747 SO upgrade

[Altyre]

Hi guys
I've done a search but wasn't even sure which words I should have used to get an answer! When you upgrade to FO from SO on the 747, do you go to the 777 to fly more hours, do you stay on the jumbo or does it depend on what the company needs? (you'll notice I didn't put down the option of going on the Airbus, I don't think that would ever happen).

Thanks

[flyingkiwi]

upgrades are availiable on A330 B777 and also the A340 on rare occasions, They will not upgrade direct onto the 74 due lack of sectors and availiable training. The upgrade type is not restricted on the type you are on as an SO, however staying with Boeing or the Bus will make the transition easier.

[bobrun]

Is there any indication that the time as S/O might be less than 3-4 years in the future? (just curious really, as it is a great job too!)

[flyingkiwi]

I personaly heard Nick Rhodes say he was not happy with the current time to upgrade and stated he wants it below the 3 year mark. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen.

[CathayPacific]

I heard from friends, the 744 SO will go to the 777 fleets for more hours prior promoting to Junior FO, normally they'll fly the 777 for half a year or a few months..

[geh065]

744 SOs often upgrade onto the Airbus, as the 777 is only a relatively small fleet in terms of crewing.

Most 777 JFOs have come from the 744, but every now and then you do get an Airbus SO upgrading onto the 777.

of course, now we are about to have SOs on the 777 who will also fly the 744 as SO, and these people will become JFO on the 777.

[spleener]

All good advice and info.
Just so as we're all sure:
"747" usually refers to the classic Jumbos - in CXspeak that's the "older" Freighters with no SOs.
"744" is of course the -400 & -400F's, "mainline [pax]" and "freighter" respectively.
SO's are mainline.
geh065 - now I assume that you mean the 'upgrade' is SO to JFO and not a preposterous "...Airbus ... upgrading to the 777" Or did I fergit to listen to a 777 pilot today??