newKnow

Dude,

I'm not going to burn you because you seem to have put a lot of thought and work into your analysis, but the fact that you sign an individual work agreement is not a good thing. Is there anything in there that states that they have to resign you after it terminates?

Also, your pay calculations which include upgrade increases are not a projection for the pilots that are getting hired now. They represent those who got hired 5 years ago. Upgrade times are fluid and depend on a lot of factors. In fact, the best indicator for upgrade times is when you got hired in the cycle for that airline. If you got hired early; quick upgrade. Hired late; slow upgrade.

On top of that, you are comparing your airline and its two aircraft types with other airlines with many aircraft types and pay rates. For instance, NWA is putting new hires into the back seat of the 747-200. At year 5 it looks like they would make more than one of your 5 year E-190 Captains. That's without international override, per diem, or pay at 150% for flying over 80 hrs (which you missed), ect.

I'm sure with the pace DAL is hiring they have new hires going to the 767 with the same perks and the same for United.

Anyway, I'm not on here trying to get you to move NWA or anyone else up or down. But, I just thought you should know your "numbers" were a little skewed. Ok, they a skewed a lot. Fly safe.

REAL Pilot

Another often overlooked benefit at UAL is a Company funded 16% annual B-Fund contribution plus profit sharing.

7576FO

So are you saying that SWA's in house union has no dues?

I'm sure they do.

I'm not a detractor of JetBlue. I wish them well. But aren't things changing? Isn't there a Union movement there now?

7576FO

I'm hearing so much anti union stuff on this board.
So many non-union pilots spouting how the unions have done nothing to keep managment from gutting their contracts. So was that 2% dues worth it?

Let me say this. When it comes to getting back and then some, without a Union do you think any management would just offer you a raise and benefits.
Yes, my union dues are well spent.
Just my opinion and nothing humbel about it.
7576

SkyHigh

25 Years ago TWA, Pan Am and Eastern were among the biggest names in the sky. No one here can accurately predict what the future will hold except that it will be vastly diffrent from today. The stars and strongholds of our time could easily become Ebay fodder in 10 years.

The crazy guy who pumped gas at the local FBO for minimum wage was a former Eastern Airlines Captain. He was always mumbling about how he use to make a fortune and was treated with respect.

Maybe we should bet on the dark horse?

Jim

RickJames

I think a few people already alluded to this but the best airline really depends on what your definition of successful is. If its making lots of money, then for sure a Fedex, UPS. As far as job security, I dont think that really any airline is bulletproof - maybe something along Federal/state job and perhaps Netjets would be the best IMO. Maybe successful is spending time with your family/kids and balancing flying. Personally I'd love to win the lotto, retire, and fly my own plane when I want, not when someone tells me to.

johnso29

Any idea how many a class have been going, or how many more they need? I have class on Feb 11th, just trying to figure out if I might be in it. I think I'll be the 2nd youngest in my class. Thanks