Where are new-hire ASA guys going?

[svcta]

Okay, here's the deal. I'm on furlough from an airline that I otherwise like. New jets, people that have treated me nicely, etc. I was told to expect a call back in a couple of months. Now, I got a call from ASA on Thursday and they're sending me an application package. Before I decide what to do I want to fish for a couple of opinions.
1. Where is ASA sending the newhires? I assume that there are enough DFW guys to willingly fill the spots in SLC, so that only leaves ATL. I live in ATL so that's great. Is this the case?
B. Is ASA still hiring on to the ATR?
3. Will I be on reserve at ASA for the rest of the decade?

I'll be on reserve for a while regardless of where I work, but it's an easy commute to my domicile right now, and I think there's potential to get out of it earlier where I am(or will be again soon, at least). By the way, there is the whole intangible of how much I hate the interview process at this point in my life; but I realize that I may just be acting like a pusskateer regarding that.

How's about it?

 

[sweptback]

1. Where is ASA sending the newhires? I assume that there are enough DFW guys to willingly fill the spots in SLC, so that only leaves ATL. I live in ATL so that's great. Is this the case?

You'll get ATL CRJ, that's almost a lock.

B. Is ASA still hiring on to the ATR?

It's possible, but doubtful, especially since they started retiring 7 of them (leaving us with 12).

3. Will I be on reserve at ASA for the rest of the decade?

I doubt it, but then again things change. The plan is to hire around 20/mo all next year... so unless you get in at the tail end of the hiring wave my guess is a few months of reserve.

 

[Oakum_Boy]

Do you have to resign your senority number? If not, apply. There are F/O's here only about 6 months having nap lines (night flying) in ATL on the -700. If you're serious and want to come to the line with a professional attitude, by all means apply, but from what it sounds, you wouldn't be too concerned if you didn't get the job. That is the tragedy of flying at semi-crappy places like this. Only a few seem to give a sh1t about the job enough to come to work standard and professional. Remember, it's the people who make a job enjoyable...

 

[svcta]

Well...

First of all, thanks for the opinions so far. I would assume that giving up my seniority # would be a requirement. Anybody know otherwise?
Oh, and don't let my questions and apparent lack of urgency fool you, I need a job baaaaaaad. Tired of being back to waiting on cargo, but I should say that I consider myself lucky to have been able to step back into my old job with no questions asked.
I take a great deal of pride in calling myself a professional, and I grew up in the biz, so I know what it's all about. I just don't want to go through another short-term gain/long-term loss situation. So for a change, I'm doing a bit more homework than I've done in years past.
Now, whaddya think about this projected hiring @ ASA? I just got furloughed from an airline that was supposed to hire like 300 more pilots over the next year. With all that's going on @ big-D, should we be worried about a possible Jets for jobs situation or flowback situation otherwise? Or possibly that some other company will get the airplanes that ASA is hiring for(if that's why they are hiring). This just looks like it could be shaping up to be exactly what I've got already. Once bitten twice shy, and all that. Keep em coming!

 

[Oakum_Boy]

No jets for jobs here. There is always a danger in being low on a senority list. Things could get ugly here with a bankruptcy, and/or possible job action related to the no contract progress. These jets could be sent anywhere on a whim. I have been here almost 6 years and I have to say I used to like this place, but feel uncomfortable with the way management deals with flight crews. PIC has no authority anymore, and you will feel much like a truck driver after a while. I am constantly reminded of how I need to find a new career...

 

[svcta]

Geez, and you were worried that I was going to be unhappy and complain. Ha. I appreciate the candor.

I would have jumped on board a lot sooner had it not been for the situation with Delta, and what I've been reading from the pilots @ ASA. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have to say: Of all the guys on this board you all seem to be, for whatever reason, the least content.

