US Air info

[igneousy2]

So what's the inside scoop about US Air.

How long on the 190? How long before you can get off the 190? work rules? all the usual stuff.

Thanks

 

[ALGFLYR]

The 190 has a 12 month seat lock. All other aircraft have an 18 month seat lock. I would not take long to get a block (line) on the 190 at this point....

 

[OnTheDole]

you don't want to work here... trust me you really don't

 

[Green]

Well if the 65 does come to pass you might not move very rapidly as all the attrition the east pilots have been whining and whining about will come to a halt. If it takes a while to get through the process then you should move up aircraft fairly fast. The problem is you will have nearly a 100% chance of getting hired on the east side which means you will be working under the east contract, which SUCKS. So you could come here gambling that the east will eventually agree to a new contract but you would definitely be throwing the dice. Either way it's probably a lot better than a regional and you could always get some E190/A320 time then try to move on.

 

[NEDude]

Either way it's probably a lot better than a regional and you could always get some E190/A320 time then try to move on.

To where? All of the majors suck these days.

 

[igneousy2]

Do the East and West pilots have to seperately ratify any new contract?

How is it decided if flying (and therefore new pilots) go East or West. Wouldn't it make more sense (from management point-of-view) to hire new pilots onto the West side and then shrink the East side if they are your less cooperative pilot group?

Thanks

 

[regionalcap]

To where? All of the majors suck these days.

Some do, some don't. There are still some good majors out there that are currently hiring.

 

[igneousy2]

Also - what is the plan going forward for US Air. According to analys at least revenue-wise it looks pretty flat at least for the next couple of years. Is all of this hiring dependent on large retirement numbers.

The only reason I am even considering US Air is I have decided that I eventually want to move back to BOS - however, at the present time I am at a stable (for an airline) major right now, however I have zero chance of ever being based on the East Coast. Obviously - I have applied to DAL, CAL, etc. however, I am trying to keep an open mind. I think the people that have the best careers at an airline are the people that get on the front of a hiring wave. When I look at the retirement numbers - US Air is slated to lose about 48% of their pilots in the next 10 years call it 15 years to account for Age 60.

Any insite from insiders would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ratherfish]

"Any insite from insiders would be appreciated."

The number of passes on recall (which equals resignation to the company) ought to be all the insight one needs. If it's not, go walk around the PHX airport and ask the people you see with stripes on their shoulders what they think. Face to face is much better than message board spew.

My magic 8 ball has failed me many times. I no longer try to predict which airline would be good to go to.

If this is just flame, sorry I bit.

 

[igneousy2]

nope no flame - seriously want to know. EVERY airline has problems now - I passed V1 with this career years ago - just trying to make the most of it.

Later

 

[say again]

Where do i sign up?!?!? Ahh nevermind, McDonalds is gonna promote me to manager of the graveyrd shift!!!

 

[say again]

nope no flame - seriously want to know. EVERY airline has problems now - I passed V1 with this career years ago - just trying to make the most of it.

Later

Same here!! I tried to get out, but relapsed everytime. Same with my drinking and smoking habits.:beer:

 

[TWA Dude]

Do the East and West pilots have to seperately ratify any new contract?

Yes.

How is it decided if flying (and therefore new pilots) go East or West.

The company decides.

Wouldn't it make more sense (from management point-of-view) to hire new pilots onto the West side and then shrink the East side if they are your less cooperative pilot group?

The Transition Agreement mostly prevents that kind of whipsawing. Of course, the company may still try to get creative and if it disadvantages only the East chances are the West won't object. The East started this war so it's up to them to end it.

Also - what is the plan going forward for US Air. According to analys at least revenue-wise it looks pretty flat at least for the next couple of years.

You analysis is correct. They're trying to grow internationally starting in 2009.

Is all of this hiring dependent on large retirement numbers.

Yes. Plus other attrition and suicides.

 

[ratherfish]

I would do face to face or over the phone time with current line pilots. I'd ask both east and west guys opinions. Too many posters with agendas on this board.

Sorry if I came across as offensive, that was not my intent.

Best of luck in this tough industry.

 

[say again]

Yes. Plus other attrition and suicides.

Suicides??? I know things are bad and all, but are there really that many??

 

[PHXFLYR]

What stable west coast major are you at? If its Alaska and youre thinking of jumping ship and going to USAIR all I can say is you must be out of your mind. I mean,just to live in BOS??? C'mon ....this has gotta be flamebait.

