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Old 09-18-2009, 02:04 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by FlyJSH View Post
Are YOU are one of those pilots who are unwilling to risk your job to try to improve things? If so, don't whine about how nobody is willing to fix things for YOU, because YOU are part of the problem.

It's unfortunate that the FAA runs on tombstone regulation, but right now, we have a chance to have a voice if WE have the 'stones. I have contacted Mr. O'brien (have not heard back yet), but I AM willing to make a statement.

This boat we are all in is called Aviation, and it's taking on water. Grab a bucket and bail, or else don't be surprised when you drown!
Thanks for the stern lecture.

The point wasn't about ME or fixing things FOR me...........it was a simple statement of fact. Most will not do this for fear of reprisal from either their company or the FAA and that's all I was saying.

The fact you twisted that around to provide yourself an opportunity to attack ME over it, I consider pathetic. Perhaps you've got nothing to lose and can always move back with mom and dad or work for an understandable company that will allow you to publicly criticize them in the media. If so, feel free to fly your little blue goose majestically forward to move heaven an earth for the rest of us. We all need hero's and if you succeed, maybe someone will send you a red shirt with an "S" on it.
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Old 09-18-2009, 02:31 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by eaglefly View Post
Thanks for the stern lecture.

The point wasn't about ME or fixing things FOR me...........it was a simple statement of fact. Most will not do this for fear of reprisal from either their company or the FAA and that's all I was saying.

The fact you twisted that around to provide yourself an opportunity to attack ME over it, I consider pathetic. Perhaps you've got nothing to lose and can always move back with mom and dad or work for an understandable company that will allow you to publicly criticize them in the media. If so, feel free to fly your little blue goose majestically forward to move heaven an earth for the rest of us. We all need hero's and if you succeed, maybe someone will send you a red shirt with an "S" on it.
So, I guess you won't be taking advantage of this opportunity to get your story heard?
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Old 09-18-2009, 03:34 PM
  #23  
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Some responses on here highlight why the industry is so exploitative.

Somebody is offering to draw attention to the problems within a segment of the industry and yet most pilots are too gutless to come forth and become a part of the debate.

Dont complain next time your evil boss screws you or works you too hard. If you cant be bothered to help bring about change then sit in silence.

Last edited by IC ALL; 09-19-2009 at 06:34 AM. Reason: tos
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Old 09-18-2009, 03:50 PM
  #24  
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Many fine examples of us attacking each other rather than the cause of the problem.

It is no wonder we aren't respected.
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Old 09-18-2009, 04:42 PM
  #25  
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...........

Last edited by poor pilot; 09-19-2009 at 09:19 AM.
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Old 09-18-2009, 07:41 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by FlyJSH View Post
Are YOU are one of those pilots who are unwilling to risk your job to try to improve things? If so, don't whine about how nobody is willing to fix things for YOU, because YOU are part of the problem.

It's unfortunate that the FAA runs on tombstone regulation, but right now, we have a chance to have a voice if WE have the 'stones. I have contacted Mr. O'brien (have not heard back yet), but I AM willing to make a statement.

This boat we are all in is called Aviation, and it's taking on water. Grab a bucket and bail, or else don't be surprised when you drown!

What if they put your name out? Are you going to ask for anonymity?
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Old 09-19-2009, 05:06 AM
  #27  
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Maybe he can go to his employer and say, " Look, I'm going to spill my guts in the media about how you're treating us like crap and endangering the lives of the travelling public.............you don't have a problem with that right ?"

I'm sure his company will just say, "Sure, go right ahead".

Probably get sued for defamation. Getting fired wouldn't be as bad as the legal bills defending yourself (right or wrong). Most companies the size of even a modest regional can make an example out of dragging someone thru the legal process resulting in tens, if not hundreds of thousands of legal dollars out of pocket for them. If they got really ****ed off they could blow 100K themselves just to put you in BK and foreclosure.

Once you go down that road, you can't call a "time out" and you cannot predict where that road will take you. It may strat off looking innocent enough, but terminate in a dead end cliff without enough room to turn around.

