Question for VB guys and girls

[new guy]

How long does it take for a 73 command with VB?
I mean for your number to come up and an opportunity to prove yourself.
I am thinking of applying but if it takes 10years I may think again.

[Mr. Hat]

I think if you are after a quick 73 command VB isn't for you.

I'm not sure of the internal workings but I'd say what base makes a diffference. Like QF, a Perth base 73 (which doesn't exist..yet) would be quicker than say Brisbane.

There are opportunities overseas for quick 73 commands. Other than that I'd say tiger would be the quickest in Australia.

[topend3]

I'm pretty sure QF do have Perth based 737 crews...

[my oleo is extended]

new guy, Tiger currently is one of the quickest avenues in AUS. Otherwise Indonesia has a tonne of work and a tonne of operators looking for Drivers.Just take with you a decent crash survival suit.........

[Mr. Hat]

TE -Sorry my poor wording - was saying VB no Perth 73 base and QF yes with quicker progression.

[new guy]

I thank those who have replied and offered advise, but I want to know from people in the know how long for a 73VB command.

[Capt Fathom]

I want to know from people in the know how long for a 73VB command.No one can provide an answer to that question!

[Mr.Buzzy]

.....oooooh..... So few cricket bats!

Bbbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzz

[hongkongfooey]

New guy, 2 questions :

a) did you wear a blue shirt in a previous job ?

b) Do you like sucking up to, sorry, I mean socialising with management ?

If you did not answer yes to both these questions, all I can tell you from friends in VB is a 737 command could be 5-7 years, in fact I know guys that were with VB for 5-6 years and just got an Embraer command.

ABC ( Ansett boys club ) :}

[Pandanus]

new guy

During the aviation boom wave of 2007 a reasonable number of 737 FOs got their upgrades. Their average time in VB might have been 4-5 years and occasionally longer which in historical terms is remarkably quick in Oz. As for the future, if I had a crystal ball in my hand I'd be a lot richer. But if quick command is what you're looking for then maybe VB won't suit you. Of course that also means QF mainline is definitely out, and maybe even Jetstar as well. Its a tough nut to crack....the agony of choice. Maybe overseas might be a better idea. It all comes back to that balance of lifestyle Vs career and $$$. But I know where I'd rather be drinking my beer. :E

[A37575]

Question for VB guys and girls

You must be from USA. The correct terminology should be pilots and flight attendants...:ok:

[greenslopes]

You must be a Luddite.

[Global Xpress]

So, what sort of time has it generally been for E-jet upgrades? 5-6 years, somewhere in that region? I understand it can be cyclical with the industry. Does the EBA allow a move from 73 fo to Embraer capt?

[greybeard]

Yes I know I am an old f#rt, BUT what is the fascination with the quickest place to get a command,
3-5 years, would you be ready in all respects in that time in the Industry?
Moving to that left seat is a process which has to be approached with a great degree of management, cognitive, judgement and professional skills which few of us naturally have on day one.
The process is individual I will conceed, BUT it is not a right, it is an earned privilage and acceptance of ALL the responsibilities that go with the left seat of an Airliner in this day and age.
I have 48 years in the Industry, have seen 13 years to command, a bit long perhaps, to the 5-8 year cycles. Actually years are a misleading yardstick, it is the exposure, experiences in that exposure.
SIAs command process for example, is a 6-9 month monitored exposure to the command experience, they and you get to know your strengths and weeknesses quite well in that time and can be quite an enlightening experience!! That is after 8-10 years as a pilot with them.

Most of us can "pole" the aircraft quite well in a whole lot less time than that, which is such a small part of the Command of an aircraft, have a quiet think about all the manifestations of the task.

I have trained all sorts of cultures, creeds and colours in my great time in the industry, and in the top group of my so called succesful tasks are 2 Mongolians, 3 PNG nationals, 2 Belgians, several Singaporians, Indonesians working outside Indonesia as well as in more recent times some switched on Australians. There are a few dunces in all those groups as well.

Just my 2 bobs worth, be safe in what you do, be careful what you wish for, it may be a surprise if it comes off.

:ok:

[GAFA]

The quickest time to an E-jet command was about 12 months for a SYD base. Average time over the last 12 months would be 18 months to 2 years for SYD, MEL and PER. Those getting E-jet commands in BNE have been with the company for 4+ years.

[iridium]

How long is a piece of string???????

[Waghi Warrior]

I totally agree with greybeard. Anyone can pole a machine around,but it's the management skills that go with it. I notice that he mentions he has trained a number of pilots from different cultures,take a closer look at some of those cultures/countries and compare them to our easy street in Oz.
Having the skills to be a "Good Captain" in an airline these days takes more than fancy flying,it's management skills and the ability to be able to look and asses the whole picture and think out of the square. It's called situational awarness. To do all this can be extremely difficult sometimes especially with ontime performance these days.