1) Around 9 years currently. Some fleet transfers but generally command on type. No particular advantage in terms of command in switching fleets.
2) Reasonable social depending on destination. It’s rare that you’re Billy No-Mates.
3) Generally open atmosphere. As most join with quite a bit of experience, it’s assumed you know your job and you’re respected for that.
4) minimum 2 days off after a short trip (3 day block of work), 3 after something longer.
5) Can request up to 2 trips per month. Pilots are in one of three groups which rotate month by month so even if you’re the most junior, every third month your group will be top bid group so therefore effectively in the top third of seniority,
6) If the block time is on average more than 10 hours outbound then you get minimum 2 local nights downroute.
7) No real process for fleet change until new aircraft types come in: you’ll be matched on joining depending on your experience and where the need is.
8) Feeling is that VS is probably in the best financial position it’s been in for some time, but you never know the whole truth!
9) Part time is currently being rejigged so no comment
10) Depends on fleet but there is a bit of that. Mitigated by some of those trips requested by people who live nearby
11) See 6