It's good to be a United pilot (today). . .
10-05-2016, 08:15 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 332
AWAX,
You are missing his point. The fact that over 30% of the United pilot group fly aircraft at the top tier of the pay scale is what sets UA apart from the other passenger carriers. I didn't really notice/care about this stat until two good Delta friends from college pointed it out to me. I'm not bragging about it because I had nothing to do with it. It is just the way our route network is built (I fly a 737 these days so I'm not even In that top pay catagory). It is good to have options and I'm happy for those leaving the regionals/nationals for greener pastures.
You are missing his point. The fact that over 30% of the United pilot group fly aircraft at the top tier of the pay scale is what sets UA apart from the other passenger carriers. I didn't really notice/care about this stat until two good Delta friends from college pointed it out to me. I'm not bragging about it because I had nothing to do with it. It is just the way our route network is built (I fly a 737 these days so I'm not even In that top pay catagory). It is good to have options and I'm happy for those leaving the regionals/nationals for greener pastures.
10-05-2016, 09:03 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2011
Position: 737 Captain
Posts: 374
Looking at the most recent category summary for the SFO 777 FO seat shows a bunch of 11,500ish seniority#s. Indeed, many new hires I fly with (SFO 737) are considering widebody bids in their 2nd year. Amazing times.
10-06-2016, 06:44 AM
#13
Pilot Response
Joined APC: May 2011
Position: A320 Captain
Posts: 479
Sunvox,
Things are indeed going well at the moment. But please go read the thread on the other forum about the recent management additions at UA. While I don't believe all of it and not to be a total downer; perhaps a polite devil's advocate view might provide some perspective here.
I'm sure we both remember all the angst, uncertainty, unemployment and many far worse things brought on by the last downturn in this industry. People were giddy with dollar signs in their eyes and feeling utterly immune from any potential harm. I sincerely hope that we never go near there again. It would be very prudent for all of us to realize that times are good at the moment and to temper ALL of our personal and financial decisions with the probability that things will not stay like this forever. Again, I hope I'm wrong, but I'm starting to hear more and more arrogant, ill-informed "Sunshine, Rainbows and Unicorns" hokum out on the line.
I can't dispute your facts about WB growth, pilot numbers, etc, but I hope we all realize that the buzz doesn't last and the next morning is always less pleasant.
Cheers and good luck to us all. The sun is indeed shining, so let's make hay.
p.s.
Sock it away, no boats, no Barons, no more than one beach/lake house.
Things are indeed going well at the moment. But please go read the thread on the other forum about the recent management additions at UA. While I don't believe all of it and not to be a total downer; perhaps a polite devil's advocate view might provide some perspective here.
I'm sure we both remember all the angst, uncertainty, unemployment and many far worse things brought on by the last downturn in this industry. People were giddy with dollar signs in their eyes and feeling utterly immune from any potential harm. I sincerely hope that we never go near there again. It would be very prudent for all of us to realize that times are good at the moment and to temper ALL of our personal and financial decisions with the probability that things will not stay like this forever. Again, I hope I'm wrong, but I'm starting to hear more and more arrogant, ill-informed "Sunshine, Rainbows and Unicorns" hokum out on the line.
I can't dispute your facts about WB growth, pilot numbers, etc, but I hope we all realize that the buzz doesn't last and the next morning is always less pleasant.
Cheers and good luck to us all. The sun is indeed shining, so let's make hay.
p.s.
Sock it away, no boats, no Barons, no more than one beach/lake house.
Last edited by NFLUALNFL; 10-06-2016 at 07:28 AM.
10-06-2016, 08:23 AM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Position: CA
Posts: 60
faux humble? 
Yes, I think the OP comes across as a tone deaf braggart. When you consider the basic staffing needs of any airline, the top 30% of seniority-based manpower will always find their way to the highest paying positions.
How about this: It's a great time to be at Delta, and at American, and at FedEx because the top 30% of those pilot groups are getting paid top tier rates. It's sorta "Master of the Obvious" stuff in a seniority based industry.
In the case of UAL, what prospective hires should be asking is "what's the average age of the top 30%?". Pay rates come and go, but seniority, and age are pretty static. Granted UAL is nowhere as bad as SWA or Virgin Alaska for future upgrades, but they'll swingin' gear for a good while before they ever see a wide-body left seat.
Yes, I think the OP comes across as a tone deaf braggart. When you consider the basic staffing needs of any airline, the top 30% of seniority-based manpower will always find their way to the highest paying positions.
How about this: It's a great time to be at Delta, and at American, and at FedEx because the top 30% of those pilot groups are getting paid top tier rates. It's sorta "Master of the Obvious" stuff in a seniority based industry.
In the case of UAL, what prospective hires should be asking is "what's the average age of the top 30%?". Pay rates come and go, but seniority, and age are pretty static. Granted UAL is nowhere as bad as SWA or Virgin Alaska for future upgrades, but they'll swingin' gear for a good while before they ever see a wide-body left seat.
Our society has become one that if you aren't complaining about how bad you've got it, you're rude.
Good for the OP. I hope 100% of the airline makes $400 an hour and can look down at the rest of us from the top of their mountain with their arms crossed and smirks on their faces. It gives us something to chase.
10-06-2016, 08:28 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2014
Posts: 812
Respectfully, I don't think you are understanding what OP said. Delta doesn't have the same percentage of widebodies on property. While a third of our list is on widebody pay I would guess that delta's list is only 24--26% widebody. Delta has also grown their international lift with codeshares instead of bringing that widebody flying in house. I don't think he was gloating but it is something to look at for potential newhires.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
