Airline Pilot Forums

Just got home, did I tell everyone I hate domestic trips? Too many legs, too many hub sits.

Ok, here goes the list:

1. The average NWA guy has not read the transcripts or any kind of message board or forum. They have not seen either of our SLI positions. The average NWA guy shows up, flies their trip and goes home. Most everyone I talked to just wants this over so they can get back to a normal crazy airline life.

2. Lots of heartburn about the uniform. You can give your leather jacket back to the company for a refund (the jacket will be donated to charity) but you have to turn it in this month (I think) so you will not have it this winter unless you want to keep it forever. Hats continue to be like fingernails on a blackboard. More guys are wearing their hats, but I don't know if because we're back in jackets or guys are just trying to get used to them again. The biggest jokes are over the nametags, I'm changing my name to "twenty-twenty". That way, I can be maddog twenty-twenty.

3. However, most guys have ordered the uniform........me included (even did the extra $$$ for an Abbott).

4. I didn't see any Delta guys at a Starbucks or fast food so no one kicked sand in my face. The American guys are telling me we need to kick the Delta guys butts........but they probably tell the Delta guys the opposite.

5. Listened to a Delta guy give his PA on guard last night.........I've never done that, at least on guard, so I must be smarter :D

Whats going on your guy's end?

Ferd

Luckily I was in Nice when I gave the PA on guard, so you didn't hear it. So many darn buttons on that radio.

I think most of us are the same. The vast majority don't go to the boards and are just waiting for the chips to fall.

We hate the hats too. I can say that, I'm off probation.

Just got home, did I tell everyone I hate domestic trips? Too many legs, too many hub sits.

Ok, here goes the list:

1. The average NWA guy has not read the transcripts or any kind of message board or forum. They have not seen either of our SLI positions. The average NWA guy shows up, flies their trip and goes home. Most everyone I talked to just wants this over so they can get back to a normal crazy airline life.

2. Lots of heartburn about the uniform. You can give your leather jacket back to the company for a refund (the jacket will be donated to charity) but you have to turn it in this month (I think) so you will not have it this winter unless you want to keep it forever. Hats continue to be like fingernails on a blackboard. More guys are wearing their hats, but I don't know if because we're back in jackets or guys are just trying to get used to them again. The biggest jokes are over the nametags, I'm changing my name to "twenty-twenty". That way, I can be maddog twenty-twenty.

3. However, most guys have ordered the uniform........me included (even did the extra $$$ for an Abbott).

4. I didn't see any Delta guys at a Starbucks or fast food so no one kicked sand in my face. The American guys are telling me we need to kick the Delta guys butts........but they probably tell the Delta guys the opposite.

5. Listened to a Delta guy give his PA on guard last night.........I've never done that, at least on guard, so I must be smarter :D

Whats going on your guy's end?

Ferd

Heyas Ferd,

My own experience has been somewhat similar.

Lots of heartburn about the hat. Lots of heartburn about the jackets, BUT, lots of accodates to our new chief for trying to make it right (we're being reimbursed for the jacket if you turn them in for charity).

Much amusement about the "flair". Office Space has been quoted more times that I can ever remember.

Nu

I can tell you that we are probably getting new name tags too.
Hats are the way it is. I am sure it will be a big deal. At least it will be march and you will not have to worry about the jacket for a few months.
Remember no long sleeve shirts with the summer uniform.

Much amusement about the "flair". Office Space has been quoted more times that I can ever remember. Nu

Wear all required pieces of flair on your new jacket, but only about half the Delta guys wear the brass nametags on their shirt. We're rebels. Just like Jennifer Aniston. The suits overlook that little bit of insubordination.

The suits care deeply about the hats.
They're positively anal about the hats.

http://twocrabs.blogs.com/2crabs/images/jennifer_aniston_office_space_movie_wait_1.jpg

The suits care deeply about the hats.
They're positively anal about the hats.

http://twocrabs.blogs.com/2crabs/images/jennifer_aniston_office_space_movie_wait_1.jpg

So we've been told, "they" wouldn't even discuss them being optional. But! They did roll over for slip-on shoes. You can thank us mavericks later:D

Ferd <---------Jen's fan club president. The restraining order expires later this year.

Really, I haven't even heard that. Can we have tassels?:eek:

Don't know about tassels, didn't remember seeing it in the memo. NWA never liked tassels either so I doubt it................

So we've been told, "they" wouldn't even discuss them being optional. But! They did roll over for slip-on shoes. You can thank us mavericks later:D

Ferd <---------Jen's fan club president. The restraining order expires later this year.

Mavericks? Is this that drinking game? I'm in!

But! They did roll over for slip-on shoes. You can thank us mavericks later:D



Hate to break it to you, but the last two captains I've flown with wore slip ons, so you aren't even bringing that to the table!;)

Eh, the hat complaining is way overdone in my opinion.

"They" decide what our uniform is, just wear the damn thing!

Our hat kinda reminds me of this:

http://www.colbubbie.com/ProductImages/200-299/265.jpg


If only we could get a field grey jacket with jodpuhrs, thigh-high leather boots and and that leather trench-coat...


