Thrust Hold

At 25+ per class I wouldn’t bypass any classes waiting for it, but if it could get you a class earlier then I’d strongly consider it. If that’s an opportunity that you truly want.

Just know what you’re signing up for ahead of time.

Thrust Hold

The 757 still has some rapid seniority progression and will continue to. With another bid likely in the Spring there should be another wave of guys bidding off of it to WB’s. Which would also be an option for you and would likely coincide with your desire to have 2nd year pay at WB rates.

767 is filled to 100% and is not an option for a New Hire at this time, but will likely have some positions available on the next Vacancy. Especially, with all of the planned deliveries. 767 gets ETOPS in Spring 2019 and should start to see an uptick in International flying opportunities. Currently, it only flys Vancouver, Toluca, Querétaro and Campinas Internationally out of Memphis. It’s bid pack should eventually become a mix of Domestic and International flying. Slow seniority progression though, as guys seem to be coming over from other fleets.

MD seems to have decent seniority progression, but they hand pick guys for that aircraft assignment. So I’m not sure that it’s an option for you at this point.

777 is an excellent commuter schedule. As of recent it’s attainable for New Hires, but I’d imagine that all future bidding will be folks senior to you pushing you down the list with future fleet growth. There’s already a list of 45 or so current seniority list pilots waiting for Training, while they continue to award it to New Hires. The majority of them are current 75 FO’s that’ll be making that transition. (Equals more 75 movement).

Airbus - I’m not real familiar with its bid pack or seniority progression. I’d be leery of joining a dieing fleet.

UnusualAttitude

Just looked at the numbers and 58 new hires have now been assigned the 777 in 2018 (that’s as of the class that began this week). That fills all vacancies that were available to new hire pilots and should end new hires going to the 777 until after the next system bid.

You make an excellent point and my advice to one wanting to fly the 777 as soon as possible would be to try to go to the 757 as a new hire and then bid 777 at first opportunity.

New hires who choose to go to a WB will be seat restricted from a DBLA for over two years. Something to think about.

-UA

Adlerdriver

Just keep in mind, if you're going to accept being junior on any fleet for an extended period of time, you're probably going to get your schedules via secondary line. That means finding out your schedule 5 days before the month starts. You just need to be okay with that for at least a few years, or longer, if you opt to go to the 777.

Sheep44

Would it be possible for someone to post the current 757 vacancies?


As far as the system bids go, my understanding is;
-that they happen occasionally with no set schedule.
-The system bid is the opportunity to switch seats and/or aircraft.
-The next system bid will likely happen soon, maybe around spring or so.

Is that about right?


Thanks again for all the advice and information that has been shared.

Wink

What do you mean by this?

Low Flyin

Is the anniversary bump in pay based on the start of the calendar bid month or the actual calendar month? Ie if you’re scheduled for 2nd year pay in December, but the December bid month includes the last week of November, when would I get the bump? Dec 1?

pinseeker

The bid month.

Thrust Hold

There are many special/unique attributes to choosing an FDA. HKG and CGN are completely different animals as FDAs and far different than a Domestic Domicile. All things should be considered and evaluated before making the decision whether an FDA is the right fit for you and your family.

-Housing Allowances
-Required Commitment Periods
-Education Reimbursements
-Etc.

10km00000

Speaking of housing allowance... Is that a reimbursement thing (use it or loss it) or monthly payment regardless of actual rental amount?


Education.... Will Fedex help pay the debenture? thx