Terms and EndearmentThe forum the bean counters hoped would never happen. Your news on pay, rostering, allowances, extras and negotiations where you work - scheduled, charter or contract.
Yes Virgin pilots are flying both the 340 and 330. New entrants will generally go on to the 340 and then after 6 months they will be dual rated on the 330.
Also, I know that there was plenty of crew a few months back just operating flights from Manchester on the A330. Now that mixed fleet 330/340 is in operation have these crews had to go back to flying Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester routes? Or have some been able to stay only 330 rated out of Manchester?
I got told from a VS A330 pilot last year that he got 8 days off after every trip, (as all he was doing was Orlando). Not a bad life... I suppose if he has had to go back to the A340, those days are history.
Still have not heard a thing. I received an email ages ago saying they had lots of interest etc. Just a bit worried I've been forgotten. Anyone else hear anything??
Mintsauce, you are unlikely to be "forgotten". Interviews were held this week and a fortnight ago to my knowledge (and there are other dates that have been or will be) and I'm sure as they accept or reject people from this process they will eventually reach your good self. I suspect that there is no easy way to shortcut the process, don't give up hope until they email you with a firm no.
Thank you!! I suppose when it's a job that means so much to you and your career, you find it increasingly difficult to remain positive. No news is good news I suppose. Just keeping everything crossed!!
If you have 4000 hours on a Boeing based at LGW why on Earth would you leave it to join Virgin? Really why, oh why, oh why? The new flight deck will feel the same after a month from line training, they have all routes that will quickly become boring, the pay is average by most industries standards at best and the company has one of the worst job securities for a pilot that I know - of all the pilots I know that have been made redundant 90% have come from there. Take your rejection as a gift, stay where you are and make your next move a sensible one. Virgin has little in the way of a future. If you want long haul go to emirates - like several redundant virgin pilots I know of have had to do. Why do you think Virgin 747 pilots left to join BA?
Last edited by BlackandBrown; 25th Aug 2012 at 13:37.
Actually there was one 744 F/O who left last year to join BA. Several considered it but decided to stay here. A couple of F/O'S have left this year to Emirates.
Years ago the time to command was who got to 6000 hours first, 9/11 happened and the time went up to 7ish years. The recession hit and that went up to about 12 years where I think it will level off and drop a little with retirements.
The guys who have left, did so to get earlier commands or in he case of BA, job security, however, wait 15/17 years for a long haul command.
Gents, it's dealers choice. I for one do not want to live in the sandpit or eat a lot of Chinese food. Is Virgin a good option? Who knows, but for many it is a good life style with the normal disagreements with management - and still a relatively short time to long haul command.
Will it still be going in 25 years time? Again who knows, but I hope so for the industries sake.
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