Do I need to add TIC?



Kevin

I haven't had to worry about this in the past but after turning 40 a few years ago and having to wear the Delta hat for well over 10 years, can I get reimbursed for the Hair Club for Men? I've got a Doctor's note!

What is it with the hats man. They just look goofy on me. Like the jacket, and pants, and shirts, and .... oh crap I just realized something.:eek:

I was going to do this in a separate thread but since we are talking about bringing stuff to the table...

In about 12-18 months a lot of pilots at DAL are going to discover the joys of commuting as our comfortable little bases and aircraft are strewn across the combined hub structure. It would be better to improve our XCM policy now than after the base closures start.

How about both MECs go to RA with a joint Resolution to modify the XCM policy as follows:

Pilot going to work can reserve XCM by phone OR online 10.5 days in advance (based on noon ET)

Pilot not going to work can reserve XCM 9.5 days in advance.

Trying to combine what both sides like about their current policy. For those that don't see why a change is needed, wait until your first 13 or 14 day trip when you can't find anyone to book your ride home for you while you are on a layover in some ****hole overseas.

In addition, although DAL has a Call in Honest Policy, it sucks compared to NWA's policy. The one thing that is better in DALs policy is that your backup commute can be offline, but if you can't get to work in time for check-in/report you lose pay until you meet your trip downline. My friends at DAL tell me that is what sick leave is used for ... :D

NWAs policy is that your backup has to be online, but they will (usually) give you a positive space pass to get to your base in time for check-in even if your backup is booked full. No pay lost.

Maybe I should submit 2 resolutions to the 4th Quarter meeting.

If I write them is anyone on the DAL side be interested in taking the resolutions to a Council 44 (only DL council number I know) officer or using whatever your process is for line pilots sending a resolution to the MEC?

NWAs policy is that your backup has to be online, but they will (usually) give you a positive space pass to get to your base in time for check-in even if your backup is booked full. No pay lost.


The problem with that is a lot of of us live in cities where there is no online flights. Austin Tx to JFK had one Delta Comair flight but that goes away in Nov. JetBlue is the commuter airline. If it wasn't for them half of the JFK guys couldn't get to work(example of hyperbole).:rolleyes:

Reserving a jumpseat 10 days or 20 days or 2 days out won't help you if there are no flights or few flights with a bunch of commuters. San Antonio to ATL are always full and there are many guys vieing for those jumpseats.

With domestic capacity shrinking rapidly we will all need positive space to make our trips.

[quote=Ferd149;476325]
2. Lots of heartburn about the uniform. You can give your leather jacket back to the company for a refund (the jacket will be donated to charity) but you have to turn it in this month (I think) so you will not have it this winter unless you want to keep it forever. Hats continue to be like fingernails on a blackboard. More guys are wearing their hats, but I don't know if because we're back in jackets or guys are just trying to get used to them again. The biggest jokes are over the nametags, I'm changing my name to "twenty-twenty". That way, I can be maddog twenty-twenty.

Ferd[/quote

I've never understood the wringing hands/gnashing teeth with the hat. No, I don't like wearing it, but it's part of the Delta uniform that's been around since the beginning of time. Yes, I wear it because I knew it was part of the deal when I hired on at Delta - not because someone told me I had to. The hat issue seems to have taken on a life of it's own on every forum I visit (now this one included). I honestly think guys would sacrifice pay and quality of life issues if Delta traded them with a hat-free offer. Wear the hat, don't wear the hat, I don't care, but we've all got much more to be concerned with right now.:confused:

Hats off to that!

I'm personally quite intrigued by the leather trench-coats and the knee-high jack boots. First off let's discuss form. Nothing will gain attention and respect like watching two DAL/NWA pilots walking to the gate, in step, while listening to the sounds of the jack boots strike the tile with the leather trench-coat flowing behind us. Next is function. When performing walk-arounds in MSP and DTW between Nov-Apr., I rather think the trench-coat and jack boots will be necessary when traversing 5 foot high snow drifts and combating 45 mph winds. I think that until the Navy quits wearing the hat, then we will be stuck with it. No big deal. Been wearing hats for quite some time now.

I'm too old to be proud, the hat is a non-issue. If it's a big deal to my bosses and wearing it saves me some grief, it's easier to wear it. I'll make a stand for something I give a sh** about.

The problem with that is a lot of of us live in cities where there is no online flights. Austin Tx to JFK had one Delta Comair flight but that goes away in Nov. JetBlue is the commuter airline. If it wasn't for them half of the JFK guys couldn't get to work(example of hyperbole).:rolleyes:

Reserving a jumpseat 10 days or 20 days or 2 days out won't help you if there are no flights or few flights with a bunch of commuters. San Antonio to ATL are always full and there are many guys vieing for those jumpseats.

With domestic capacity shrinking rapidly we will all need positive space to make our trips.

And with the NWA policy they would give you a positive space on the SAT-ATL leg.

