Hugh Betcha

To the Class of 12/1/1997,

Just got the SPA retirement emaill and it looks like to me, from the class of 97, the 28 new hires, we are the five remaining*.

That leaves Joey (the absolute funniest stand-up guy I've ever seen, with that vaudeville shtick with the prettiest girl from the audience, and actually the only stand-up guy I've seen in person because he was generous enough to waive the cover charge, and of course, I doubt any of us had a spare five bucks to get in).

Then Will, who, when I introduced myself as "Kevin", during the interview sit, he heard "Captain" and made me the arrogant BE-1900 "Captain" A-Hole of the interview class. Thanks for that Will ... although I did forgive you for your jet pilot skills and sculpted cheekbones.

Next is Larry "Sky". If you ever have the pleasure to meet Larry, you're blessed. I would trust him with my Debit Card and PIN. We teased him for his nickname because all pilots are jerks, but not him. You want him to be your friend. Trust me on that.

Next is Eric. Thank you for not beating me up in the parking lot of the Ramada the dental clinic/abortion clinic/ training center in beautiful Romulus for being a smart @ss. I was also scared of Cal and Denny, so I didn't need any additional stress. Also, sculpted cheekbones like Will's but a little "meatier", I only say that because they've waived those old charges, and I and finally got approved for my CCW. I promise I'll never mention that "Perineum" issue your AME shared with me while he violated his Hippocratic oath in public. Again. Ever.
Tony, Tony Tony:

My Dad's B-17 lost a prop governor, fell out of formation, and he spent a year in Stalag Luft III,they blew the tail off killing his best best friend (Goldie) and six others, then was forced marched to Stamlageher 7a in January 45 before Patton with his shiny helmet liberated the troops there. Had you been born earlier, and were the Captain of that plane, with the four Wright engines, I suspect you would have taken him back to Foggia instead of where he ended up. I spread his ashes from Nine -O-Nine in 2000. I know you know that tail number.

*KC.

Best pilot I've ever had the luck to know. Walked me through -9 stuff at 3 :am on at 2:am, in January in 98. In the cold plane. Wouldn't have made it without her.

CincoDeMayo

Is Tony still rocking his AOPA ball cap in the terminal? Is he still disassembling planes on a preflight? Still being an…(I’ll stop) That dude…..😕….ugh

Still have no idea what the point of this thread is. Weird doesn’t do it justice


Fun fact for some; the reason why most from 1997 are gone is because UAL was snagging our pilots way back when and many left. These 5 are still here. I’ll let you extrapolate on why that is.

Hugh Betcha

Well Cinco,

I certainly have dirty laundry, it must be nice to have clean tighty whities.

Kevin

Carl LaFong

I think the point of this thread is pretty obvious: Super senior guy is either close retirement or one of his classmates is. Taking a little walk down memory lane and sharing some thoughts about his remaining classmates. That's what people do when they are approaching the end of their carreers. You'll find out.

As to the "why" there are only five of his class left, I don't know where you were in 1997, but getting on with United wasn't as easy as you seem to think. Maybe your speculation is more of a reflection of your own self-loathing for not being at a legacy today than it is an accurate assessment of the pilot job market in 1997 and beyond.

Hugh Betcha

Well, this fell flatter than my choice of ladies. Which of course are all internet based at my age and BMI.

I was honestly just trying to say hi, and poke some fun, in a friendly and non offensive way to some guys and ladies I bonded with 20 something years ago. Made me sad some of you have the ability to be so nasty, so quickly, when you would never be like that in person. If you're going to be that nasty, at least use your own name and don't hide.

I use the employee lot, and have my pride as well. I've notoriously lost most my of encounters involving fisticuffs so that's to anyone else's benefit. But, I least did it in person, not on the internet. And while I've had my nose busted a couple times, I walked away with my pride and a a bloody shirt.

I actually appreciate other guys walking up to me , shaking my my hand, then helping me straighten out my uniform while calling me a slob or whatnot. It's happened to me more than once, and I was always grateful to not walk through terminal looking like a bigger buffoon than it seems I must present as.

I certainly didn't want to draw out anyone from behind their screen names, but I say let's tone it down on the ugliness. I've never been disappointed with any of my fellow Spirit crew, and I hope Ive never scared any of you. Too much.

Anyway, sorry for this barn fire of a thread, the Star Trek Jackets look very metro, I stand with my classmates, and I got to smoke Marlboro's with Ned, so nana nana boo boo I'm better than you too.

PHhhhhhhhhhhhaaaa!

Kevin

PS.
I got a free model airplane. Maybe you guys should start working on profit sharing this time around.

BeechedJet

I get the sentiment but that company you got hired at doesn’t exist anymore. We don’t fly the 9 anymore and people that think we still do put more grey hair on FO’s heads than the W-2 thread.

Carl LaFong

Congratulations on your retirement.

Halon1211

I appreciated your post. And yes, congratulations on retirement!!!!

Hugh Betcha

Now that's funny, and yes you better keep your eyes on us. Is this why when I say "Pumps on High, Descent Check" you all start blabbering about Baro this and that, Engine Anti-Ice on or off, then start holding that darn checklist and staring at me wanting me to say something back?

I've got a few years left, but if the new NEO's don't have tray tables I'm out.

Hugh Betcha

Not retired yet, I did get my 20 year glass shelf thingy at 23 years and got a really neat model, 25th year plane award last month on my 24th year anniversary. So to the guy that said "this isn't the same company anymore", stick around for awhile.