Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler | Airline Operations |
The new guy has preferences! |
David Rogers
APPLICANT
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Posted onPost created on
March 17 2005 22:55 ET by David Rogers
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Hi all,
I'm new here and am just awaiting assignment. I know it's kind of cheeky to be so new and stating preferences (!) but I was just wondering if there was any ability to negotiate on initial type assignments.... Sorry to explain better, I havent been assigned to a programme yet but basically due to the fab complex add-ons that I have (in gorgeous Delta liveries), I have preferences...... So if I were to assigned to say a Type 2 aircraft, I'd obviously rather it was the 737-800 (or CRJ if thats type 2, maybe 1) than so I can use the fab PMDG 737NG, or the Wilco CRJ....... Being assigned to something like MD-88 would be a disaster as it's one of the few aircrafts that I don't yet have represented in my awesome collection of add-ons.
Hope this makes sense ! Really glad to be hear at this VA, it seems VERY pro and well run..... I'm looking forward to clocking some serious commited hours with you guys!
All the best,
David (Newcastle, UK)
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DVA601
Senior Captain, B757-200
Joined on June 13 2002
Online Century Club
Triple Century Club
Northeastern United States
380 legs, 833.2 hours
120 legs,
215.9 hours online 120 legs,
234.5 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 02:36 ET by David Shartzer
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David,
First off, welcome aboard Delta VA. I'm sure you'll have a great time here as this is the greatest VA out there. The pilots and staff are outstanding and if you should need any help feel free to post here in the Water Cooler or contact your Chief Pilot.
Second, I would strongly recommend that you look through our extensive Document Library. There you'll find all kinds of info including aircraft operating manuals, promotion manuals, ect. Our fleet library also has an outstanding erray of downloadable aircraft and our very own ACARS system.
Lastly, even if you do get placed in, say, the MD88 Program you'll find it very easy to aquire the additional ratings or even change programs to be able to fly your favorite aircraft.
Again welcome to Delta VA.
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David Rogers
APPLICANT
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 02:50 ET by David Rogers
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Thank you for that kind welcome David.
Delta VA came well recommended to me by our crowd over at www.flyawaysimulation.com.
I think it's especially a sign at how good this VA is that it attracts people like myself who are resident in Europe. I don't believe the standard of VAs in Europe is up to those in the US yet, so hey - I'm happy to relocate and fly my hours across the fine airports of the US... !
It's funny that you replied first David as yours is the programme that I'll be aiming to get onto eventually, here at Delta - I'm a huge 767 fan and have been flying some hours in the new Level D 767 PIC prior to joining Delta.
I've been simming for some time now, and I love the complex stuff (PMDG, PSS, Flight 1, Level D, etc, etc) but up until I now I never jumped at a VA.... I researched carefully before going for Delta, as I'll be taking this seriously and making a commitment to fly some serious hours for the Airline.
I'd be so happy to get assigned to either the CRJ or 737-800 programmes initially (I dare say I'll have to show my commitment for a while first before getting into the higher programmes).... checking my emails regularly so I'll post back here like an excited kid once I get assigned !
Thanks again for the welcome !
David.
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DVA2191
Captain, B777-200
Joined on March 14 2005
"Dreams subside; Reality prevails" Western Europe
89 legs, 261.0 hours
68 legs,
203.5 hours online 49 legs,
123.7 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 05:06 ET by Matthew Niederberger
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Hi David (and David, haha that is funny....)
Welcome to Delta VA! I have just joined myself and was very happy to hear that I could join the Boeing 737-800 programme! I will be aiming to get my additional rating for the 757/767 of course but for the mean time I am very happy to jump around the states for a while, first bcause it is different from flying in Europe of course, and second of all it gives you the great chance to try out some of those great US sceneries. I am from Europe too and cannot wait to do a Trans Atlantic for DVA. I did a lot of research too before I signed up. I was in the middel of joining United Virtual.... sorry guys, when their site went offline. They will be back soon, but I guess by the luck of fate I found DVA and must say I am glad I did because I like it here! Everything is well sorted and it is very much an open community! I am staying put! I actually had a friend of mine sign up too. He wanted United VA as well, but I was able to convince him otherwise! He did the entrance exam yesterday, so I hope he can start soon too!
