How many E-Jets on property these days? Which bases have the most E-Jets? Any more on order?

BHX CWL DSA EXT MAN NQY have the ejets. 20 in total. 4 more orders but I doubt they'll ever arrive.

I like the E-Jets - it's a great platform and I know passengers like it. That said, Flybe sounds like a perfect candidate for the Bombardier C-Series for several reasons: current Bombardier customer, E-Jets are great but could be swapped out in a trade and Bombardier desperately needs the order following orders from SWISS, Air Canada, airBaltic and Delta.

Plus, the C-Series is more efficient than the E175/190 and has significantly greater range for more route versatility (including transatlantic capability on thin routes). Given the lack of recent orders, I bet Flybe could get a good deal...

Again this is pure speculation, but if Flybe is still intent on protecting its current market, growing throughout Europe and possibly further afield, maybe operating a more fuel efficient and versatile airplane like the C-Series at the right price could help...

Do you work for Bombadier? who cares about what fleet they have?

Is the part time deal 5 on 5 off or 5 on 3 off? And is it available to DECs? It sounds like full time at flybe is not really sustainable anymore!

Full time isn't sustainable anywhere anymore. Unless you're in corporate.

Just a quick question on career advancement for first officers, what sort of time is needed on the Dash before you're eligible to apply for RHS on the embraer. Or what's the average time spent on it before first officers usually move over?

You are eligible to bid for a position immediately but your chances of success relies on alot of variables such as where you bid and how many people above you on the seniority list bids for the same position. I know of first officers get the position after 6 months, I also know of some first officers who've waited 6 years.

Currently EJET commands are running more or less at 9 years seniority. (as the case with me)
There's been periods in the past at which EJET commands were awarded after only 3 years seniority, as the case with the former base in INV.
Again it all depends on various variables such as attrition , direct dash replacement etc

Nobody wants to live there?

The ABZ base has been opened and closed a few times, which probably doesn't help attract people to leave their current jobs. Hence the need to dangle the carrot of an extra £500 a month.

Effectively a new Captain to ABZ jumps up the payscales higher than a lot of current Captains with more years of seniority. Way to endear yourself to your loyal employees flybe! But that's another discussion entirely :hmm:

Just been invited down to Southampton for the selection process on the 30th January. Looking forward to getting back in the saddle after a bit of a lay-off. Daring to hope. Meet all the criteria in spades except for the 10 hours in the last year. Hope this won't be a stopper.

Depends what your experience is. We've had people forwarded by CTC that have been, er, how shall I put it, rather creative about their recent and total experience and sooner, rather than later, they've been found out. DE Capt recruitment has been brought back "in house" partly for that reason, but mainly because the standard of some people has been cr@p. If you've only flown small aeroplanes, then you might be politely asked to Foxtrot Oscar, but if you've got a reasonable pedigree, then you'll probably be put forward if you pass the interview. We've had all kinds of backgrounds in the last couple of years...........!

Many thanks, Buster.

I've 6000 hrs on 747s and C-130s, relief command on the former and management captain on the latter. Getting my license back was straightforward enough, it's a bit like riding a bike although I'm not one to take things for granted. I'm also a keen flight simmer and, yes, I know the hours don't count but the checklist/flow routine is still ticking over.

I attended a Flybe roadshow for DEC and was asked how I'd feel about RHS on a Dash 8; I pointed out that our job's getting from A to B safely and that I'm there to support the operation, not to worry about status and who had the most hours. Anyway, I'm daring to hope at the moment but I'll post back after the event and pass on anything not already here for others. All the best,

In which case, I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck!!

Any current Flybe pilots able to give the lowdown on whether the rostering situation has improved? Wannabe here going for selection in a few weeks, but after hearing them described as 'worse than easyjet' I'm getting cold feet. Thanks.

I can only speak for myself when I say that I haven't seen any disruption for two months and February is looking quite light. I've had a fair bit of SBY recently and haven't been called. It'll be a hectic summer but the noises from flight ops states we should have the right number of crew for the summer.

Agreed, Jan and Feb are looking good for me.

I have heard spring and summer will be busy. If BA don't start recruitment until later this year Flybe should manage without too much disruption over the busy summer months.

Captains have been promised more Leave (35 days per annum from joining) and all dash8 pilots less block hours so things are looking brighter.

Things are supposed to improve however I'm getting overtime payments this month I'm flying so much (not working any days off) and I still have standbys left... I haven't had much disruption this winter so far though.

@MoeFreeman: Not trying to put you off just want to give another perspective. On the whole I'm quite happy here.

Overtime??