gojo

That's so easy for someone on the outside to say, then the next sentence goes something like this: Boy I hope we get some of Pinnacle's planes, I'll be able to upgrade, or I'll finally be able to hold a line. Almost every pilot (including mainline) will walk over anyone for even the slightest financial gain. There is no unity in this industry. If there were we wouldn't be seeing what we are seeing in this industry today. What Delta did to Comair is something we should all be ashamed of. It makes my blood boil when I hear of Skywest or ASA pilots boasting about getting their planes. And yes, I do realize that they are Delta's planes. Once Delta is done with Pinnacle, whatever the outcome, they'll only shift their sights to another target. It won't matter if Pinnacle is around or not.

FlyingKat

Spoken like someone who has never had an airline liquidate in bankruptcy under them. Ever try to navigate the minefield of living in one state, being based in another state, and the corporate HQ in another state? Ever go into the unemployment office and get the stupid look from the state worker when you try and explain this? Ever try and pay your bills while it takes three weeks for these incompetent idiots to figure this all out and get you a check? And whoever told you that you draw 60% of your last check is lying, the amount depends on the state and is usually less. The amount is based over a year and a half or two years, depending on the state. And losing 40% of a paycheck is a big deal if you are lucky enough to get 60%. Oh, then you get the certified letter from the bankruptcy attorney in the mail telling you that under the terms of the liquidation, you only have COBRA for thirty days after the company shuts down.

Since you feel so strongly about "standing up for your profession" why don't you send a resignation letter to your Chief Pilot because by working at a regional you are screwing thousands at mainline and undercutting mainline wages. By working at a regional you are setting a dangerous precedent by allowing the outsourcing of mainline flying to a regional. If enough pilots refuse to fly at regionals, mainline won't be able to outsource and the flying will go back to mainline. You should have a plan B and savings so its no problem paying off those student loans. And there's lots of hiring so you can go on and interview and find another job easily. But somehow I don't believe you are willing to "stand up for your profession" if it is your own neck and paycheck on the line.

Like I said, karma is a b***h, and I hope no one has to go through this. I have found that those who are the most vocal about "standing up for the profession" sing a very different tune when the worm turns and it is their turn to look down the barrell of the bankruptcy gun. When Delta gets finished with Pinnacoabla, Skywest/Expressjet is next to be put in its place by Mother Delta. Make no mistake, Delta caused the Comair bankrupcty and shutdown, and Delta created the situation at Pinnacle. They can take down Skywest et al too if Delta figures it is in their economic interest.

I would never be so presumptuous as to tell someone else what to do with their economic future. That is up to the Pinnacle pilots and I respect their decision, no matter what it is. I'm just glad to have a steady flying job and no longer be a part of the Pinnacoabla trainwreck. I wish everyone there the best and godspeed. There are difficult days ahead, and I hope this works out for the folks there.

fatsopilot

The best thing for this industry is for this to pass. Then they will come knocking at your door (where ever that is) and gut your company and then the next company. When it is all said and done anyone with any self respect will not take a regional flying gig. Only then will things start to improve.

conquestdz

Feeding a family is not a cop out...EVER!!!!!!!!! A mans obligation is always to his family first, profession somewhere after that. I highly doubt that you have kids to support, or you never would have made a statement like that. As far as having savings, have you seen what the pay regional f/o's lately. A single guy could probably live frugally and save, but if you have kids, and a mortgage on even a modest house, there is not really anything left to save after that.
I am not saying that the Pinnacle pilots should not fight, just that it is not as cut and dry for everyone as it is for you.

xj200capt

I don't want your family obligations to slip. I don't want the airline to fail. However the companies ask is so far in outer space and the repercussions of us just accepting the terms or anywhere close are really going to hurt people not working for 9e.

We either get a fair, negotiated contract that recognizes our financial contribution or the company may just not be worth saving. The pilots are being asked to give up 2/3 of the dip every year.

Mainline may not have directly hurt us but they didn't help us. Adding rates for 76 and 90 seat aircraft hurt us.

As a new Pinnacle pilot I'm struggling. I've been through this process before I want to get on with life. I'd like to say things will be all right. But I can't. There may be a few guys who would take any deal. I'm not.

I don't for a second believe that we (9e) would get all the 900's if we accepted the termsheet. If delta said that - its a lie. Delta would lose all their negotiation power to get rid of 200's. if the company believes we are keeping 140 200's they are sadly mistaken.

I would start making a backup plan if you haven't already. Thi process isn't over and it's not gotten as bad as its going to yet. Good luck to all of us.

MunkyButtr

What precedent? You obviously don't understand how the process works. The judge doesn't impose the 1113. Don't screw thousands of others because of my kids? Get over yourself. You are that kid walkin through the airport with the hair gel, back pack, and aviators. You are absolutely clueless. Savings? Must be nice that mom and dad let you stay in basement and paid off your loans for you. Entitlement generation strikes again. WOW. Yea, I'll tell my kids Santa isn't coming this year cause I gotta look out for you, RedVette. That's the problem when you let immature kids play with shiny objects. You got it all wrong bud. As if the pilots have a choice. You asking me to quit my job to prove a point? Yea, that'll show em. Tell that to the AA guys and see how long you last.

mooney

with your last sentence, I'm assuming you think we should all quit out of principle to save your job. Well then, if that happens, we don't collect our "60%"

IBPilot

This and your "we are getting Eagle's MIA flying and Comair birds show you only wish to grow your airline at the expense of others....

I thought you didn't come here for the pay, according to your first 2 quotes??

Red97Vette

I didn't come here for the pay. Your right. However if pncl mgmt gets what they are asking for it sets a new precident and low. Also xjt didn't take anyone's flying away, amr did it to eagle. Xjt didn't bid at a loss like gojet did to "steal" flying. Thanks for the research and all of my great quotes
Xjt does pay a decent wage, better than pretty much any regional, yet some how we still can get flying. Maybe a decent management team is to credit?

Fly782

Hmm XJT does not have that great of pay and last I checked has a metric ton of 50 seaters. Have fun when United announces their new scope, dont think you guys are ssssssspecialer than anyone else.