Originally Posted by acl65pilot

There are rumors running rampant that they have chosen an airframe. We shall see.

Originally Posted by gloopy

For us or for "them"?

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

My comment was aimed at dealing with the RJ issue, but first lets look at the refinery. We will see that fuel on the open market. The margin that is paid for that product will effectively zero out the crack spread that we are seeing. However you want to rationalize the books on the refinery, it will allow DAL to zero out about 1.5+ bln a year in expenses. Fuel, RJ, our restorative raises, whatever.

On the RJ issue, there are many ways to get to the end point we all want; DAL flying performed by DAL seniority listed pilots. Forcing the issue, having DAL abandon the CPA's and then pay the penalties is one. Another is a plethora of sunset type of deals where the total RJ count decreases over time, and could possibly be tail number limited. Allowing only half of the jets to be renewed under a new CPA is another. There are many more options to this issue, many of them doable, and all with the ability to pull the flying down without legal exposure to DAL.

On how the refinery helps the RJ's, yes, it could lengthen the bandwidth for DAL parking them. It also would logically take the pressure off of them trying to squeeze more large RJs out of us, and wait for the C-Series as the penalty forgiveness jet. Point is, your are right that it loosens the noose around their necks with regard to to the RJs but the effects of this will be at least a year out. DAL still at this time wants a small RJ solution. Economics are just part of it. I know I would want em gone and use the refinery profit for other things than subsidizing and airframe that cannot efficiently carry our customers.

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

Deadhead, very true. We have contract talks going on, no need for junior v senior stuff.

Originally Posted by brakechatter

Why would you get bent out of shape with the 1/10 captains who don't "do their share"?

Can you elaborate as to the standard quota of walk arounds that constitute a "share"?

This thread is starting to turn into a first officer entitlement gripe fest--when it's not operating as the commuting pilot gripe fest. It seems indicative of the people we have hired since 9/11.

I'm game.

Can I tell my stories of F/Os who show up 20 minutes prior to push on leg #1, and the first words out of their mouth are "did you do the walk around?", or perhaps those who miss a crossing restriction and then blame the "piece of ___ airplane", or the ones who can't listen to the radios on a consistent basis--as they are busy griping about their job, or the ones who cannot put together a decent descent profile--which again is the airplane's fault.

Just trying to keep it real guys. If you ain't getting your walk around or layover love, maybe you should look in the mirror, or just keep on griping anonymously--your choice.

BTW, lest somebody try the red herring--I split the walk arounds regardless of weather, I buy the beer and usually the food--when I actually have a decent layover (a rarity these days), and every so often I anonymously buy a random table's dinner in the restaurant as well.

Originally Posted by sailingfun

I suspect any airframe choice will not be announced until a contract agreement. The company will want to leverage any growth airframes in the negotiations.

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

I would assume, and I think it is a safe assumption that "we" would be flying the rumored metal.

Originally Posted by Jesse

This thread is starting to turn into a captain gripe fest about first officers--when it's not operating as a ..... ahhh, screw it.

Wow. Really?

Wonder who those F/Os learned it from to blame the airplane for not making the restriction.