GWPSOR,
Either you were drunk when your mate gave you this information or you don't really have any mates at all...at least not at Virgin.
1) Flight planning is not manual. All plans are pre filed with NAIPS. Only requirement is that the correct fuel is calculated for each trip. Takes about two minutes to do that. We do have to read the weather and NOTAMS but I'd be surprised if QF and AN pilots didn't have to do that as well. Company procedures here are as organised as any place I have worked or heard of. Always working to make things better where needed. A new computerised flight planning system is being implemented as we speak and is in use on several routes, soon to be all routes within a few weeks and trip fuel figures are already done for you saving about 90 seconds of calcuating time. The PIC still pickes a total fuel load for the trip.
2) Training is not required to cover any minimum number of sectors. People with no 737 experience or any signignificant large jet time get around 100 hours of line training. Experienced piots will get less but no less than is required to meet the performance criteria set out in our CASA approved training manual.
3)
VB doesn't do 737 type ratings thus they don't charge $25,000 for one either. The Cost of obtaining a rating if required is up to you in that you shop for the best deal. It can be done for $20,000AUD. "...you have to fly yourself to Seattle for the NG endorcement..." I assume by this you mean that
VB don't send an escort along to hold your "mates" hand?
VB pays for the trip, all allowances in advance, accomodation and course cost provided. All you have to do is have a good time.
4)You got one thing right. Nobody complains around here because its a great place to work and we are treated very well and with respect.
The post was directed at
VB pilots GWPSOR, unless you have your facts correct you might consider keeping the negative tone of your comments out of your posts.
LAV, check archives for
VB stuff. This info has been posted numerous times.
[ 30 January 2002: Message edited by: sprucegoose ]
[ 31 January 2002: Message edited by: sprucegoose ]</p>