Airplane Geeks Podcast

Conversation with the Vice President of Flight Operations at SkyWest Airlines, including pilot applicant qualifications, training, and pay. Also, Ryanair takes aim at Google and online travel agent eDreams, an AirAsia Flight 8501 crash report, and new planes for the Blue Angels. Guest Guest Tracy Gallo is Vice President of Flight Operations with SkyWest Airlines, a regional airline headquartered in St. George, Utah and flying as United Express, Delta Connection, Alaska Airlines, and American. SkyWest serves 205 cities in 44 states, 6 Canadian provinces, Mexico, and the Bahamas with 656 aircraft and over 3, 000 pilots. We talk about employment opportunities for pilots at SkyWest, requirements for applicants, the training provided, and pay and job progression. Tracy was named to his current position in 2014, and he’s responsible for all areas of SkyWest’s flight operations, including the airline’s Flight Training and Crew Scheduling, and he oversees the development and implementation of operations policies related to safety and efficiency. Tracy joined SkyWest in 1993 as a pilot and he gained experience with the Flight Operations Department through a progression of roles, including flight instructor, simulator instructor, and check airman. As the director of Flight Training, he oversaw SkyWest Airlines’ industry-leading flight training program, and the implementation of Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) training. News Ryanair launches legal action against Google and eDreams If you perform a Web search for Ryanair, you’ll likely see a paid placement at the top of the results for Ryanair tickets sold by online travel company eDreams. Michael O’Leary thinks eDreams and Google are “deceiving consumers” and has started a legal challenge in the Irish High Court to stop the "false advertising practices." Malfunctions, Pilot Response Blamed in AirAsia Flight 8501 Crash Investigators from Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee say the crash of AirAsia Flight 8501 on December 28, 2014 while en route from Indonesia to Singapore was the result of system malfunctions, cascading electrical and rudder-system problems, and the failure of pilots to respond properly. A cracked solder joint, an electrical interruption, warnings of a rudder malfunction, and confusion in the cockpit conspired to bring the plane down. Regional Airlines Seek Reduced Minimum Pilot-Experience Mandate The Regional Airline Association is unhappy with the 1500-hour experience rule for First Officers and wants to reduce the requirement while improving training and supervision. Compass Airlines gives first-year pilots 40 percent raise Compass Airlines has agreed to a 40 percent pay raise for first-year first officers, and to provide commuting pilots with four paid hotel stays per month. The Compass fleet includes Embraer 170 and 175 regional jets flying as Delta Connection and American Eagle. America’s Most Secret Airline Now Accepting Pilot Applications Janet (Just Another Non Existent Terminal) is the secret airline that transports military and contractor employees to sensitive locations, like Area 51. It’s operated by defense contractor AECOM for the USAF, and they need a First Officer. As explained in the job posting (First Officer (Pilot) in Las Vegas Nevada United States), you’ll need a top secret government security clearance and a Boeing 737 type rating. Lawyer Is Refused Boarding on La Guardia Flight After Revolving-Door Mix-Up A Texas lawyer was viewed dimly by a Virgin America employee as the two passed through a revolving door. The lawyer was later refused boarding on his flight home. USN moves to modify Super Hornet for Blue Angels role The US Navy Blue Angels demonstration team looks to move on to a squadron of Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornets. The Australia News Desk Steve is back in the studio so the sound quality is up and so is the number of stories: AirNZ operates first ETOPS 330 flight to Buenos Aires