mccube5

unfortunately i feel that the ship has sailed on mainline flying these aircraft.

we need to come up with a strategy moving forward that accounts for that reality. the solution is out there, mgmt and their dirty tactics have just been a step ahead of labor for at least the last decade. the unions have absolutely no direction. they don't even know where to start right now, as they are spinning their heads fighting eachother over integration issues (AW/US, DL/NW, now the REP debacly) and fighting huge battles over grievances and all the other crazy $hit mgmt comes up with.

it's a lack of leadership from the top down.

OldSF3Dude

atpcliff- I agree. Raising standards to a 1500 hour ATP requirement would eventually have a beneficial effect for us as far as supply and demand goes (not to mention it couldn't hurt safety). I think it's a more realistic fix for our profession than an overhaul of the Railroad Labor Act. At least for the short term.

And, it's supply and demand. A good Capitalistic fix! (for those worried about "Socialism")

Other professions pretty much control the standards for entering that profession. Lawyers require law degrees, bar exams, etc. Doctors have the same sort of thing. The people in that profession have a great deal of control on the requirements of entry. I think if pilots had that sort of control, and could set the bar higher, it would be reflected in our wages and quality of life.

It sounds like Congress is going to water the 1500 hour requirement down, however.

bryris

I believe his point is just to state that everything comes down to personal responsibility. If you had a old junked up car that just kept breaking down and could only get you to your destination 50% of the time, you'd likely look into getting a new vehicle. Unless of course you just LOVED that particular car and were dead set on nursing it back to health.

There are plenty of pilots with each of these viewpoints.

For those who view this profession as a means to an end and not the end itself will most likely find greater happiness in other arenas.

It is noble to fight the good fight for the benefit of the profession. However others will just look at the state of affairs that by all accounts is worsening and make the personal decision to no longer be involved. After all, we only get so many days before the bucket needs to be kicked. Too many years hoping for something to happen could be the ultimate gamble.

For the others, the job is the end. They get to fly. Unfortunately, this "die hard" attitude will likely lead to accepting worse wages. If managements know you'll work despite most adverse conditions, they'll milk it for all its worth. In this regard, it is the folks who are genuinely willing to hang their hat that pose the greatest risk for management.

AZFlyn1

Oh Irish, you did NOT just say that!!! lol... I used to like you, but now... I'm not so sure! lol

StallFail

All the American public thinks about is the lowest fare.

Supply and demand has created the current hub-and-spoke system, and it also demands the lowest fare.

Just because you think that you are a "professional pilot" doesn't mean the American public gives a hoot. All they want is to save 1 cent on a postage stamp.

The funny thing is that they charge all of this to a damn visa card-- "just for the points."

Now, that being said-- I don't have credit cards and I feel that I should make much more than I do. But, as (what I consider to be) an intelligent man, can you really argue with basic principles of economics?

Writer

Hello Pilots: I'm a NYC freelance writer who's been hired to write a piece for a pilot magazine on the issues of poor pilot pay and how that is effecting the professional and personal lives of new and seasoned pilots. Names will be changed so that you can tell your story without worrying about repercussions. I'm looking to talk to pilots who've been in the business for years, pilots who are just starting out, and pilots who are considering getting out. We want to tell the truth about the severity of this situation, and also begin a conversation that could, perhaps, impact change within the industry, as well as within the general public. If you have a story that you'd like to share, or ideas about how to most effectively address the issues of poor pay, fatigue and safety, please contact me at [email protected]. Put "Pilot" in the subject line. Many thanks ... I look forward to hearing from you!