Originally Posted by dojetdriver

Not to take anything away from you, or ANY other F9 pilot. I have lots friends there.

But just like ANY other company that doesn't/didn't have a PIC requirement, you're hardly near the most "inexperienced" pilot there.

Originally Posted by Ratherbeoffwork

True. You shouldn't. But you also shouldn't be senior to a 10 year CA just because you fly a bus. I just hope the lists get combined with fences so we can avoid a whipsaw.

Originally Posted by JeremiahWeed

I wouldn't worry to much about that. You must realize that while we have those folks you speak off the vast majority of 07 hires and some 08 hires were hired with similiar qualifications. We are not all 23 year old spikey hair pukes. We've flown for other airlines (both Regional and Legacy), 135 Jet operators, 135 cargo operators, military, myself included.

I came to RAH in 07 and I can tell you, everyone in my class had your quals or better, myself included. Why didn't we go to a major then? I can't speak for everyone but I chose to come here b/c I live in base and being able to be at home with my family is more important than any amount of money I would have made commuting to reserve at a major.

Point being, don't look down on us just b/c we are at a "regional." What ever that word even means anymore. Yes, I knew the pay when I came here but I also knew we were going to be in contract negotiations in a few months and was hopeful things would change, and they are. While it will certainly be the debate of the century whether they are changing for the good or for worse. All depends on what side of the fence you're sitting on.

Am I happy that we are growing even if it's by purchasing 2 airlines, Yes. Am I happy about what this means to the industry, what it is doing to 2 other pilot groups, No! With that being said, you guys have to realize that what is done is done and there is no going back. Essentially, you've got 2 choices:
1) Bring you're holier than thou attitude with you when you step foot on the property and get nothing, or
2) Come with an open mind and make the best of a bad situation and put your years of experience to work obtaining a contract that is fair and equitable to all parties involved.

The choice is yours and yours alone.

Remember, we, as pilots, are not the enemy. Do yourself a favor and direct that anger where it belongs, management. If you think for one second that your attitude is going to do you any good when you get here, you're sorely mistaken. It will only serve the company's purpose to further divide the group and you think you have it bad now.

I think I speak for a vast majority of the group in the sense that we are willing to accept both groups with open arms provided you leave your attitudes at the door. As the last thing we need is another US/AW debacle!

Fly safe.

Joker