Yet another FDX SFS question..

[XJguy]

I did some searching and I still have a couple of questions for those in the know about Subic....

Do they offer moving packages to newbies?
If you go there how long is the commitment? Does that time change if you do not take the moving package?
Is the "crew information guide" pretty accurate, as far as prices of housing and transportation?
How hard is it for Spouses to get on the Airbridge/Otter to Manila? Is it usually pretty full?

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.... My wife actually WANTS to move there, and I am trying to make an informed decision....

THANKS!
XJGuy

 

[dash8driver]

first things first... you dont need a wife in SFS.



.

 

[Purple Nugget]

Not quite on property yet, but seriously into the purple Kool-aid.

As far as I can find out, if you opt for SFS, there a 18-month seat lock after finishing IOE (once activated.) Yes, they will pay for a new-hire to move there, but you will be stuck for 18 months.

Even if you don't have them pay for your move, there is a Down/Lateral bid freeze (seat lock) that says you can't bid another widebody FO position until you have served at least 18 months in your current seat.

So don't volunteer for SFS unless you are willing to move there for 2 years or so!

As a side note, this seat lock/freeze clause may have a side benefit of those of us "unqualified" to be in the MD-11 ANC nugget classes, as us MEM engineers will be able to hold MD-11 MEM before the newly hired ANC nuggets can transfer bases. (Assuming seniority can hold it during the next bid or two.)

Hummmm.....

 

[Purpled]

As a side note, this seat lock/freeze clause may have a side benefit of those of us "unqualified" to be in the MD-11 ANC nugget classes, as us MEM engineers will be able to hold MD-11 MEM before the newly hired ANC nuggets can transfer bases. (Assuming seniority can hold it during the next bid or two.)

Hummmm.....

There is no domicile lock. Plenty of folks bid ANC, because they can't hold MEM or LAX, then re-bid and transfer long before the 18 month point. If you take the move package, then you would be locked into ANC for whatever the LOA said...30 months maybe...I can't recall.

Bottom line, if they're on the property first, they'll have the first shot at MEM.

 

[TheBaron]

Not quite on property yet, but seriously into the purple Kool-aid.

As a side note, this seat lock/freeze clause may have a side benefit of those of us "unqualified" to be in the MD-11 ANC nugget classes, as us MEM engineers will be able to hold MD-11 MEM before the newly hired ANC nuggets can transfer bases. (Assuming seniority can hold it during the next bid or two.)

Hummmm.....

Whoaaa! there nugget. The 18 month domicile lock only affects the new hires that actually take the move package to ANC. Just being domiciled there doesn't prevent them from bidding out on the next available bid. Some people that were awarded ANC on the August 2005 bid and haven't even finished training for the position were awarded moves to LAX and MEM with the MOAB. They will train and activate into ANC but then transfer to LAX or MEM at a later date (mostly early next year).

 

[XJguy]

The 18 month domicile lock only affects the new hires that actually take the move package to ANC.

Is the same true for SFS? Could you switch to MEM in less than 18 mos if you did NOT take the move package (Assuming you could hold it in the grand scheme of things)?

Thanks for any and all comments!

XJGuy
Still celebrating being in the Purple Pool!:beer:

 

[Purple Nugget]

I stand corrected.

Like I said, I'm not on property yet, just bored waiting and reading the contract. I take it the "Down/Lateral Seat Restriction" doesn't apply to domicle changes. That's cool. But I assume that that still applies to equipment changes?

Oh well, I'll just go be an eskimo when the next bid lets me. It's all good.