shiznit

That turned out to be quite true, but now the emphasis at DAL (within the junior ranks anyway is to try and recapture those planes and pilots and tack them onto the bottom of the DAL list. In essence they are already DAL pilots given they can flow over as positions become available and ALL of their seats can be filled by a furloughed DAL pilot. The Union does not want to admit that the Compass pilots are on a C scale and should be included with DAL and that contract. We will see how it goes in the future, but I can tell you that many pilots at DAL want to see it brought back in-house (which would then allow CPZ/DAL to operate E-170/175/190/195's without any scope limits since they will be on the mainline certificate.) The pilot groups at the majors are seeing more and more ex-RJ guys come over and see the overall negative effects of scope erosion and as they fill more of the ranks at the majors, you will see "recapture" of flying become a hotter topic. I for one want to make sure that pilots at these carriers are brought in and integrated fairly. We'll see if ALPA National can get their head out of the sand and start making REAL gains again.

Excel

My question for you Compass guys is, do you see any flying coming out west ie SLC, LAX (or other delta hubs)? Are you guys talking about relocating or creating new bases once the merger goes through???

KITT

In the last few months, there is no talk of any new bases being opened. It seems that the Big 3 will remain.

Vikz09

I don't think Compass will see a west coast base. However we are finishing up a software upgrade to increase the range of the E-175. The software upgrade will allow a 89000lb TO which is approx 3500 lbs more. This means we will be opening new direct routes that will be longer. A new route in the works is MSP- Pasco WA. There was talk last winter of doing MEM-san diego i imagine that will be back in the cards soon. In essence what will happen is more direct longer legs will be likely coming in the near future.

We also took over some seasonal routes from the 9 msp-bil. msp-bzn, msp-boi, along with our msp-vancover which i believe is our longest leg. I believe Delta will use the plane on longer haul operations and it seems to have good performance for SLC as well. I have flown the MEM-SLC flight and the plane is perfect for that type of flight. A Lot of cities were in the plans until we had staffing problems.

Jessemh

above post has great info.

As for working at compass, and as a former eagle pilot I can vouch that the morale and general attitude from all of the employees is a positive one.

Training in montreal took longer than expected due to CAE's scheduling techniques. (stretching one sim between 2 airlines, ultimately lead to a lawsuit) Took about 2 months to get a 2-3 week sim course finished
Training will switch to an in house sim from flight safety at the panam center in MSP starting in May.

IOE went fine and from what I have found on reserve is that the airline is understaffed. If you cant make a rsv assignment for any reason the flight you were supposed to work will probably cancel or be delayed until you arrive.

No airport standby as per contract. Just home rsv

Schedulers are new and doing a good job with what they can. Since they are new it seems like they are more flexible than my last airline.

Just switched from hard line bidding to Preferential Bidding System witch matches your settings and guidelines with 1,2,3,4,5 day trips all ready built by the company. works ok for most so far this will be the 2nd month of live awards, just closed today.

New crewrooms are really nice compared to last airline.
MSP finished and very nice, MEM to be completed and used starting 2/20
DTW to be up and running this month.

EFB integration starts this month with NACO chart software.

Company has been nice to me so far and can't complain. Really nice CP who can hook you up if you get the short end of the stick on something. Also hard to get in trouble ;P

Any other questions feel free to ask.

Excel

Vikz and Jessemh (and to everyone else that has been kind enough to answer) thank you guys so much, good info! For a guy like me flying around 135, this board is my only source for finding out info on your companies.

I think I once read that MEM was junior to DTW, is that true? How hard is it to get to MSP? (thinking about a commute from the west coast). Please keep us posted if you guys hear anything on the hiring front/upgrades, and thanks again!

OlyRob

MSP is not hard to get, most people from the last class hired (well, excluding the 2 that haven't gone through a vacancy bid) got MSP. MEM is actually the most senior at this point.

OlyRob

I don't know anyone that has had to give up their recall privileges at another airline to come to CPZ

Jessemh

for some reason MEM is senior now for FO's and Junior for CA. DTW is middle of the road for both. MSP is Junior for FO and Senior for CA

I'm actually based in MEM now because of the easy commute but I'm the most JR FO there. Just awarded MSP for next month and have almost 15 under me so at least I'll hold 3/4 day pairings for the commute. The company will be spreading 12 new hire FO's around the bases starting next month/whenever the hell they finish at CAE and then Keeping 20 In a hiring pool 'till needed.

The company hates CAE in CYUL and I can see them sending more pilots to training once the Flight Safety sim arrives in house.

Excel

Good info! And just heard CAE laid off a bunch of instructors...