PHXFLYR

 

[igneousy2]

What stable west coast major are you at? If its Alaska and youre thinking of jumping ship and going to USAIR all I can say is you must be out of your mind. I mean,just to live in BOS??? C'mon ....this has gotta be flamebait.

PHXFLYR

Yep - you're right as to where I am but it ain't flame bait. I didn't say I WAS going to go, I am just seeking information.

Later

 

[PHXFLYR]

Tell ya' what. I'll make you a deal. I always admired Alaska. Found the ANC 737 Combi flying intriguing. As a matter of fact,they were the only airline I sent a resume to every 6 months consistently for over a period of 6 years without so much as a nibble. If you're so he11 bent on getting back to Boston ,I'll swap you my seat at the "new and improved USAirways" (yeah...right ) for your seat at Alaska,sight unseen,no questions asked. Whatcha think?? Deal??


PHXFLYR

 

[weasel_lips]

Sure you will probably be assigned the E190. What difference does it make? All new hires are paid $36,000 first year no matter what equipment you are on. You can bid off the E190 after a year and go to Group II or higher for the increased pay at that point. It is certainly possible to end up on the B767 2nd year.

Most of the movement (retirements) is going to be on the east side.

All the international flying is on the east side.

Worse case scenario you are looking at about 4 more years before the bankruptcy pay rates go away. (without a joint contract)

If separate operations are maintained your upgrade will be faster on the east side.

 

[Green]

"Any insite from insiders would be appreciated."

The number of passes on recall (which equals resignation to the company) ought to be all the insight one needs. If it's not, go walk around the PHX airport and ask the people you see with stripes on their shoulders what they think. Face to face is much better than message board spew.

My magic 8 ball has failed me many times. I no longer try to predict which airline would be good to go to.

If this is just flame, sorry I bit.

Well the big reaon for the high pass rate on recalls is due to the fact that expectations were so high. Most furloughees expected to come back senior to current captains. Coming back at the bottom of the list is quite a comedown from what the east MC had been puting out. Then you have to consider that many of the furloughees are now captains at Jetblue, Airtran, etc and obviously don't want to take a massive paycut to go sit on reserve in PHL. It would be interesting to compare acceptance rates with UAL.

That being said US Airways probably has more retirements than anybody (percentage wise) over the next 15 years and we are definitely one of the most profitable airlines in the industry despite our terrible ops. If management gets this place under control and we all come together under one contract this could be quite a good gig. I'm sure people will come on here and give me sh!t but just consider CAL. That airline was a scab infested cesspool not too long ago and has transformed itself into a great airline. Say what you want about Doug Parker but the man isn't stupid. All the analysts were talking about what a collosaul mistake this merger would be and a year later the company made half a BILLION dollars in profit.

The East pilots are unhappy blah blah blah but I tend to think they are all bark and no bite. They definitely aren't going to bury the airline if they don't get their way and I think this is as safe a bet as any passenger airline these days. I would be much more concerned joining UAL or NWA these days after top executives have publicly indicated they want to be bought.

 

[gcsass]

Well the big reaon for the high pass rate on recalls is due to the fact that expectations were so high. .

I would say that the big reason for the high pass rate is that the new reality (prior to any list) is so low!

 

[Hpilot]

Tell ya' what. I'll make you a deal. I always admired Alaska. Found the ANC 737 Combi flying intriguing. As a matter of fact,they were the only airline I sent a resume to every 6 months consistently for over a period of 6 years without so much as a nibble. If you're so he11 bent on getting back to Boston ,I'll swap you my seat at the "new and improved USAirways" (yeah...right ) for your seat at Alaska,sight unseen,no questions asked. Whatcha think?? Deal??


PHXFLYR

With the industry the way it is I wouldn't be so quick to give up your seat. First let me say Alaska is one of my favorite airlines. They are however a likely acquisition target. As strange as it sounds you might find yourself going, "ah crap why did I do that". Even with all the problems I wouldn't leave this place unless it was Fed Ex, UPS, or Southwest.

 

[Lampshade]

With the industry the way it is I wouldn't be so quick to give up your seat. First let me say Alaska is one of my favorite airlines. They are however a likely acquisition target. As strange as it sounds you might find yourself going, "ah crap why did I do that". Even with all the problems I wouldn't leave this place unless it was Fed Ex, UPS, or Southwest.

