Delta Virtual Airlines Water Cooler | Airline Operations |
Becoming Chief Pilot |
DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
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Posted onPost created on
December 08 2005 21:20 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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I have read the promotions section of the manual and I know what you have to have but how does someone actually become chief pilot of a program. Is it who you know, or are they selected by the leaving chief pilot or what? That also goes for Senior Captiain. Put it this way, who do you need to talk with?
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA822
Senior Captain, B777-200
Joined on September 05 2002
Quincentenary Club
Million Mile Club
"I love the smell of jet fuel" Northeastern United States
589 legs, 2,254.6 hours
47 legs,
112.9 hours online 97 legs,
400.7 hours ACARS 16 legs,
39.2 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 08 2005 22:35 ET by Trevor Fenimore
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Hey Ken,
When a current Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot decides they would like to step down for whatever reason, the current staff is given first priority to apply for the position. The staff goes through the same selection criteria as everyone else, but has the option of applying before the general pilot population.
Once that phase of the selection process passes the entire airline is allowed to apply for the position. The applications are thoroughly reviewed by the senior staff, and especially Ralph Snyder (HR). They are looking for individuals who are have demonstrated their unwavering support for DVA though the water cooler, group flights, enthusiasm, and knowledge. It does not matter who you know well, because you can trust me when I say the best candidate is always chosen.
As for the Senior Captain rank, you need to be recommended by the Chief Pilot of your program to the senior staff. The same criteria as the Chief Pilot application applies here as well. You need to be dedicated to DVA, and show that you have contributed in as many ways possible.
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DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
|
Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 01:43 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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Well thanks so much for the help. I am just trying to work really hard to eventually become Chief Pilot of the L-1011 program, no to take anything away from Sander but I just really love the airplane and would love to head up a program that means so much to me.
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA1044
Senior Captain, B767-300
Joined on January 12 2003
Century Club
"Fly Delta Jets" Roswell, NM USA
127 legs, 388.8 hours
62 legs,
199.3 hours online 2 legs,
5.2 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 01:54 ET by Lloyd Arms
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Ken there are many here that have been members of this VA for years. We have the very best that are out there. Many of our pilots could be Chief Pilots for the L-1011 but will wait their turn. Right now Sander is in that position and fills it to the best of his ability and does it very well. I have to say that you need to understand this VA is not like the majority of VA's online today and that in of itself makes us special. Possibly in a few years you might attain that rank. Until then assist the members here if you feel that confident of your abilities.
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DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
|
Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 02:14 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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I am in no way trying to take away anything from anyone, I know I am not going to just step in there, I am just trying to do my part around here and help out where I can and someday maybe I will earn it.
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA2299
Captain, B767-300
Joined on April 24 2005
50 State Club
Quincentenary Club
Windsor, ON Canada
560 legs, 1,204.2 hours
16 legs,
25.2 hours online 300 legs,
596.1 hours ACARS 2 legs,
2.6 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 08:14 ET by Steve Brayford
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Ken whilst these aspirations are admirable and commendable, you have to realize that this community flourishes because of the people that dedicate their time and effort into making this VA what it is today. As a new member, hopefully, the time and effort that you put in will help shape what this VA can be tomorrow. Rank is something earned through the mutual respect and confidence of the other pilots, as well as demonstrated experience. I say enjoy that experience now and good things will come.
Most never make the senior ranks, but remember that you can still be a leader in the program of your choice by flying that airplane with pride and advertising your endeavors for all to see.
Steve BrayfordCaptain, B767-300
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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
December 09 2005 12:34 ET by Gaston Doval
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Ken,
Why not start by flying and contributing in the forum other than asking question?
All of this is in the manuals.
Cheers!
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DVA1129
Senior Captain, B757-200
E-MAIL
Joined on March 10 2003
Million Mile Club
Millennium Club
Online Six Century Club
""never ever give up"" Ardmore, OK USA
1,210 legs, 3,192.7 hours
602 legs,
1,222.0 hours online 508 legs,
1,054.6 hours ACARS 15 legs,
27.7 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 13:37 ET by Craig Davidson
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took me a year and a half to reach Senior Captain and 2 and a half years to get where i am now. Just be patient and enjoy flying
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DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 16:02 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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Now this has gone everywhere I didn't want it to go. Gaston and Craig have made me feel stupid for asking the question when it is not real clear in the manual because I have read it a hundred times. I just wanted to know and it was a simple question. I was not expecting it tomorrow. Do not treat me like a kid, I am trying to be nice.
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA544
Senior Captain, B727-200
Joined on October 24 2001
Online Century Club
Triple Century Club
Southeastern United States
329 legs, 661.4 hours
186 legs,
368.2 hours online 47 legs,
90.0 hours ACARS 7 legs,
22.1 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 16:39 ET by Joe DeGregorio
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Ken,
No One is Flaming you...quite the opposite in fact.
