INAV8OR

This is always a fun one to put out there: I have an interveiw at NWA in December. I also have 3 good recs for CAL. I grew up in MSP and want to move back so I dont have to commute. However NWA is a tough place to work, but I want to be back home. CAL has short upgrade but a ERW base. On that note, which is a better place to go. Any interveiw prep for NWA would be welcomed too. All NWA and CAL guys your feedback is appreciated.

jdt30

I usually base my enjoyment of Cal by the last guy I flew with, and he was a tool. That being said 99% of the guys I've flown with have been really good guys. Every airline has it's good and it's bad. Cal definately has some work to do on the work rules, and pay, but we'll take care of that on the next contract. Interview both places if both hire you go home, that will probably make you happier than a fast upgrade in EWR.

Superpilot92

I am in the same spot you are in. I am going to go to the interview at NWA and give it a shot. If i get hired i am going to take it and hopefully stay there for the long haul and i will move to a NWA base. I live in IAH now and from here but CAL hasnt called and i have multiple recs as well. If you get hired now at NWA you would be at the front swing of a hiring spree at NWA. So the upgrade could be "quick" at NWA in the future as well. Just because upgrade is quick at CAL now doesnt mean it will be in a couple years. Both are a crap shoot. Good luck with your interview!!

not necessary

You would really have to love MSP a lot to go to work for an outfit that guarantees you virtually no retirement, allows you to forage for your crew meal, pays you at 1979 pay rates and doesn't really care if you live or die as long as you sign in on time.

NWA's management is completely out of touch with its employees and its pilot union is dysfunctional and cowardly. The aftermath of that 1986 merger between Northwest Orient and Republic is still banging around within the pilot union, whose leadership is so inept they had to, once again, put off electing a SECRETARY/TREASURER of the MEC because they are so divided! Remember, these are the guys who completely surrendered to management in the bankruptcy.

If you go to work for NWA be prepared for a constant stream of *****ing by fellow pilots, F/As and gate agents. If MSP means that much to you, go for it.

maddogmax

Just curiuos? Do you work at NWA or are you just repeating things you have heard

johnso29

First of all, who in the airline industry today is going to guarantee anyone a retirement. I think we all know we have swung into the era of the 401K! Secondly, I hear about *****ing at every airline, you can't ever escape that. And in regards to the original post, you go were you think you will be happy. If I lived in MSP, I would pick NWA over CAL anyday. HMMM, I can drive to work, or I can commute to EWR, IAH, or CLE, key word here being commute. I know of a CAL 757 FO who left for NWA because he lives in MSP. No airline is perfect, and NWA is no gem right now, but todays jester is tomorrows king! Good Luck

not necessary

When will NWA become king?
Since it was formed in 1986 with the amalgamation of Northwest Orient and Republic, how many times has NWA led the industry in pay rates?
Never

How many times has NWA been voted 'best place to work' like Continental?
Never

How many times has NWA been on strike?
Once

How many management teams have come and gone?
five

How much more does an Air Tran 737 Capt make per hour than a NWA 320 captain: $16/hour more.

How long will it take to correct the give-away contract (pay, work rules, retirement) the pilots gave management in bankruptcy?
a generation

Don't let the facts get in the way of your emotional decision, though.
But once a jester, always a jester.

newKnow

Not Necessary,

I think you protest a little too much. What's the matter? Did NWA turn you down?
I also don't understand how you can say we are so cowardly in one post then point out that we went on strike in the next. We were the last of the majors (Legacy) to go on strike. Is going on strike cowardly?
For you to spew out such hatred for a place that you only know about from what you've heard is indicative of someone who is holding on to something a little too tight. If anyone is emotional it would seem that it is you. Let the guy or girl make his own decision and wish him well. He will probably be in a 320 or 757 in the next 6 months commuting back and forth from home in a car. Who knows where you will be, but I have a feeling it won't be anywhere pleasant (at least not in your head). I think your name says it all. Grow up and get a life.

newKnow

INAV8OR

Thanks for the backing New, I am part of the last airline that went on strike. So, I know how difficult and hard of a choice it is to choose not to work. Can I pm you with some specific questions about NWA. Thanks...

saab2000

I'd go for being at home. That seems to beat just about everything else offered by anyone. If offered both jobs you'll have a tough choice, but for me it would be a no-brainer.

MSP for me too. Living where I want to live. Being on reserve where I like to be hardly seems like a bad deal.