This article is almost completely worthless when it comes to what is happening at Delta, and other airlines for that matter. First of all Delta is not "lowering seniority" for anyone. Pilots have always bid on aircraft/seat and that hasn't changed. What is being left out of the article is these Captain openings are in "undesirable" locations (NYC for example with Delta, and places like SFO for United). The reason they're undesirable is of course cost of living, plus typically a dearth of commuters, and newbies will most likely be on reserve, in some cases for years. While being a Captain is always nice, one can have a better schedule, live in or closer to their base, and in most cases make more money as a more senior FO in a widebody vs reserve Captain on a narrowbody. In case you're wondering how airlines staff these positions if they don't get enough bidders: the exact process differs according to pilot contracts but there will be some form of displacement or "flush" bid where

(Written on 01/29/2023)(Permalink)

I dunno, lots of people like to take loved ones to and from the gate. Used to do it all the time as a kid especially as one who liked airplanes. And I fail to see how this is any kind of "security risk". You have to apply in advance, which I would have to assume means you will be run against the watch list(s). And you're subject to the same screening as pax including restrictions on liquids. It was never really necessary to take this away after 9/11, but as with all things gov they overreacted and almost no politicians are ever willing to push back when it comes to "security".

(Written on 10/25/2022)(Permalink)

I dunno, lots of people like to take loved ones to and from the gate. Used to do it all the time as a kid especially as one who liked airplanes. And I fail to see how this is any kind of "security risk". You have to apply in advance, which I would have to assume means you will be run against the watch list(s). And you're subject to the same screening as pax including restrictions on liquids. It was never really necessary to take this away after 9/11, but as with all things gov they overreacted and almost no politicians are ever willing to push back when it comes to "security".

(Written on 10/25/2022)(Permalink)

I dunno, lots of people like to take loved ones to and from the gate. Used to do it all the time as a kid especially as one who liked airplanes. And I fail to see how this is any kind of "security risk". You have to apply in advance, which I would have to assume means you will be run against the watch list(s). And you're subject to the same screening as pax including restrictions on liquids. It was never really necessary to take this away after 9/11, but as with all things gov they overreacted and no politician is ever willing to push back when it comes to "security".

(Written on 10/25/2022)(Permalink)

At least they won’t have to go far for tech support!

(Written on 10/22/2022)(Permalink)

Oh good the Great and Powerful Sully has weighed in, I can sleep easy now! And his "startle effect" argument makes no sense in this case. There is nothing at all confusing about the 737 alerting system. If a malfunction occurs, the Master Caution light(s) illuminate just as they would on an aircraft with CAS but without an aural tone. Instead of a specific message describing the item in question the system tells you on which part of the overhead panel the affected system is located (Fuel, HYD, etc). After determining which component caused the Caution you simply go the QRH which is conveniently grouped by System and locate the appropriate checklist, same as you would on an aircraft equipped with a CAS. There is no magic or mystery to it and any confusion would be easily explained by lack of or poor training. I get that it's time for Boeing to move out of the Stone Age, which means a clean sheet 737 replacement, but forcing a CAS update to an existing design that doesn't need one is unne

(Written on 10/18/2022)(Permalink)

Please show me on the doll where Southwest hurt you.

(Written on 08/01/2022)(Permalink)

The 200 vs Max same airplane comment was funny, and unfortunately not far from the truth. But I do have to take issue with the "downwind takeoff" accusation. SWA like most airlines I know is approved for takeoff with up to 10 knots of tailwind component. If you are trying to infer that they take off with more than that I would humbly suggest you provide some sort of proof.

(Written on 07/31/2022)(Permalink)

I flew 91k with pilots in their late 60's and a few into their 70s. Outside of one former USAF F4 driver who was sharp as a tack they all required much closer supervision than the younger Captains. When the other pilot (FO) is highly experienced and competent it's not a huge issue, but as companies/airlines have to start hiring lower time/less experienced folks it could become a problem. I heard NJA was lobbying the FAA to bring the same 121 retirement age to 135, and there was even talk of making it a company policy since it hasn't come to pass federally. Heck, I've flown with a few 121 pilots in their late 50's/early 60's who said they could see the effects of age creeping in, and that was just the ones willing/able to admit it.

(Written on 07/30/2022)(Permalink)

I'm guessing he's referring to cognitive exams, and maybe more stringent medical testing than just an EKG like a cardiac stress test or similar. Some airlines, AAL for example, used to have a psychological exam as part of the hiring process. So they could incorporate that with the physical testing as well.

(Written on 07/26/2022)(Permalink)