I have been with this VA for a very long time,and I have held asst. Chief in the MD-88 and then on to Chief Pilot in the 727 program.
This VA is special in its own way...join some of the other VA's just to get access into their forums,and you will see what I mean..EVERYONE here has something to contribute in his or her own way.
Moving up the Ranks here requires a lot of work and dedication and loyalty.
Im sure that you will make an excellent CP for the L-1011 or any other aircraft...
Plz do not assume that Craig and Gaston are trying to make you look or feel stupid..they are not...
If you go back and re-read the posts again,look at what was wrote from a different perspective..they are giving only advice on how to achieve your Goal..not to flame you.
keep the following in mind and you will go a very long way here:
Knowleddge
Maturity
Dedication
Loyalty
Experience
If you need anything.just ask us...no one here flames other members...remember that...
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DVA1427
Senior Captain, MD-11
OLP
Joined on December 14 2003
Online Double Century Club
50 State Club
Tri-Jet Triumph
Globetrotter
Moose Club
US Capital Club
Everett 250 Club
Quincentenary Club
DVA Twenty-Year Anniversary
"Livin' in the Dog Pound!" Kannapolis, NC
558 legs, 1,984.3 hours
250 legs,
611.8 hours online 384 legs,
1,530.5 hours ACARS 38 legs,
82.7 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 16:48 ET by Lewis Gregory
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No flames here, Ken. It's a great goal to work toward. If you'd told me when I joined DVA two years ago next week that I'd end up running the 727 program, I wouldn't have believed you.
Trevor pretty much nailed the Chief Pilot/ACP selection process. It's pretty much like applying for a job in the real world, really. As for Senior Captain...it's more an acknowledgement that the recipient is a good presence here at DVA. There's no hard-and-fast rules about time with the airline, time-in-type, stage, number of flights, none of that. Senior Captains are the folks who answer people's questions, show a consistent presence in the Cooler and with their flights, and show expertise in their chosen program whether it's a CRJ or a 777.
Lewis GregorySenior Captain, MD-11
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DVA1633
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on April 17 2004
Century Club
Den Haag, Zuid-Holland NL
163 legs, 437.6 hours
2 legs,
11.5 hours online
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 17:20 ET by Sander Jordans
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Ken, they didn't treated you like a kid, they gave you the right answer to your question. don't expect to become Senior captain or Chief Pilot if your just here for a few months, heck I don't even know if you can handle the L-1011 let alone lead the program... like the other said, this VA is not like most other VA in wich you get ranks just by hours.. here at DVA the things that matter are; Skill, devotion and participation (online events, posting frequently in the water cooler etc). and what will not work is telling people you actualy want to become a chief pilot, especialy not on a forum where the current chief pilot can read it, and I make no secret from it you won't make friends this way, so think about your atitude before you want a position like mine...
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DVA2728
Captain, MD-11
E-MAIL
Joined on December 04 2005
Triple Century Club
Online Triple Century Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Tri-Jet Double Centruy CLub
Million Mile Club
"Exceeding the standard." March Air Reserve Base, CA
343 legs, 2,038.9 hours
317 legs,
1,833.0 hours online 292 legs,
1,778.6 hours ACARS 6 legs,
27.9 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 17:38 ET by Shane Olguin
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I think Chief Pilot Jordans just layed the cuts straight, Yo. Dang...
Gotta defend the thrown.
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DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 18:30 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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Well once again, I mean no one any wrong doing. I think this has gotten completely blown out of porportion. I was merely aspiring just like I would aspire to one day fly Chief Pilot for the company I work for now. That is not trying to take anything away from who is there but just making a general statement. Sander, I am sorry, I meant no offense to you or the program. I am trying to make friends, not lose them and if I have miss stated or written something that has come out wrong or like a bad attitude (which would be the last thing I would want happen) then I am truly sorry.
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA2728
Captain, MD-11
E-MAIL
Joined on December 04 2005
Triple Century Club
Online Triple Century Club
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Tri-Jet Double Centruy CLub
Million Mile Club
"Exceeding the standard." March Air Reserve Base, CA
343 legs, 2,038.9 hours
317 legs,
1,833.0 hours online 292 legs,
1,778.6 hours ACARS 6 legs,
27.9 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 09 2005 19:30 ET by Shane Olguin
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As an outsider looking into this topic, I think Nesbitt's original point has become distorted and transformed into the appearance of a greedy man with sinister designs on the boss's desk. :-) I'm quite sure that wasn't his intention however.
So it would be everyone's best interest if this topic was locked or deleted now, as any further posts on this matter would likely transform it into a flame war. Both sides made their points and to keep the holes dug at their current depths let's just stop here.
