rvr350

Now the SOC date is getting closer and closer, and we'll soon share a cockpit, flying nice 4 day trips with good layo. I want to know how the ex-NWA guys (CA spec.) treat their lowly gear monkey-radio operator(FO).

For us Delta-South guys, i'd say 80-90% of the time CA buys beer for the probies (at least 1st round), and the percentage goes down a bit after you finish probation. (You just have to work harder at the "pretend-to-get-the-bill" look There're still some outstanding CAs from old school that takes exceptionally care of us junior folks (the Delta way), and I'm hoping this tradition stays with our new company.

johnso29

On my OE trip on the DC9, I couldn't pay for anything! I couldn't even buy dinner. My CA bought everything.

Since then, most CA's still buy the beers. I think the tradition will continue.

Bucking Bar

Post pay cut and age 65, statistical relevance has been noted between the CA buying the beer and the second beer being free at most establishments between the hours of 5 and 7 in the evening.

Seems like many of the Delta Captains are somewhere between their second daughter getting married and their son going to an expensive out of state law school. When I hear about their finances, I realize I have more free cash than they do... but when they score a green slip that's a whole 'nother story!

rvr350

I think you hit on a very interesting observation. The very young/very close to retire(kids out of the house) CA are usually the most generous. The late 40 crowd that had their pension took away from them are somewhat frugal, rightfully so.

On my very first trip with big D, my CA embraced me with a warm smile, let me felt very welcome, I didn't feel like the new guy, and he never let me take my wallet out to pay for anything. Now that's the "Delta way"!

chuck h

Just tell all the Delta south guys your new, on reserve, never fly and have a second job to make ends meet. You'll never buy anything! That should work till June when the May newhires get their first real paychecks. Then, when we start hiring again (if ever), repeat.

AV8ER13

See if I was a REAL DAL pilot and not just a DAL-North (Recent NWA new hire a.k.a. B-scale), then I would be on second yr pay when I ended my probabtion (DOH)...instead I get to enjoy my B-Scale...I mean stay on first yr pay for a few more months...

Gladioslave

I am half way through second year and had a CA on a layover in San Dog buy beer all night and when we met some of my squadron buds on a strike detachment he bought theirs too. Super cool Guy. We then got in for free with my mil ID at the Midway museum.

Justdoinmyjob

I'd say regardless of your hire date, almost 75% of the captain's I fly with will buy the beer 100% of the time!

DelDah Capt

I still buy the beer all the time. When flying with Probies, I would pick up their dinner as well. That's the way it was for me, and I think it's a great tradition so I try to keep it going.

But here's the financial reality. As a relatively junior Captain, I making way less now than I was as a First Officer under pre-bankruptcy C2K rates. Back then some kind Captain was buying for me and now that I'm making less, I'm the the one buying. I've got a couple of college age kids and my 401k is a shell of it's former self. With that in mind, I freely admit that on a trip with two layover nights, I try to pick the longer layover or better city and treat the F/O to beers/dinner. The second layover I'm more likely to get a long workout and make a quiet night of it. I figure I'd rather have one good night out where I can carry on tradition and buy for the crew rather than a couple nights where I feel the need divvy up the check.

(disclaimer: I'm still on my first wife, drive two crappy paid for cars, and don't have any big toys.....but sorry boys, times are tight and I'm doin' my best!)

maddogmax

You guys are really putting the pressure on!