I know, it is an awesome policy.
I do not speak for anyone, but I would venture to guess that this stuff will not get looked at or dealt with until after DCC.

I like the idea though.

I've never understood the wringing hands/gnashing teeth with the hat. No, I don't like wearing it, but it's part of the Delta uniform that's been around since the beginning of time. Yes, I wear it because I knew it was part of the deal when I hired on at Delta - not because someone told me I had to. The hat issue seems to have taken on a life of it's own on every forum I visit (now this one included). I honestly think guys would sacrifice pay and quality of life issues if Delta traded them with a hat-free offer. Wear the hat, don't wear the hat, I don't care, but we've all got much more to be concerned with right now.:confused:

Jug,

Nope, no gnashing of teeth with me......I wore it when I had to, ok not in the hotel or even outside the terminal but I really am a company man, honest, no really :D.

As far as trading someting for hats optional.........not hardly.

Ferd
Company Man, no honest

I've only called in honest twice as I recall, but DFW is much easier than most places across the country to commute from. Ok, except during Mary K month....which is commuter hell!

The biggest thing the call in honest policy is, is stress reduction! I would hope that sells.

I've only called in honest twice as I recall, but DFW is much easier than most places across the country to commute from. Ok, except during Mary K month....which is commuter hell!

The biggest thing the call in honest policy is, is stress reduction! I would hope that sells.



Exactly. I commute from SoCal to MSP and, while I've never had to use the call in honest program, it makes my commute to work practically stress free. One nice thing about the joint contract, though, is that the jumpseat is protected weight-wise so if the aircraft is weight restricted due to fuel loads or weather you can still get aboard.

Hoping for an amicable SLI in the end.

Hoping for an amicable SLI in the end.

Me too but I really don't recommend the LA base especially if you end up senior to me. The traffic and the trips are terrible. Seriously though we hear there are about 250 NW pilots in SoCal. Yikes! Let me know if you need any info on scheds, QOL, etc.

The biggest jokes are over the nametag

I agree. I think the guys that have submitted their name as: "Y. Zass" and "Hugh G. Rection" are out of line. Especially you Mr. Rection!

Carl

Ferd <---------Jen's fan club president. The restraining order expires later this year.

Mine expires next year. Stalking is such a harsh term.

Carl

I agree. I think the guys that have submitted their name as: "Y. Zass" and "Hugh G. Rection" are out of line. Especially you Mr. Rection!

Carl

Wait you mean we werent supposed to use nicknames??? I just requested "Bubba" so i would fit in a little better. oh well, :p :D

Me too but I really don't recommend the LA base especially if you end up senior to me. The traffic and the trips are terrible. Seriously though we hear there are about 250 NW pilots in SoCal. Yikes! Let me know if you need any info on scheds, QOL, etc.

Same here. Of course, it's all subject to chance. But, I guess that would be a start for us becoming one big happy family. :)

I agree. I think the guys that have submitted their name as: "Y. Zass" and "Hugh G. Rection" are out of line. Especially you Mr. Rection!

Carl

ABSOLUTLY the BEST bar name tag I ever saw, was a woman IP at Randolph AFB (Auger Inn fame):

"Hellen Bed"

Tried to figure out how to turn into a man's name tag, but alas, no.

Ferd
(my name tag? No sorry maam, no last name.....like Sting or Cher, and no I'm not married why do you ask;)) heheheheheh <---dirty old figher pilot laugh

ABSOLUTLY the BEST bar name tag I ever saw, was a woman IP at Randolph AFB (Auger Inn fame):

"Hellen Bed"

Tried to figure out how to turn into a man's name tag, but alas, no.

Ferd
(my name tag? No sorry maam, no last name.....like Sting or Cher, and no I'm not married why do you ask;)) heheheheheh <---dirty old figher pilot laugh

Well, there's always Michael Hunt..."Just call me Mike". Works VERY well when paging someone in the airport.

Nu

..............;)

Nu,

That was GREAT. Sometime I'll have to do that!

NAME TAG --------------- Mike Oxard

Wait you mean we werent supposed to use nicknames??? I just requested "Bubba" so i would fit in a little better. oh well, :D

I had one ordered the other day with "Sven" on it. I've also been practicing my "Oh darn...Oh Jesus...Mother Mary & Joseph....." that way I might fit in better up north on my new commute.
Cheers
:cool::D

I had one ordered the other day with "Sven" on it. I've also been practicing my "Oh darn...Oh Jesus...Mother Mary & Joseph....." that way I might fit in better up north on my new commute.
Cheers
:cool::D

You betcha Sven, that's a heckuva deal there. :D

Carl

You betcha Sven, that's a heckuva deal there. :D

Don'tcha know!

Don't forget to call it "pop" and to dangle your participles.

For amusement, think "out loud" about how you thought "Fargo" was right on the money.

Nu

Try some hot dish while you're in town too! :)

Don't forget that you have to participate in ice fishing. The season starts next week. :)

Hey White Tail season starts soon too...

Go get that 30 point Buck!