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DVA630
Senior Captain, B777-200
Joined on June 22 2002
Million Mile Club
DVA Twenty-Year Anniversary
Eight Century Club
Online Seven Century Club
Everett 250 Club
B757 100 Club
"Flightsimaroma therapy." Bainbridge, PA
873 legs, 2,775.4 hours
783 legs,
2,429.4 hours online 487 legs,
1,454.8 hours ACARS 19 legs,
64.1 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 11 2005 21:03 ET by Kenneth Rodriguez
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Well said Fritz.
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DVA043
Senior Captain, MD-11
OLP
Joined on June 10 2001
Event Half Century Club
Online Double Century Club
50 State Club
DVA Twenty-Year Anniversary
Everett 1500 Club
Bi-Millennium Club
Four Million Mile Club
"Col. Panic" Marietta, GA
2,241 legs, 8,967.3 hours
240 legs,
553.9 hours online 1,899 legs,
7,760.4 hours ACARS 75 legs,
196.3 hours event 2,277 legs, 9,102.2 hours total 91 legs dispatched, 66.4
hours
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Posted onPost created on
December 11 2005 21:35 ET by Luke Kolin
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It would be unfortunate if things got locked. I can agree with Lewis that when I joined DVA back in June of 2001, I never expected what the next four and a half years would bring. I had hoped to be the webmaster of a virtual airline that considered 100 active pilots to be the greatest possible outcome; today we have ten times as many and are literally the largest, busiest and most successful virtual airline in the world. I don't think anyone who's been with us for several years expected the DVA that we are today.
Our success has some interesting ramifications. We have an organizational structure where a staff of approximately a dozen people can more or less manage an organization of over a thousand people. There are a number of hiccups along the way and the ball gets dropped from time to time, but overall they do a fantastic job. That's a wonderful thing, but at the same time it causes some problems because we literally have a severe shortage of formal roles to place interested and capable pilots as part of our organization.
I think one of DVA's challenges in 2006 is going to be to address this in a more formal mechanism than has been done before, but the seeds of the solution are in place. We are not a group that prides itself on ranks, awards or titles - part of the Senior Captain program is recognition that the true core of Delta Virtual is our community. That's all of us. We're all part of the organization that makes this such a great place to be.
So Ken, that's for your interest and your passion. Those people who can sustain passion, interence and participation usually end up playing significant roles at some point in time.
Cheers!
Luke KolinSenior Captain, MD-11
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DVA1044
Senior Captain, B767-300
Joined on January 12 2003
Century Club
"Fly Delta Jets" Roswell, NM USA
127 legs, 388.8 hours
62 legs,
199.3 hours online 2 legs,
5.2 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 11 2005 21:56 ET by Lloyd Arms
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Well put Luke!
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DVA2724
Senior Captain, L-1011-100
Joined on December 04 2005
Million Mile Club
Seven Century Club
"Long Live the TRISTAR!!" Concord, GA USA
714 legs, 3,467.6 hours
43 legs,
80.2 hours online 466 legs,
2,709.6 hours ACARS 5 legs dispatched, 26.7
hours
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Posted onPost created on
December 12 2005 00:15 ET by Ken Nesbitt
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Well thank you for your support Luke. I am trying to be active in the water cooler where I can be, and anywhere you see me post, I will always site the fact that this airline has the best group of guys anywhere, especially the other VA's I have been too. I have just found an airline that has made me want to become a part of its infastructure unlike any others I have seen, everyone puts more into learning and helping others than it does about anything else and I believe that is a great leadership builder, especially in the real airline and pilot jobs.
And as I normally do, I have to give thanks where it is needed and I just want to thank everyone in management that I have had a question or issue with, they could not be any nicer or more helpful. You have truly earned the right to those respective positions. HAPPY FLYING!!!
Ken NesbittSenior Captain, L-1011-100
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DVA2527
Senior Captain, B737-800
Joined on August 15 2005
50 State Club
Two Million Mile Club
Quad-Millennium Club
Online Thirty Century
DVA Fifteen-Year Anniversary
Everett Tri-Millennium Club
"Flying Delta's Western Hub" Salt Lake City, UT USA
4,756 legs, 9,018.9 hours
3,506 legs,
6,710.4 hours online 4,182 legs,
7,872.3 hours ACARS 21 legs,
46.9 hours event
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Posted onPost created on
December 12 2005 00:22 ET by Joe Porter
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Hear, Hear Luke, masterfully stated for all of us DVAers; and Ken, welcome aboard, you will find this a great group of enthusiats and professionals (in the virtual air space), who like to have fun and respect for all concerned.
Joe
Joe PorterSenior Captain, B737-800
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