By the way David, the other one, just a note, the ACARS does not work if you do not have a DVA number assigned. No I did not read the manual, sorry....... but I came to my attention when trying it on my first DVA flight 2 days ago..... now I have been assigned DVA2191 as pilot code!
See you in the skies!
Matthew
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DVA2194
First Officer, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 16 2005
Western Europe
19 legs, 52.9 hours
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 05:45 ET by David Rogers
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Hi Matthew,
Great to here that you just signed up this week too ! We can watch eachother's progress in the Airline and see how we both get on. I'm envious that you've gotten onto the 737-800 programme - hopefully I'll be joining you (although I think my Hub is going to be Boston, that's what I requested in the application).
I have some Sim time this evening (in around 3 hours from time of writing, UK tim), so I was hoping to have been assigned to fly my first DVA route, but I totally appreciate how busy the guys are here and that their time managing the Airline has to be squeezed in between regular jobs and home life.
Are you using the PMDG 737-800 Matthew ? That's an amazing plane - even better with FS2Crew ! I have around 60 hours (private, non VA) time on the 737NG, so know it well..... such good handling, especially on approach....
Well good luck - oh, and like most Dutch people your English is exceptional !
Regards,
David Rogers
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DVA2194
First Officer, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 16 2005
Western Europe
19 legs, 52.9 hours
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 05:51 ET by David Rogers
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Hey WOW - I got assigned while writing the last post !
Needless to say I am absolutely delighted with my assignment ....... I'm at work now so have access only to the Internet but not my Email account, so will soon be racing home to check my email for details of my assignment / Programme...
I gave my best on the application exam - I've read about people cheating and using google, or other forums to get answers but I think what on Earth is the point on cheating no something that is Virtual !! It defeats the whole object - I mean a huge part of the VA hobby is trust ...... So I thought long and hard about the questions and spent some time describing my answers as articulately as I could - looks like I may have done ok to get this great assignment !
Really glad to be kicking off my VA career here at Delta, and will be filing my first PIREP after this evenings flight !
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DVA1267
Senior Captain, B777-200
Joined on July 09 2003
Triple Century Club
"Tactless, Understood, Right" Colorado Springs, CO USA
368 legs, 1,943.8 hours
47 legs,
192.9 hours online 54 legs,
217.2 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 05:54 ET by Matt Reamy
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David,
Welcome to DVA. I'm sure you'll enjoy your VA experience here.
While I'm sure that your post and your preferences may be taken into consideration as the staff grades and evaluates your initial entrance exam, your assignment is based entirely on how you did on your exam. The staff will evaluate your responses and they have an uncanny ability to feel you out as a pilot. That being said, I was assigned to the Stage 3 (757/767) program on my initial exam, but didn't want to be there.
Whatever program you're assigned initially, be it one you want to be in or not, I would suggest you dive right in. Read the manual for the aircraft you're assigned, located in the Document Library. Then read Pilot FAQ, Online Flying Guide, Flight Encyclopedia, and the Promotion Manual. Also if you have a specific program you want to be in other than the one you're in, read the manuals for those too, that way you can minimize the amount of time you're in a program that you'd rather not be in.
The only other option, if you're assigned to a program you'd rather not be in, is to quit. Whether or not you feel it's necessary, there are reasons for the way we do things around here. I got frustrated when I couldn't get into the program I'd rather have been in, too.
I hope to see you succeed and get what you want here at DVA. We are all here to help you advance to the level you're interested in. So I truly advise that if you don't get what you want, don't give up. There's not another VA out there that's as good as this one.
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DVA2194
First Officer, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 16 2005
Western Europe
19 legs, 52.9 hours
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 06:24 ET by David Rogers
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Thanks very much for those words Matt.
You're very right in what you say, and in order for the VA to realistically emulate real life, it should indeed be the case that you have work hard for some things.
