B744 S/O to B744F FO

[Flaps10]

Hey guys,

I have heard that it's possible for S/O's to convert over to the freighter after a year in the company. Is there any truth to this? I'm assuming we'd still have to meet the published minimum requirements.

Given the current state of the freighter operation is there still a need for freighter pilots based in North America?

Has anyone heard of guys making the jump over? If so, what kind of obstacles did they have to clear? Was it a long and painful process or was the company somewhat accommodating?

Any info would be appreciated!

Cheers

[joe767]

I know two guys who did this, but they were SO's for 2 1/2 years and a PCA of some kind is also required.

Joe

[Goonybird]

Easiest way to find out is to talk to the fleet office.

[tx_dfw]

It used to be in the VOL 7 but now it looks like it has been removed. Last i heard you are no longer able to do this. Nice of them to let the guys know whom had an interest.

[SweepTheLeg]

I know two guys who did this, but they were SO's for 2 1/2 years and a PCA of some kind is also required.

Joe

I spoke with an S/O who just did this as well. Taking a base in the U.S. somewhere in May. You have to serve a year as a S/O. He said that his upgrade interview for Freighter F/O was right after his one year anniversary. He is going from the Bus to the 747 for what it is worth. He also said you need to meet FO minimums which it seems like most S/Os I fly with these days already do before they were hired as S/Os.

[I'mbatman]

The SO's that are joining the freighter today......if they were hired before Jan 1, 2008, are they coming onto the Freighter COS' 99 pay scales or the COS '08 Unified scales?

[jonathon68]

This is still in Volume 7, Part 1, (1-5-5).

Basically 12 months as a S/O following S/O LC, before starting the F/O conversion course.

Also must have met the minimum qualifications and experience for appointment as F/O (Freighters) prior to CX.

[Loiter1]

Regards the minimum quals, how do they treat the time as SO? Does any of it count towards the 'Airline Jet Transport' category experience? I am asking as before I joined as an SO I was a hundred hours shy of the 1000hrs Command Turbo Prop.

[jonathon68]

must have met the minimum qualifications and experience for appointment as F/O (Freighters) prior to CX.Experience gained in CX does not count according to Volume 7. However, why don't you confirm this with an email or phone call to the 744 training office.

[Loiter1]

Thanks, already doing that in tandem with this.