Originally Posted by ShyGuy (Post 1189787)

True. But if I was, I'd start at $33/hr, which is about $11/hr less than what I make now. Some of those 2008 UAL furloughees came to VA and are now Captains. Quite a big difference what 4 years at United gets you (still furloughed) compared to 4 years at VA.


Not true. DP only saw that opportunity once the union's integration went south. The plan was to merge them and operate as one. When you say they don't have much a choice, that is false. US Air DID have a choice. They could have stuck with ALPA, moved on with the binding arbitration seniority list (NIC award), and then achieved the one contract that they pretty much had. Instead, they kicked ALPA out, formed USAPA, and USAPA ensured that the binding arbitration award wouldn't be accepted, and therefore a joined pilot contract would not be realized. The blame for US Air's current pay, contract, and predicament in general lies on USAPA, at least since 2008.


As already mentioned, in the playing field that exists today, it's still better than some others. For the pay year 2011/2012, VA FOs are on par with Spirit, and VA Captains years 1-7 actually make more than their counterparts at Spirit (Captain rates 1-7). It's higher than United, US Air, on par with Spirit, and lower than Delta and JetBlue. It falls right there in the middle of the pack.


You couldn't be more wrong, if only you knew my post history. Search it for yourself, and you will see I've ALWAYS chastised regional guys who argue over which regional is better. Always, and this was while I was at a regional. I assure you, my tone hasn't changed one bit regarding regionals from when I worked at one to when I left one.


It's a good company that is growing and offering jobs, while the rest of the industry is shrinking and laying off people. This year, VA and Spirit have been the only big time hiring carriers. Fedex and Alaska opened their window only for a short amount of time, but nothing close to hiring the kind of numbers VA and Spirit are going for. Even though you may not like it, 2012 is the year that two LCCs (Spirit and Virgin) have hired the most at the major/national level.


It is not hypocritical. I've always preached the same even when I was at a regional. Even back then I pointed out to all the RFPing of flying, giving Qs to non-union airline while telling us our ALPA contract would bankrupt Pinnacle, etc. I said time and time again we were pawns in managements game, and not to fall for it. There's no hypocrisy, and my post history proves that.



Are you serious? You're equating VA with Colgan? Colgan was a third-tier schmuk operation that started as being owned by a Senator. Don't take my word for it, just watch "Flying Cheap" and you will hear it for yourself. Shoddy maintenance practices, flying illegally with change of show times to stay under a 16 hr duty day, hiring low time pilots that would then get upgraded right at 1,500 hrs, putting at many times a combined experience of just 2,000 hrs in the flight deck. Colgan was a poorly run dirtbag operation, and the proof became evident after the BUF crash. Again, see "Flying Cheap" and you will see exactly what Colgan was.

More differences... VA is a stand-alone entity. It doesn't feed anyone. It doesn't bid for its flying. It has no mainline to answer to. Colgan, a non-union airline, was bought by union Pinnacle at a time Pinnacle was under contract negotiations. Then, Colgan was awarded 30 Q400s with money earned from the Pinnacle operation, and all of it was funneled to buy and grow Colgan. Those shiny planes came at the expense of every single employee at Pinnacle Airlines.

I don't even know why I'm arguing with you. The fact you'd call Branson "Sir Dick" and his "US airline" makes me think you were one of those ALPA types who filed to get VA grounded forever over foreign ownership rules. VA is a company that is owned legally by a majority controlling interest of US investors, and a minority interest by Branson himself. There's nothing wrong or illegal here. Pilots here make more than they would at United, US Air, and on par with Spirit flying the A320. We'll see what the future brings for United and US Airways. Until then, those facts still remain. And besides, shouldn't you be more concerned about why the (leaked) new payrates at Delta on the 737 are still well below Southwest? Or your scope section that may have eroded scope on 70-90 seaters? I think you have enough on your plate to worry about than to worry about "Sir Dicks" "US Airline."

Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 1189806)

I'm not worried about the mindless drivel rumors about the Delta TA. They're just that, rumors. BTW, there's another set of numbers out there that EXCEED SWA rates. And do some research please. Delta pilot scope doesnt allow scope larger then 76 seats. Justify it however you like. But you're still a hypocrite, and you're still throwing stones in glass houses.

Originally Posted by etflies (Post 1189825)

So, what's the latest on the Qs at RAH?

Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 1189806)

I'm not worried about the mindless drivel rumors about the Delta TA. They're just that, rumors. BTW, there's another set of numbers out there that EXCEED SWA rates. And do some research please. Delta pilot scope doesnt allow scope larger then 76 seats. Justify it however you like.

Originally Posted by MunkyButtr (Post 1189800)

Well, in the longest post in APC history ShyGuy finally admitted who he is. So, ShyGuy, take it to the VA threads and be gone once and for all. I'm still trying to figure out how a thread about Q400s turned into you defending VA to the death.

Originally Posted by Saabs (Post 1189881)

I hope that it will at least rival continentals (previous) scope at 50 seats. Anything over that should be a no vote regardless of pay.

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot (Post 1189957)

I'm on your side shy. This forum is pretty consistent with our country. 90% of the population has little use for facts and statistics. They spin the truth to suit their own agenda and ego. Funny how they pay zero attention to facts and try to blackball the citizens that speak reason and reality.