Saying that, I've been very fortunate in getting assigned to what would probably have been my joint first choice in terms of Aircraft type / programme. It seems you're right that your assessors do have a good feel on pilot ability - on paper I came with no VA hours, however I do have hours and hours of time on all of the complex FS9 add-ons and I'm someone who is healthily obsessed with following correct and realistic procedures (CTRL+E to start an engine is not for me!).... I love my time at the gate prior to the flight, I spend a good amount of time making sure my Flight, Fuel and Load planning are all spot on before I even get into the aircraft, never mind start the APU !
Of course, like all dedicated FS enthusiasts I still have tons to learn - I still get sweat on my brow if I Disc the AP above 2000' and fly onto the Localizer and GS by hand ! .... And some landings are heavier than my virtual passengers would no doubt like !
WOW - I HAVE JUST TAKEN MY FIRST LOOK AROUND THE PILOT CENTRE AND IT IS AWESOME ! The amount of tools, info and support is phenominal.... I really feel priviliged to a pilot with this VA.
I will mainly use the Random Flight features .......... in fact that very facility has just provided me with my first Flight Assignment. I will this evening (local time) be flying:-
DVA 1207 07:30 Boston (BOS) - Atlanta (ATL)......
Look forward to catching up with you Atlanta guys in the crew room when I get down there !
Best Regards,
David.
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DVA2054
Senior Captain, B767-300
Joined on December 15 2004
Online Century Club
Double Century Club
Northeastern United States
299 legs, 1,116.9 hours
194 legs,
651.8 hours online 217 legs,
791.1 hours ACARS 14 legs,
48.5 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 07:50 ET by Andrew Dalrymple
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David,
Welcome to Delta Virtual Airlines. You should really enjoy your time here. The people are top notch and the management really care about this organization. If you need anything just shoot us a post and you should get pleanty of information back.
Hope to see you in the sky (or at least in ATL) and congratz on the baby boeing. She's a great aircraft.
Cheers,
Andrew
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DVA1892
Senior Captain, MD-11
Joined on September 13 2004
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Eurocap Club
Online Triple Century Club
White Pearl Accomplishment
Quatercentenary Club
Everett Century Club
"Fly Douglas Jets!" Buenos Aires AR
460 legs, 1,384.1 hours
336 legs,
1,086.5 hours online 271 legs,
726.6 hours ACARS 12 legs,
24.6 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 08:55 ET by Gaston Doval
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David, hi!
First of all, let me welcome you to Delta Virtual Airlines. I'd really hope you enjoy your stay with us. As you've seen, there's a great bunch here, and we try to help each other out, and make it as real as it gets. Now, for what you've been concerned about, your assignment into one of the programs.
I've seen that you've been assigned into the 757/767 program, which, at this time, is the biggest program we have. A great number of our pilots belong in there. David Schartzer and Mark Mestre (ACP and CP, respectively) do a great job dealing and managing it as they do. As already been explained by Matt Reamy, the program assignment is entirely related to how you do in your initial exam.
Whether you do good or not, you'll have a place here in DVA. And, it's not that you were going to remain in the EMB-120 or the CRJ-200 program. You have chances to move on, move up. Just like in real airlines, to move up programs we require a checkride in order to change programs. The checkride requirements vary according to the program you are aiming to get into. It's not a bad thing to fly MD-88s just because you don't have the payware version, y'know :P. I've been flying the old Mad Dog since I don't have that much money to buy the LAGO or JetCity version. And, of course saving for my beauty, favorite aircraft, king of the skies... the MD-11
You should get back into the basics and fly the excellent freeware material we provide in our fleet installers. Top of the line, really. As you see, my example... from being an MD-88 First Officer, to being a Senior Captain in the MD-11, my favorite aircraft. See how you are allowed move up?
I would recommend you read the manuals, and every piece of material there is in the Document Library, that will help you to understand how DVA works. We all abide by the rules, and we will be happy to straighten out some of them for you, if you don't understand them.
Please, feel free to post any questions, issues, suggestions here. We will try to help you out as soon as possible. As I said, we have a great bunch of helpful pilots. And I want you to be part of it, David.