 

[FlyinT]

Ah, Another one sees the light - and it's not dawn. Problem number one with the new 'vision' is that as you reads the brochure(color/glossy) nowhere does it say that Management will...treat pilots/fa's with respect etc. Nice generic terms, but honestly, the internal processes to become "the most trusted and respected regional airline in the eyes of out customers, team members, shareholders, ad nauseum"

Employees will only treat customers as well as they are treated by their own. In other words, Leadership and Vision starts at the top. It is one thing to put out a nice photo filled brochure with a card to wear. Mgmt even bribs us with Pizza in order wear the new vision cards.
Under guiding principles lets see how true this rings:
- Management will work as one team that serves our customers
- Managment will take pride in our work and hold each other accountable
- Management will treat each other and our customers with dignity, trust, and respect(not continue zero tolerance duty check in policies)
- Management will listen and respond to each other and our customers(like maybe handle some grivences on a local level instead of 90+% going to not just mediation - but arbitration)
- Management will empower our people to make a difference
- Management will share ideas and involve team members in decisions( no more Just drive the bus guys, attitude)
- Management will embrace the ability to question and challenge.(How about conducting contract negotiations in a timely fashion)

Yeah, Much of the sour vision on behalf of the pilot's here at ASA stems from overall treatment and respect. Which number was that on the 'vision'. Yeah, R-E-S-P-E-C-T ,just like the song. Or maybe the theme song for this contract should be..." I can't get No, da, da, da.. Satisfaction.."

And winding down now. Last page bullet points..
- Creating a fun and rewarding culture that recognizes the value of individuals and teamwork.

When I see that I will fish the 'vision' card out the trash and attach it to my ID lanyard. What? Is that the garbage truck I hear? Oh well - We'll have to see what new catchy phrase the crack smok'in dudes in the gray building come up with next month.

Blue Skies, FLY SAFE

 

[Airboss]

Do you have to resign your senority number?

No, ASA does not make you resign your senority number.
So besides $19.02/hr what else do you have to lose!

 

[Oakum_Boy]

Geez, and you were worried that I was going to be unhappy and complain. Ha. I appreciate the candor.

I would have jumped on board a lot sooner had it not been for the situation with Delta, and what I've been reading from the pilots @ ASA. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have to say: Of all the guys on this board you all seem to be, for whatever reason, the least content.

Good call there. Every time I go to work, I try to bring a professional approach, and it works for about a day, then something surely kills that mood and put me in my place, like waiting 30 minutes for the van on a 4 hour overnight.

 

[avpro91]

Got the good letter today. Wondering how long the background check takes and before you get the call for class. Also heard there was a dec26th class. Anybody know if this is true or what the class schedule is??? Thanks.

 

[FL990]

Got the good letter today. Wondering how long the background check takes and before you get the call for class. Also heard there was a dec26th class. Anybody know if this is true or what the class schedule is??? Thanks.

It's tough to say how long before you get placed into the pool, but if they do hire as planned (20/mth through DEC 2005), you should be in early enough to be off reserve relatively quickly.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Svcta,

I recently went through the interview process with ASA and was offered employment there. Like yourself, I really wanted ASA because of the ATL base, but I ended up accepting an offer from ExpressJet instead. The reasons were simply because of better growth and job security. With the new contract the pay and QOL at XJT will be better as well, although ASA is also in negotiations and I'm sure their pilot group will eventually get something worked out for them. By no means am I bashing ASA, if it weren't for DAL's situation it would be my first pick...but you may want to consider all of your options. I believe I made the right choice.

 

[Caveman]

Look at it this way, which job is a better place to hang out at while waiting for your old job back? Granted, it's a hassle to change jobs but I'm guessing that where you are now is a deadend. Seniority there probably really doesn't account for much and there is zero long term expectations. As slow as it may be now, there is a reasonable expectation of good things over the mid to long term at ASA. Plus, you won't have to commute. That right there is worth a temporary pay cut if you ask me. Even if you only stay at ASA for a couple of years it's probably no worse than where you are now and there is at least the possibility of a long term benefit. Besides, SIC 121 jet time is a very good way to fatten your log book while waiting for a better choice to come along. Good luck.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

1. Where is ASA sending the newhires? I assume that there are enough DFW guys to willingly fill the spots in SLC, so that only leaves ATL. I live in ATL so that's great. Is this the case?
B. Is ASA still hiring on to the ATR?

The latest Final Awards show that there will be 5 ATR F/O slots available 3/2/2005. My guess is that there will be new hires going to the ATR.