ALA is well financed and won't merge with anyone unless they want to, ie they have cards to play and won't be a victim. If I were a low FO at US commuting from Pac west I would go to ALA because they will always have there niche in AK. The upgrade at US is at least 10 years,more like 12 and with the stagnation in PHX/LAS its going to be a long one.

 

[Hpilot]

ALA is well financed and won't merge with anyone unless they want to, ie they have cards to play and won't be a victim. If I were a low FO at US commuting from Pac west I would go to ALA because they will always have there niche in AK. The upgrade at US is at least 10 years,more like 12 and with the stagnation in PHX/LAS its going to be a long one.

If you really think your management team will be concerned about what happens to the pilots in an acquisition then I have a nice bridge to sell you down here in Phoenix. I hope it doesn't happen since I have friends at Alaska. There's just no way I'd take a $50k a year pay cut(drain my savings) and roll the dice without a safety net.

 

[Lampshade]

If you really think your management team will be concerned about what happens to the pilots in an acquisition then I have a nice bridge to sell you down here in Phoenix. I hope it doesn't happen since I have friends at Alaska. There's just no way I'd take a $50k a year pay cut(drain my savings) and roll the dice without a safety net.

Commuting to the slow drip of reduction in flying in Phx/Las with Phl base in your future or live in west coast base with opportunity to make money because you have some free time, your call.

 

[Hpilot]

Commuting to the slow drip of reduction in flying in Phx/Las with Phl base in your future or live in west coast base with opportunity to make money because you have some free time, your call.

That was kinda funny. Actually it was America West that did the acquiring not the other way around. I could see a reduction in LAS but hardly PHX. I don't think I want a job were I have to work in my free time to make money. Until I quit aviation I'll always commute. Like I said I wouldn't leave unless it's FedEx, UPS, or Southwest.

 

[Lampshade]

That was kinda funny. Actually it was America West that did the acquiring not the other way around. I could see a reduction in LAS but hardly PHX. I don't think I want a job were I have to work in my free time to make money. Until I quit aviation I'll always commute. Like I said I wouldn't leave unless it's FedEx, UPS, or Southwest.

West coast bases have historically not stood the test of time in mergers. Didn't say anything about a getting another job but if you have more free time you can enhance your schedule to make more money instead of wasting it commuting to PHL. Do you have your apps out or are you riding the tsunami to the shore? 737 Fo on eternal reserve communting to SEA sounds like fun.

 

[Hpilot]

West coast bases have historically not stood the test of time in mergers. Didn't say anything about a getting another job but if you have more free time you can enhance your schedule to make more money instead of wasting it commuting to PHL. Do you have your apps out or are you riding the tsunami to the shore? 737 Fo on eternal reserve communting to SEA sounds like fun.

Correct and in each case the management was out East as in US Air/PSA. I don't know how working at Alaska,commuting with 2 less days less off a month would give me any extra time to work. Besides I thought you guys and Horizon were the places with eternal reserve.

 

[Lampshade]

Correct and in each case the management was out East as in US Air/PSA. I don't know how working at Alaska,commuting with 2 less days less off a month would give me any extra time to work. Besides I thought you guys and Horizon were the places with eternal reserve.

Isn't it about getting off reserve moving to line holder and then moving up to captain? USAir you may not see any of that happen in Phx for a long while. So you said you can't afford to go to your favorite airline? I say you can't afford not to. Sounds like you are riding it out and are not going to UPS,Fedex or SWA to much of a pay hit also? Good Luck partner.

Ps don't no anything about reserve at QX.

 

[Hpilot]

Isn't it about getting off reserve moving to line holder and then moving up to captain? USAir you may not see any of that happen in Phx for a long while. So you said you can't afford to go to your favorite airline? I say you can't afford not to. Sounds like you are riding it out and are not going to UPS,Fedex or SWA to much of a pay hit also? Good Luck partner.

Ps don't no anything about reserve at QX.

No, I'm trying for FedEx and Southwest. Unless Alaska raises their pay significantly I think going there and draining my savings is too big a risk. I don't want to be furloughed without a serious safety net. I've talked to a lot off guys that fly for Alaska and I just don't think it's the destination it used to be. Good luck on the new contract, hopefully you'll get the 30% back plus more. As far as movement on our side it's hard to say. We're adding another 490 pilots by the end of 08'.