My advice is to at least put the house in your spouses name before starting ANYTHING. At least then, you'll have a better chance of not sharing breakfast out of a paper bag with some of the less fortunate local residents.
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Old 09-19-2009, 06:51 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by milesobrien View Post
PBS Frontline is doing an hour long documentary on the airline industry post deregulation - with a focus on issues raised in the Colgan 3407 crash. We are looking for current/former regional pilots to talk with us on background on issues and concerns they have as it relates to safety. We are also looking for pilots with time in the Q400 - and we hopee - some access to a full mission sim. Please respond here or send an email to pilot/plane owner/reporter Miles O'Brien at [email protected].
Miles,

Nice to see you've landed on your feet with a respectable platform. I hope you'll be allowed to do a fair and balanced story and shed light on some of the practices that airline managers at every level use to squeeze costs until Wall Street is happy. The government and the geniuses running airlines these days have collectively turned what used to be the safe, pleasant experience of flying into an ordeal to be endured only as a last resort. I'm a retiring senior captain with a legacy carrier, and I am appalled at what has happened to our product. Passengers often ride RJ's and turbo-props where we used to fly 737's, and 737's now go where DC-10's and 747's used to. So there's a much bigger story here than just Q400 operators--they're only flying because they were the lowest bidder for a major airline contract. The ultimate responsibility for the quality of their product lies in the boardrooms of the carriers who hired them.

Looking forward to your report.
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Old 09-19-2009, 07:07 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by BeenThere View Post
Miles,

Nice to see you've landed on your feet with a respectable platform. I hope you'll be allowed to do a fair and balanced story and shed light on some of the practices that airline managers at every level use to squeeze costs until Wall Street is happy. The government and the geniuses running airlines these days have collectively turned what used to be the safe, pleasant experience of flying into an ordeal to be endured only as a last resort. I'm a retiring senior captain with a legacy carrier, and I am appalled at what has happened to our product. Passengers often ride RJ's and turbo-props where we used to fly 737's, and 737's now go where DC-10's and 747's used to. So there's a much bigger story here than just Q400 operators--they're only flying because they were the lowest bidder for a major airline contract. The ultimate responsibility for the quality of their product lies in the boardrooms of the carriers who hired them.

Looking forward to your report.
I don't think it's accurate to say there is a "quality" difference between seat 23B in a 737 and seat 6C on an RJ. Both are miserable experiences. In fact when I non-rev I seek out RJs unless there is a chance to get upgraded to first, boarding/deplaning is so much faster.

The issue isn't that "Passengers often ride RJ's and turbo-props" as you brought up, its that those planes are operated by the lowest bidders who then have to corners across the board (which you also brought up). RJs and TPs being flown by mainline pilots at respectable rates would be fantastic.

I doubt we disagree, I'm just responding to how I interpreted your post.
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Old 09-19-2009, 07:48 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by eaglefly View Post
Maybe he can go to his employer and say, " Look, I'm going to spill my guts in the media about how you're treating us like crap and endangering the lives of the travelling public.............you don't have a problem with that right ?"

I'm sure his company will just say, "Sure, go right ahead".

Probably get sued for defamation. Getting fired wouldn't be as bad as the legal bills defending yourself (right or wrong). Most companies the size of even a modest regional can make an example out of dragging someone thru the legal process resulting in tens, if not hundreds of thousands of legal dollars out of pocket for them. If they got really ****ed off they could blow 100K themselves just to put you in BK and foreclosure.

Once you go down that road, you can't call a "time out" and you cannot predict where that road will take you. It may strat off looking innocent enough, but terminate in a dead end cliff without enough room to turn around.

My advice is to at least put the house in your spouses name before starting ANYTHING. At least then, you'll have a better chance of not sharing breakfast out of a paper bag with some of the less fortunate local residents.


Eagle,

Your warnings are not falling on deaf ears. An interview is risky. (I am thinking about rewatching The Insider to drive that point home) But, now is the best time we have to get out our story.

I think the story Mr. O'Brien is seeking is, as has been said in the NTSB and congressional hearings, there are two tiers of of safety. Also, that ever decreasing fares and excessive competition have forced companies to cut cost including training or safety programs that exceed what the FAA requires.

FWIW, Mr. O'Brien has offered full anonymity (he brought it up). He also said he has been "deluged" with emails.

Good night, and good luck
Edward R Murrow
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