From the training center at the end of last week...
- the instructor confirmed that the *current* word was "no classes for the rest of the year," but I don't think anybody in the room thought that that would be the final word. But at the moment the schedule for newhire classes is blank. However...
- the instructor ranks are still being expanded, from 34 in the recent past (don't have a date on that) to about 60 now, to 90 in the near future (again, don't have a hard date). Part of that will be to support the 9-month training cycle, but...
- the newest sim is up and mostly running, with another to follow shortly, making for 3 -300 sims and 3 -700 sims. I was supposed to have the new -700 sim for my checkride Saturday, but that was changed to one of the -300 sims; apparently the new box still needs some tweaking.
- the 9 month training cycle: presently, captains come in every 6 months for a day of academics, then a sim ride, alternating between a proficiency check (a PC) and a proficiency training (a PT) sim. PC's are run by check airmen (i.e. line pilots), while PT's are run by training center instructors (i.e. NOT line pilots). F/O's have one event each year, consisting of the day of academics followed by either a PC or a PT (alternating annually). New cycle will be, every 9 months, you come in for two days of academics, followed by a PT, followed by either a PC or a LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training -- simulate an actual point A to point B flight, rather than 20 approaches & repeated dial-a-disaster). New system, F/O's get 2 sim periods every 9 months, vice 1 every 12; captains get 2 every 9 months vice 2 every 12.
Or at least that is the current state of the plan, which may still change form before going final.
Latest rumor is that the contract proposal passed, but I can NOT find the supposed web site that confirms that. But I've heard rumors of some VERY knowledgable people that it's gonna pass (even tho they'd hoped it wouldn't). When the official word comes out, I'm sure it'll show up here shortly.
Best of luck to all the swimmers!
cheers,
Snoopy