Do All Airlines Prefer Trainees to Fly with Senior Captains?

Questions about airline operations can sometimes be as complex and multifaceted as the interplay between junior pilots and senior captains. On various forums, such as Quora, one might come across the inquisitive but often oversimplified question: “Do all airlines give preference to trainees to fly with senior captains?”

The answer, as you might imagine, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let's explore the intricacies of how airline training and crew pairing systems work, examining the roles of senior pilots, trainees, and the bidding process. From air traffic controllers to trainee pilots, the principle of mentorship and skill transfer is prevalent across various sectors.

Pilot Training and Mentorship

When a trainee pilot joins an airline, one of the first things they are required to do is pair up with a senior pilot, often referred to as a check airman. This mentorship is crucial, as it ensures that trainees can observe and learn from experienced professionals who possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. This pairing is not just limited to pilots; it is a fundamental practice in almost every aspect of aviation, from air traffic control (ATC) to ground operations.

Initial Operating Experience Requirements

During a trainee pilot's initial operating experience (IOE) with the airline, they must be paired with a senior pilot to complete their training. The goal is to ensure that the trainee can safely operate the aircraft under the guidance of a highly experienced and skilled crew member. This process is not only about learning the skills required to fly the aircraft but also understanding the airline's operating procedures and culture.

Crew Pairing and Bidding

After the initial training period, trainees must pass a line check before they become fully qualified line pilots. Once qualified, they enter the bidding process for their preferred routes and duties.

Crew Pairing Process: The bidding system is a fundamental aspect of airline operations, and it plays a crucial role in determining crew assignments. When the crew schedule is published, pilots, cabin crew (FAs), and flight officers (FOs) bid for their preferred lines, ranked from most to least desirable. The airline then awards the positions based on the highest seniority among the bidders on each line.

Seniority and Trips: The "best" and "worst" trips are subjective, and what one pilot might consider an ideal assignment, another might find objectionable. Some pilots prefer shorter trips, while others might have a strong preference for long haul flights. Some can even tolerate certain destinations, while others might avoid them at all costs. For example, some pilots may have a strong aversion to flying to Anchorage, Alaska, due to its remoteness and potentially harsh conditions. In contrast, some pilots might have a family or friends there and actively seek those trips.

Factors Influencing Crew Bids

Preferences and Availability: Just as different pilots have varying preferences, some may wish to fly during specific time slots when they can have more time off or avoid certain days. Some might even have personal or professional commitments that influence their bidding strategy. As a result, a trip that is largely unpopular might still be bid for by a lower seniority pilot, simply because they can hold a favored line better than those who prefer to avoid it.

Strategic Bidding: Some pilots, known as "hustlers," use their knowledge of the bidding process to maximize their earnings. By strategically bidding for unpopular lines, they can fly frequently and work the rest of the time off, allowing them to earn more and achieve their personal financial or life goals.

Conclusion

While some airlines may have specific policies regarding the pairing of trainees with senior pilots, the overall system is designed to ensure a balance between skill development and operational efficiency. However, the bidding process, which determines crew assignments, is governed by seniority and can lead to "green on green" scenarios, where all crew members are junior and undesirable lines are reserved for them.

In summary, the question of whether all airlines give preference to trainees to fly with senior captains is not a black-and-white issue. It involves a complex interplay of training, experience, and the bidding process. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for anyone seeking to work in the aviation industry or understand the intricacies of airline operations.