What to bring to Initial

C150J

C150J

Well-Known Member
Hi all!

Besides a strong work ethic and serious attitude, what items would you consider "must-haves" for 8 weeks of initial?

Thanks!
J.
 
C150J said:
Hi all!

Besides a strong work ethic and serious attitude, what items would you consider "must-haves" for 8 weeks of initial?

Thanks!
J.
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First it won't be 8 weeks. They do indoc (2 weeks) and systems (2 weeks) together typically. Then, you'll most likely have at least a 1 week, could be as much as 4 or more, break between that and sim. I went home for my 1 week break. After the sim is another break until OE.

As far as what stuff to bring, I would bring some sort of rolley bag that you can carry a bunch of books in. I bought one at TJ Maxx for around $20, it was basically an airplane sized carry on. Also, a laptop with a wireless card. I brought a small supply of pens/pencils and highlighters, but you can buy those when you get to training if you need to.

The new-hire letter you should have gotten should detail exactly what you are required to bring. Things such as passport, medical, certs, logbook (?), a voided check (for direct deposit), if you are married and/or kids their info (ssn especially for the benefits department), drivers license (I think). Anyway, that letter should contain all of it.

Where is indoc/systems going to be held?
 
wheelsup said:
The new-hire letter you should have gotten should detail exactly what you are required to bring. Things such as passport, medical, certs, logbook (?), a voided check (for direct deposit), if you are married and/or kids their info (ssn especially for the benefits department), drivers license (I think). Anyway, that letter should contain all of it.

Where is indoc/systems going to be held?
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Thanks Wheels -

The letter we (three others got it too) received was just a "you're hired, we'll call you shortly and allow you to give two week's notice" note. It was postmarked the day after our interview. There is strong speculation that:

a) Class will start mid-late October
b) Indoc will be held in Appleton
c) Everything else in Charlotte

ALL speculation, however...

J.
 
C150J said:
Thanks Wheels -

The letter we (three others got it too) received was just a "you're hired, we'll call you shortly and allow you to give two week's notice" note. It was postmarked the day after our interview. There is strong speculation that:

a) Class will start mid-late October
b) Indoc will be held in Appleton
c) Everything else in Charlotte

ALL speculation, however...

J.
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Interesting. I received no pool letter (simply because I was to start class 5 days later) so I'm not sure. But a call to employee relations would clear up any questions. Although I would wait for the offical "offer" letter.

With indoc in appleton definately bring a laptop. And lots of warm clothes this time of year :). The budgetel (if they are still using it) is not great but it's a FREE SINGLE ROOM, unlike most places that pair you up. Comes with a microwave and small fridge. It's kinda like being back in the dorms.

I believe they put you up in the amerisuites/hyatt in CLT (aerowood). That's a decent hotel.
 
wheelsup said:
Interesting. I received no pool letter (simply because I was to start class 5 days later) so I'm not sure. But a call to employee relations would clear up any questions. Although I would wait for the offical "offer" letter.

With indoc in appleton definately bring a laptop. And lots of warm clothes this time of year :). The budgetel (if they are still using it) is not great but it's a FREE SINGLE ROOM, unlike most places that pair you up. Comes with a microwave and small fridge. It's kinda like being back in the dorms.

I believe they put you up in the amerisuites/hyatt in CLT (aerowood). That's a decent hotel.
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Thanks! What's weird is that our interview week must've started the pool, as the last group who went through started promptly on September 18th. I talked with a Captain last night and he said (as you did) that a lot left this month, so I'm assuming AWAC will continue with its "one class a month for attrition" routine. Who knows though!

The Budgetel has become a La Quinta... we stayed there for the interviews, and I certainly didn't mind it. Is the town of Appleton cool? As you know, the hotel and airport are in the "Car Dealership/Outskirts." I hear there's a college there, so stuff must go on.

J.
 
C150J said:
Is the town of Appleton cool? As you know, the hotel and airport are in the "Car Dealership/Outskirts." I hear there's a college there, so stuff must go on.

J.
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I've been stranded in Appleton before in my old life. I didn't have much time, but for a great burrito, check out a place called Panchero's:

555 North Casaloma
Appleton, WI 54913

or

3719 E. Calumet St.
Appleton, WI 54915

Beware of goofy rules as to what type of alcohol can be sold how late and in what type of stores. I recall having my heart set on a 40 oz. and got denied at a convenience store since it was "after 10pm".