You have a good one, and once again... welcome to Delta Virtual Airlines!
Cheers!
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DVA1650
Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on April 24 2004
Century Club
"The O-N-L-Y Way to Fly!" Southeastern United States
103 legs, 174.7 hours
49 legs,
94.5 hours online 2 legs,
2.1 hours ACARS 2 legs,
3.2 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 09:13 ET by Daniel Malneritch
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Everyone kinda beat me to everything, but welcome! If you got questions don't hesitate to ask!
Daniel MalneritchCaptain, L-1011-100
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DVA2191
Captain, B777-200
Joined on March 14 2005
"Dreams subside; Reality prevails" Western Europe
89 legs, 261.0 hours
68 legs,
203.5 hours online 49 legs,
123.7 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 09:26 ET by Matthew Niederberger
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hi david,
yes i fly the pmdg 737-800 and it flies like a dream. i am currently flying from MWCR (Grand Cayman) to KATL in it. did a manual departure up to 10.000ft and will do the same for the approach, looks like a 09R landing with the current winds. then it is off to KORD with a friend of mine from United Virtual. this stuff is fun!
hope you enjoy your time, i will be keeping an eye on your progress! my wish was the 767 programme, but have decided to work my way up. a challenge is always nice!
take care and see you in the skies,
matthew
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DVA2054
Senior Captain, B767-300
Joined on December 15 2004
Online Century Club
Double Century Club
Northeastern United States
299 legs, 1,116.9 hours
194 legs,
651.8 hours online 217 legs,
791.1 hours ACARS 14 legs,
48.5 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 09:28 ET by Andrew Dalrymple
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Woot! I'm currently in KMIA. Will be heading back to KATL later tonight (hopfully unless the wife wants to go to dinner etc. lol)
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DVA2194
First Officer, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 16 2005
Western Europe
19 legs, 52.9 hours
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 09:58 ET by David Rogers
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Thanks to all you guys - I've very impressed by the time taken by experienced guys to welcome new people - it's rare these days and much appreciated !
Well I have my flight plan and preparations almost done for my first DVA flight so must dash - the weather is ok in Boston right now, so may as well take advantage of that and get a good on time departure!
Best Regards,
D.
David Rogers
First Officer
B757 / 767 Fleet
DVA
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DVA2164
Captain, A320
Joined on March 04 2005
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Western United States
36 legs, 71.8 hours
21 legs,
41.0 hours online 29 legs,
55.0 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 18 2005 13:07 ET by Ronald Williams
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Wow...everyone already summed up just about everything I could think of to reply with. But I can still say "Welcome aboard" :).
Good luck on your first flight with DVA.
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DVA319
First Officer, L-1011-100
Joined on September 28 2001
Century Club
Online Century Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Noordenveld, Drenthe NL
180 legs, 324.9 hours
149 legs,
279.9 hours online 63 legs,
109.9 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 19 2005 01:27 ET by Geert Koetje
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Hey David, also...very welcome and have a good time and many happy landings.
Geert.
Geert KoetjeFirst Officer, L-1011-100
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DVA1980
Captain, MD-88
Joined on October 22 2004
Long Beach Century Club
50 State Club
Triple Century Club
DVA Ten-Year Anniversary
"Proud Maddog Captain" Hilliard, OH USA
311 legs, 569.8 hours
67 legs,
107.9 hours ACARS
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Posted onPost created on
March 19 2005 19:14 ET by David Scott
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Hi David,would also like to welcome you to DVA, this is an outstanding VA and as yo can see you will never have far to go far any answers to your questions, again Welcome.
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DVA2194
First Officer, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 16 2005
Western Europe
19 legs, 52.9 hours
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Posted onPost created on
March 20 2005 00:54 ET by David Rogers
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Thanks David - It's been an awesome welcome and I'm really enjoying feeling part of the airline / community.... The flying is going well, (90% of my pre-DVA hours were in Europe so theres a lot of new places, names and scenery to see here in the US!), and I rate the VA at 10/10 so far !
Thanks for the welcome - see you in the skies !
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