Crew Members Assigned to a Fleet

[nwadc10]

"I just completed my first flight in the 742 in the last roughly 200-300 flight hours...it wasn't pretty, in fact I think it was the worst flight I've conducted for GC. It got me thinking about proficiency in type which had originally crossed my mind long ago. The real world has pilots assigned to a type of aircraft which the 742 and 744 are two different type ratings. If they are type rated in both but haven't flown one type in so long (if I remember right a Proficiency Check, "PC", is required every 6 months and after a year the full training must be completed again...but I could be wrong on that one) To require that 1 pilot be assigned to 1 aircraft would take some planning but I have some ideas for it already. The fact that PMDG or RFP is required provides a challenge in that not everyone has both aircraft. Just to get an idea of what everyone thinks, what if a freeware aircraft was allowed if you are assigned to one of the types that you don't own? Or we can just make sure that you are assigned to the aircraft you have if only one is owned. The latter will become a problem as more people with only PMDG join considering RFP is no longer available for purchase. Each month I'm thinking that during the bid process you first select which type you would like to fly for that month. There would be only enough seats available on a particular type as we need so like the routes, higher seniority will get the first choice as to the type they want to fly. Routes would probably be different between types but something that would need to be looked into. I am very interested in this program because it brings us a step closer to realism but I am aware of the challenges we face in implementing such a program. The ultimate decision is up to all of you so please take the time to answer the poll. Also, add comments here as you wish whether they are reasons not to institute the program or ideas to make it work better. Justin"

[snipe]

"Unfortnately,if this is going to mandatory, the people who get 'stuck' flying a freeware aircraft (because all the slots for the type/model they own are taken up by the time they're able to bid) aren't gonna be happy going from all that functionallity and realism to what would amount to a FS default aircraft. Not to say that there aren't some great freeware aircraft out there but basically you get what you pay for. I, for one, would not be happy if I owned just the 744 and was low on the seniority list and all that were left when my bid slot opened were 742 routes. I'd then have to find a freeware 742 to fly my route(?). Oh man what a let down . As it is now, it looks like the majority of our pilots are opting to fly the 744 (old pilots and new). Although I can't be sure of this but at first glance it appears that this is the case. It also seems that every employment application I've seen since the 744F was introduced states that the only aircraft owned is the 744F and not the 742F(obviously because, as you've stated, you can't buy it anymore). In light of this, there are going to be a lot of people flying freeware because all the 744 slots are going to be taken up early on in the bidding. Yes, you could make sure that there are plenty of each to go around but that would defeat the point of type assignments because most would be flying the 744. I like the idea of type assignments. However; I think requiring a pilot to fly freeware if they don't own a specific type will make a lot of people unhappy. The only suggestion I can make is that type assignments only be mandatory if one owns both types. If you own the 742 and the 744 then you are automatically subject to type assignments. If you are not a 'dual owner' than you are not subject to this policy. Anyway, these are my thoughts."

[yoni63]

"Mark has a good point there indeed. Some of our new folks are PMDG owners, especially if they are fairly new to flight simming. Justin, the idea is a good one and I understand what you are trying to achieve from it. It makes sense, but I had the same thoughts as Mark did on the subject. I'm thinking we might want to really think on this one."

[nwadc10]

"I agree that this is a challenge...but I like challenges At this time I'm just thinking out loud and the more feedback I get the better. Right now the numbers are showing in favor of type assignments which I am taking as an interest poll. Unless we can come up with a plan to make the system work fairly it won't happen until such a time that it can be done with few problems. So, this is everyone's chance to brainstorm with us to see what can be done. Justin"

[rossspargo]

"I think having type ratings is a good idea! It will be more realistic. I love flying both the 744 and the 'classic'. It would be tricky if I were to choose between the 742 and 744! I believe that there should be an unlimited amount of positions for each aircraft. I was thinking hard about this, and came up with this idea People who only own either the 742 or 744 should get a type rating on the product they own! However, people who own both (like myself) should have to pass some kind of type rating test to claim their rating! For example, if they pass the 742 exam but fail the 744 exam, they fly the 742. But, if they pass both, they can choose their favourite aircraft! How long would the type-ratings last though? Because I dont think i could continually fly the 742 when i have the 744 aswell? Another tricky point to consider! Anyhow, thats my idea! Ross S"

[Anthony Saraceno 1464]

I think this is defintely a good idea. But for what you guys wre saying up there about the B744 routes running out. I dont think that will happen considering there are more 744 routes than 742 routes! And honestly i dont think we would actully run out of routes look at the open board flights. There are over 100 unclaimed routes every month! Also I think the freeware idea is a little lame... this is Virtual Globe Cargo!!! not some other sleezy VA that flies freeware stuff! i think if routes do run out which probubly wont happen until this VA gets rlllli big then that person who is low on seniority will just take a Atlas charter AND there are always Atlas charter flights available. just my comments

[maj]

"I'm in favor of being type rated in both if you own them. I like flying both and each type presents it's own unique challenges. And owning both and not being able to fly one when you want, well, that sucks."