Mike
 
BobDDuck said:
Better get used to it. About 95% of the hotels that regionals stay at are there.:)
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Haha nice! At least those areas are rife with restaurants (usually). Note I didn't comment on the quality of said restaurants.

- Ethan: I'm sure I'll bump into him on my commute to work in the near future, but I didn't get Mike's (that PSA FO) information... wanted to thank him for reaching out. If you happen to stumble across it, I'd like to let him know what transpired (he talked to me on my way back from my interview).
 
One tip about training: On weekends, study half the time, and relax/party with your classmates half the time. If you push yourself too hard on the weekends, you will burn yourself out big time. You NEED to make time to relax. Whether it is just time watching TV, or a Friday night at the bar telling jokes and watching sports, do SOMETHING to get your mind off training for a while. Then, be ready with a fresh mind come Monday when it all starts up again.

Just be careful, and don't party too much. If you get carried away, it can do more damage than good. You need a balance.

Good luck and congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
 
FlyChicaga said:
Just be careful, and don't party too much. If you get carried away, it can do more damage than good. You need a balance.

Good luck and congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
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I agree, but at least once, around week 2, go straight to the bar after class and get thoroughly varnished with a couple of classmates....it'll be a good cleansing of the soul. You'll remember more and be fresher than you ever have come monday.......it's the only thing that kept me going after all the intensity of the first couple weeks...:bandit:
 
There is only a tech school and UW extension in town. But there is a big mall called the Fox River mall not too far from the airport. You'd need a ride there though. Also check out the Mexican restaurant downtown, Zacateca's.
 
Appleton was great over the summer. I even went swimming in an outdoor pool.

This time of year and later? Bring lots and lots of warm clothes!!! :)

The downtown bar area is pretty happening though. At least when it was warm out :).
 
wheelsup said:
Appleton was great over the summer. I even went swimming in an outdoor pool.

This time of year and later? Bring lots and lots of warm clothes!!! :)

The downtown bar area is pretty happening though. At least when it was warm out :).
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Thanks everyone!

Wheels check your PMs in a second -- heard some news from a CA last night.
 
If I see Mike I'll let him know. He's CLT based so you may end up seeing him on the commute before I do.

One other suggestion for training... If they give you an ID badge before you head to the sim or even start your procedural traininers, try to grab a jumpseat on an out and back (I know, not much AWAC service to Appleton). Actually seeing the "real" thing/big picture helped me a whole bunch with the IPTs and the sim.
 
BobDDuck said:
If they give you an ID badge before you head to the sim or even start your procedural traininers, try to grab a jumpseat on an out and back (I know, not much AWAC service to Appleton).
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Good advice. Unless they are doing things differently from last year, we got full fledged crew badges around 1 PM the first day of indoc.
 
C150J I am just beginning my sim training with AWAC. This has been my schedule so far:
Official hire date: Aug. 6, 2006
Indoc. start date: Aug. 7, 2006
System Start date: Aug. 21, 2006
Checkride (PC): Oct. 8, 2006
IOE: Last week of Oct.
Training complete: Sometime in the 1st two weeeks of Nov.?????

Went home Sept. 1st and didn't have to come back until the 24th. My PC is scheduled for October 8th, and LOFT on the 9th. I know some guys from the class behind me will not be back until the end of Oct. and they are just finishing systems now. Not sure how the company will do things with T-giving/X-mas.

Good luck. They will send you an official invite to class detailing what to bring, how to dress, etc. Training isn't too bad, just keep up with the reading! La Quinta.... good times! :)

When all is said and done---I will have been a little under three months from start to finish. Best of luck, let me know if I can do anything to help!
 
wheelsup said:
Good advice. Unless they are doing things differently from last year, we got full fledged crew badges around 1 PM the first day of indoc.
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Now----you will get a badge when you leave Indoc. HOWEVER, travel benefits with US Airways/CASS will not go into effect for 30 days. You will be able to jumpseat around 30 days from your date of hire. They positive space you to/from MKE and then you ride in a van from MKE to ATW. Same thing with the flight to CLT. They pos. space you to MKE---you will stay in a hotel in MKE and fly out on the 5AM flight to CLT on Sat. AM.
 
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