Thor

The full FAA certified landings course includes V1 cuts, single engine approaches and go arounds, and 40 knot crosswinds landings. Should we do those in the airplane too?

Dave Fitzgerald

It's a fairly common practice. UAL has many times in the past taken a plane out to get guys current.

Back in the late 90's, we were taking guys out in the 737 to get the type ride because we didn't have enough sims. The DC-8 for a while wasn't certified as a Phase 3 sim, so we had to do bounces to finish the type. I went to Yuma. 1990 when we were in contract talks, the 747-400 was a new type, and management was flying the plane for their currency because we didn't have pay rates...and it wasn't flying due to the contact.

I'd imagine that when the Max gets back in the air, there is a good chance we'll take out a plane or two to augment currency issues. Mather is SF bay area would be a good choice. Palmdale, Long Beach, Victorville, San Bernadino Co--old Norton AFB, just to name a few. Moses lake in Washington. Heck for that matter, I was just in EWR, and Cessna's were doing stop and go's. No jet traffic.

Anyway, yes the sim is cheaper, but there are many reasons to go fly the plane if the need arises.

Dave Fitzgerald

That is what you get when you go to TK. All that is required is 3 take offs and landings. Everything else is extra. No, it is not an FAA requirement, or certified.

We don't do those on the line, and you maintain currency by flying the line. Just take offs and landings.

Guppydriver95

spin. Plain and simple......speaking of “choices”, my choice of having a 50 hr surplus line as negotiated in the contract isn’t available in May.

Itsajob

I’ve never done 40 knot crosswinds in a landings class. It has just been a normal takeoff, approach, and landing, reposition for a visual takeoff, approach and landing, V1 cut and single engine landing, then reposition to the marker for a single engine auto land and done. Usually with a 10-15 knot crosswind.

HuggyU2

No.
But do you think that you personally can safely extend your landing currency by 3 months if necessary (if given the option by the FAA)? If not, just tell someone.

LeeFXDWG

Absolutely agree. Ask for a LQ sim.

Then again, I recommend a mobile for backup until I’m ready for no-voice option.

U-2 thing between us so don’t ask.

Lee

Thor

Of course, you Air Force guys never miss an opportunity to tell the world how cool you are.

Looking forward to the summer, I think most guys will be fine with or without simulator currency if they lapse by a month or two.

BMEP100

Maybe stop doing landings class the United way. Instead, just form a line outside the sim. Visual approach. land..freeze. repo..3 times...NEXT. done in 5 minutes.

Mass debrief over cold ones ,Shuttle to DEN, go home.

LeeFXDWG

Well, the program has many cross commissioned aviators on the list of U-2 pilots. The ones that know how to fly and Dance with Lady rather than Fight with the Dragon.

Anyway, it really comes down to a comfort level. My last flight was 7 March. Vacation and a sick call took me into an April SRL. Wish we still had those things that are in the UPA..............but LOA killed the basic UPA.

Anyway, my real point is if you get a large break in flying and need to get in the sim, call it.

Dont fly. We have guys/gals that may be qualified on paper but may have limited hours in the seat. 90 days is actually a long time for some.

Above all and especially now, you won’t save mother UAL by pushing your comfort level.

Go back to the MEC with that.

Lee, PDR dude.