Daytripper

KB can clarify, but I think there is a few more of the stretch 757's to be delivered, maybe not. ( I think there was some lease issues with ATA), but I think it's just more fleet utilization. Since 9/11, Cal has been the slowest to return to full fleet utilization, and that is slowly being reversed. By saying "hammered", means they are flying their fannies off. So yes more hiring. Seems Cal has always been "knee-jerk" to staffing levels. They wait until flights are cancelled due to no crew, then the hiring light bulb comes on. By then, the training department is swamped trying to make up the difference. So I hear new hires are going to the 757/767. Good luck, at least there is some hiring going on.

sgrd0q

Yes, thanks for clarifying, I had a dumb moment I guess . I suspect most new hires won't see it as "hammered" by having to fly more while on reserve; instead new hires would probably like to fly as much as possible, initially anyway. Now, if you want to be on reserve and stay there then yes, the glass is half-empty then.

Here's another question (unfortunately quite hypothetical for me as I don't have the hours to get hired by CAL at the moment) – if you lived in NYC as I do – wouldn't it be better to go with the 757/767 at Newark and never have to get type rated in anything else for the rest of your career?

Sure the 757 guy will stay on reserve longer, but if there is no commute then that's not the end of the world. The initial pay is not much in any case whether on reserve or not or whether flying the 737 or the 757 so the pay is not a consideration. After the 757 guy gets to hold a line (after a year maybe?) he/she will presumably fly better/longer routes and make more money than the 737 guy, everything else being equal.

Also it looks like, currently at least, the 757 upgrade in EWR doesn't require more seniority than the 737 upgrade. Maybe this will change somewhat in the future when the current 757/767 void is filled but probably not by much.

So then upgrade to a 757 Capt. and when seniority allows move on to a 767 Capt. Maybe move to a better base away from NYC when you get tired of the city! There you go, never get type rated in anything else!

Does that make sense, or am I off base here?

P.S. Besides, I hear the 757 is a rocket!

MDGDC9

Thanks for the info Kill Bill.

How many days off on res. lines?
And if flown into days off, are you then given makeup days off?

Calpilot

Reserve pilots get 12 days off per month.

In response to sgrd0q's question about the 757. If you live near the airport then reserve is no big deal if you don't mind not having more than 12 days off a month. As far as upgrade is concerned, the 757 is much more senior than the 737. The bottom 737 captain is EWR based and hired in 1998 while the bottom 757 Captain in EWR was hired in 1987.

Line quality and days off for more junior pilots is much better in the 737.

sgrd0q

WOW! That IS a lot more senior! Now everything falls into place and the world makes sense again. Thanks!

Where does the most junior 757 Catain fall in the seniority list? 40% form the top of the list? 30% from the top?

calcapt

Bottom 757/767 CA in system is Seniority # 2358 based in Newark. On most recent bid the most junior pilot was Newark 757 FO with seniority # 4614. So the answer to your question is that the most junior 757/756 CA is about 51 percent on the overall seniority list. NOTE: There are vacancies on the last bid that will be filled by new hires. Therefore, the most junior pilot and bottom seniority number will change week to week.

sgrd0q

calcapt - thanks for the information!

Bengalsfan

Is it worth applying to Continental without the ATP? I just acquired the hours, but my ops tempo in my reserve unit is so high for the next 2-3 months, that I don't have time right now to get the written (and especially) the practical done at this time... should I wait to finish my application, or should I apply without the ATP?

calcapt

[QUOTE=Bengalsfan]Is it worth applying to Continental without the ATP?



I am of the opinion that if you want to work for CO, go ahead and apply. Let those who make the hiring decisions decide. If you don't apply I can guarantee that you will not be hired. Many pilots, including myself, have seen pilots hired and wondered "how in the world he or she ever got through the front door. Additionally, I have known high time and well qualified pilots that have never gotten an interview. It is one of the mysteries of life that few will ever know. I think that most majors want the ATP written so I would suggest a weekend prep course and at least get them ASAP. The actual ATP could probably wait.
Good Luck!

Kill Bill

it translates to a demand for more pilots and we don't have more pilots; we can't train fast enough.