if you are paying for it yourself, I would just get an ATP, then I would find an AirTran guy to turn your stuff in . . . and/or attend one of the Air INc. job fairs, or whatever they call them.

Another option is to get your ATP as part of a type rating in a corporate jet- if you should be offered a job flying a corporate jet, I would discretely work out an ATP certificate out of the initial or recirrent training.

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

I heard they're thinking of making HUL their next feature destination and several members of upper management are the board at ISU. Just kidding of course terrehautesux.

 

[EMBATP]

Reserve

well, from a 717 guy on reserve, here is what i have experienced so far:

finished IOE first part of october, was able to build somewhat of a schedule, 92 hours of pay, combo of reserve and trips. 12 days off

november-build up line, 92 hours pay reserve and trips, 12 days off.

december-straight reserve, 13 days off 92 hours pay.

january- no reserve all trips, 15 days off 87 hours of pay, picked up day trip, now 14 days off, 93 hours pay. 3 4-day blocks of days off.

you can make money on reserve here the way the rules are set up.

hey big easy if you are a former co-ex guy. pm me. i think you are.

 

[Steeler Fan]

We were told projected upgrade for our class is 24 months or less. We shall see if that happens.

Really?!? The guys in Indoc always seem first to hear stuff like that. I've been lookin' at the seniority list and upgrades have been at around the 3 year mark (from date of hire). I was assuming some acceleration in that, but 24 months...I guess I'd better start studying...

Hey AF Citrus, is 3 years pretty accuarate, or will it be significantly sooner? I know you're getting close, so I figured you'd want to chime in.

Seems like if you want to, you can easily break guarantee on a regular basis, so that'll help the old 1st year income thing...The good thing is that first year pay is pretty good here, and the upside is fantastic.

For those on the outside looking in: I really believe we can build a pretty good company here (not perfect, but I see indications that things do improve here and should continue to improve). One thing I'll stress is that AirTran is no longer a stepping stone, and if you want to work here, make sure you impress that upon your interviewers---That this is a CAREER decision for you.

Good luck

 

[Dave Siegel]

Hey AF Citrus, is 3 years pretty accuarate, or will it be significantly sooner?

If things don't work out for me at Southwest, I just figured what I'll do. I think I'll set up a classroom in Atlanta and teach spelling to all the Air Tran pilots. Sorry Steeler Guy, but I'm not going up to Pittsburgh to teach you. It's too cold up there.

 

[Angus]

You make a very valid point about spelling. While we all sometmes make typing errors... and many of us have horrible grammar, what is the story behind some of the pathetic 6th grade level spelling around here?

I always thought Airlines required a 4 year college degree. From the ignorant misspelling that I see here, it makes one wonder.

 

[Dave Siegel]

You make a very valid point about spelling. While we all sometmes make typing errors... and many of us have horrible grammar, what is the story behind some of the pathetic 6th grade level spelling around here?

I always thought Airlines required a 4 year college degree. From the ignorant misspelling that I see here, it makes one wonder.

FINALLY! Someone who sees what I'm talking about. How can I expect my kids to want to do well in school when they read this forum.

"Daddy, I don't need to learn how to spell and use proper grammar."

"Why do you say that, little Dave?"

"Well, Daddy, it seems like it must not be that important. All of those other airline pilots don't know how to even spell, but they all have jobs."

You make us all look like a bunch of morons. Take some reading material with you on the next trip. Lose the porn and grab a dictionary.

 

[FarginDooshbahg]

You make us all look like a bunch of morons.

You need no help in that department.