[yoni63]

"I like the fact that we would ease into this. Type rating would be realistic. I don't want to put the cart before the horse but was curious if you have any ideas on how we would go about doing the check ride? Just was doing some thinking about it tonight at work and wanted to ask. Also, just a note for what it is worth, my cousin is a checkride Captain for Continental. He stated that about the only time that they will assign a different AC to a crew is when the cockpit environments are so similar that there is no room for mistake. Such as in the 757 and the 767. What I drew from the conversation was that even when type rated in two AC, if the cockpits were not very very similar, then policy would prohibit the interchanging of aircraft without some type of additional training and a checkride just for safety. Just food for thought when it comes to flying both the 742 and the 744. I know they are similar, but the cockpits are a bit different. Don't crucify me Not being negative, its just food for thought while we are brainstorming this situation. And after re reading your post Justin, I think I just re-enforced what you stated in the beginning. "

[nwadc10]

"

I like the fact that we would ease into this. Type rating would be realistic. I don't want to put the cart before the horse but was curious if you have any ideas on how we would go about doing the check ride? Just was doing some thinking about it tonight at work and wanted to ask.

I have put some thought into this a while ago, let's see if I can remember those thoughts... The type rating would begin with the systems ground school. In the real world the pilot must pass a systems test and I believe an oral exam on systems at the completion of the ground school. From there they go into the simulator to practice systems management and abnormal operations. Finally, a checkride in the sim and/or real aircraft (I need to check on when the real aircraft is used). Using that as a guide we can follow something similar. Systems ground school will be produced by flight ops though it will take quite some time to complete. After passing a systems test our virtual pilots can go either to a couple training flights with an instructor pilot (FS9 has with it an instructor panel which is used via multiplayer, FSX allows an instructor to fly along in the same plane) with a checkride to follow or right to a checkride. In either case there would most likely be a script that the instructor/check pilot will follow with regards to failures, weather, route, etc. If the performance of the pilot is satisfactory the type rating is granted. I suspect there will be some notation of that on the roster page. Keep in mind though that this is many months down the road and subject to change slightly or entirely This is just to give you an idea of the kind of thing that's going thru my mind. Justin"

[yoni63]

"Sounds good to me, also I edited my post I think while you were responding to it. "

[nwadc10]

"

Also, just a note for what it is worth, my cousin is a checkride Captain for Continental. He stated that about the only time that they will assign a different AC to a crew is when the cockpit environments are so similar that there is no room for mistake. Such as in the 757 and the 767. What I drew from the conversation was that even when type rated in two AC, if the cockpits were not very very similar, then policy would prohibit the interchanging of aircraft without some type of additional training and a checkride just for safety. Just food for thought when it comes to flying both the 742 and the 744. I know they are similar, but the cockpits are a bit different. Don't crucify me Not being negative, its just food for thought while we are brainstorming this situation. And after re reading your post Justin, I think I just re-enforced what you stated in the beginning.

Yes, if the cockpit is extremely similar as in your example one type rating is good for both aircraft though the pilot has to go thru Differences Training. That's not nearly as intense as a full type rating and is probably completed within a day. The cockpits in the 744 and 742 are *very* different Therefore there is a separate type rating for each aircraft and crews are not "interchangeable"...unless they are type rated and *current* on both models. Justin"

[cyoo eddie]

"

I just completed my first flight in the 742 in the last roughly 200-300 flight hours...it wasn't pretty

Justin that is an understatement, it is amazing how lost you can be in the 742 even after a few weeks of not flying it I like your idea of assignments and type ratings, but I am not sure how it would be implemented due to the 2 planes. Here is an idea, for those who do not have the pmdg, can a repaint be made for the default 744? And here is an even crazier idea, since rfp v2 is pretty much dead and no sales or support anymore, do you think Ralph would let the va have it and give it to new pilots of the va as freeware. We could have our own support for it on our own forum only open to registered globe pilots. If a pilot quits the va early then no support for him, making the rfp basicly useless to them. Idono, just an idea...."

[eek]

"

I just completed my first flight in the 742 in the last roughly 200-300 flight hours...it wasn't pretty

Justin that is an understatement, it is amazing how lost you can be in the 742 even after a few weeks of not flying it I like your idea of assignments and type ratings, but I am not sure how it would be implemented due to the 2 planes. Here is an idea, for those who do not have the pmdg, can a repaint be made for the default 744? And here is an even crazier idea, since rfp v2 is pretty much dead and no sales or support anymore, do you think Ralph would let the va have it and give it to new pilots of the va as freeware. We could have our own support for it on our own forum only open to registered globe pilots. If a pilot quits the va early then no support for him, making the rfp basicly useless to them. Idono, just an idea....

If you want a freeware 744, there's the iFly. It's fully modeled, like the PMDG. In fact, there are a few items the iFly models, that the PMDG doesn't. It's not bad for the money. It would be much better than using the default. They've released a second patch, plus somebody's uploaded a paint kit for it. Search for iFly in the Avsim library, if you want to have a look."

[Brogs]

"I think type-rating on both is a good idea! just done my last Bid on the 742 which I haven,t flown for a while and I think the Critique ran out of paper !! here,s a thought ,does the RFP run on FSX because if not and all GC Pilots upgrade, which will happen eventually then the old 72 will become redundant and we will all have to fly the 744, which would be a shame because the 742 certainly makes you think !! Safe Landings Mike. ps,Why isn,t the website accepting FSFK Pireps ? "

[thansson]

"What exactly is up with the FSFK PIREPs? Can you send me a note with the problems you are experiencing? Email is in the sig. Thanks,"