AA717driver said:
What kind of upgrade time are you looking at through the various seats?
What is the reserve like? Can I commute from IND(2 hour drive to the airport)? Thanks all.TC
AA717,
Hope this helps.
Upgrade time: It's a crapshoot trying to predict. I was hired early in '01, and sat on the panel for 1 year before upgrading to the right seat. People hired in the last 3-4 months of the 2001 hiring spree (give or take) are now finally close to upgrading, possibly early next year.
As far as upgrading to the left seat, I haven't even begun to think about it. Personally, I don't see myself able to hold captain for at least 10-11 years from my date of hire.
I flew with a management captain over the summer (before hiring was announced) and he said he thinks every engineer in all seats would be over the age of 60 by the spring, and every FE under the age of 60 would be in the right seat by that time. This would make the most junior FO's 09/01 new-hires.
Other than that, it seems like the people hired during the beginning of a hiring spree should upgrade the quickest. But, that is a personal observation, so don't quote me on that.
As far as commuting from IND, I can't say too much because I don't commute. However, I have flown with a couple of guys who live up there. Seems like if you hold a line it is very feasible, because you just drive to the airport in time to make your show time. If you are on reserve, you would probably have to still have a crash pad in SDF, our current call-out time is 90 minutes. A 2 hour drive doesen't sound like it would work for you while on reserve. But, on the bright side, when it's time to go home you don't have to wait in line to jumpseat.
I hope this helps, and best of luck to you,
- Clyde