Transmeridian Airlines

[Laszlo Bartha]

TMA interview

Got called the other day for an interview.
I also know of another former TWAer, who got the call. We both have been Captains on the MD-80.

They do indeed hire into the left seat.
The pay is 58K an year for a 16 day line and another $500 a day after that.

18 mo. training bond for 20K. Worked off at a rate of $1100 a month.

 

[AA717driver]

Nice pic, Laszlo. Don't think we met but I recognize you from the ramp office.

Congrats on TMA interview. Let us know how it goes. I get "released" in March.TC

 

[Laszlo Bartha]

It doesn't beat yours

Sure will AA717, I hope it goes as easily
as I been told.

by the way I like your pic. very much,
a whole lot better looking then me.

 

[AA717driver]

Please don't use the word "beat" in reference to my avatar... TC

 

[Midnight Mike]

TransMeridan Airlines is looking for 757 & MD80 drivers, please send resume to the chief pilot.

[email protected]

 

[LearLove]

If they plan to replace the 72's with 80's won't that leave extra crews due to the FE on the 72? If so then why the hiring?

 

[Midnight Mike]

Well, I do not work for TransMeridan, so I can only take a guess, rumor has it that they are getting 5 - 8 MD80's to eventually replace the "5" 727. Perhaps the 727 F/E's are PFE's and are not qualified or have no desire to move to the right seat of the MD80, they could be over age 60?

There is talk of TransMeridan getting more 757's, maybe they are looking for newbies to cover half the amount of new aircraft and then have the 727 dude transition over to the MD80. I would imagine that they could be flying the MD80 and the 727 until they are able to transfer everything over.

FAA-POI approval, manuals to write, registration, airport approvals, lot of paperwork.

 

[chperplt]

What is the CPs full name??

Also, what would competitive mins be??

Thanks

 

[metrodriver]

competitive mins are: current and qualified on the B727 for PIC or SIC

 

[flewa72]

CPs name is Mayo Corbett, and yes it is pronounced May-O. Flew with him at Express One, he's a good guy.

 

[Lear70]

I went to that interview (used to fly for EOI as well) for the 727 left seat positions they keep advertising for - can't get very many current and qualified takers... here's why:

During the interview we specifically asked about RVSM and the 727's. Long answer short, the 727's are going to start going away - 2 in 2004 for heavy D checks that will NOT be done, the rest probably early 2005 when RVSM comes into effect (finally). They don't think they're going to get another reprieve on it.

We then specifically asked if they were going to cross-train their 727 guys over to the 757 / MD80. Answer... NO. Reason being, it's MUCH cheaper to train someone who's current and qualified within the last three years - only takes two weeks and 1/4 the sim time. They are also finding plenty of MD80 and 757 qualified people out there to fill those slots. Lastly, the contract only requires them to take two guys out of the 727 for every 757 or MD80 class they run and they will only do the minimum required so they can save $$$ (pretty sh*tty IMHO).

We asked them about any changes to the contract to allow for integration of the 727 guys, they simply said it probably wouldn't happen. The company wants to get an hourly pay rate in place instead of the salary at guarantee, albeit at A-scale wages. It would be great for the senior 1/4, second 1/4 would stay pretty much the same, the bottom half would end up LOSING pay over the deal, and they still won't bring in the F/E's. The bottom half of the seniority list combined with the F/E's saying no to the deal is keeping it from happening and probably won't change.

For me, that was pretty much the end of the interview. I spent the rest of the time B.S.ing with Bill about Mayo, the company, other EOI guys, just good times in general. When I left, I thanked them for the interview and told them if they ever wanted to put me into the left seat of the MD80 or 757 I'd happily reconsider, but otherwise wouldn't leave a stable job for something that would PROBABLY be gone in a year. Just "wouldn't be PRUDENT".

 

[Paul McCartney]

I know times are tough and I don't discredit anyone for taking a job, but $58K for an MD-80 Captain is an insult. I would rather not fly than whore myself to those types of wages. If it is your goal to fly during a furlough (and I don't blame you) go ahead, but realize it makes things that much more difficult for all of us when there are people willing to fly an 80 for less than $60K. Just a tired observation....