Guys,

This issue is a lot more complicated than a simple "No" vote. I am pretty much a Scope hawk and have submitted a DPA card, but:

Our present Scope sucks and needs to be improved. I believe that there is presently no limit on turbro-props at any seat level as just one glaring weakness and there are others.

I think we as Pilots should only give up two things to bring the 717s onboard - Jack and Squat! If it is in the companies best interest to get them they will - end of story.

On the other hand we have to ask ourselves can we allow additional 76 seaters, say converting some to 70 to 76 seaters and still improve our scope language at the same time?

I think we can - my problem is that I do not trust our company and our union not to simply renegotiate Scope again in the future after they grow to the next Scope limit, or actually "pause" since no Scope limit has actually been more than a "pause" in growth vice an actual long term limit.

Our track record in this regard as a Union is not good. Maybe DALPA has indeed learned from past mistakes - but how do we know? How can we be guaranteed an "Ironclad" future Scope clause? And we have all seen what "force-majeur" can do in times of financial stress.

Bottom line - My personal feeling is that we could improve our Scope greatly while allowing more 76 seaters - think about , reductions in the Alaska code-share, reductions/limits in JVs, big reductions in the total number of DCI seats/percentages that we allow. All of this would be great if it wouldn't just be bargained away again in the future like other previous Scope agreements - as soon as they become limiting.

This is our conundrum and I don't know what the answer is - but I am open for suggestions.

Scoop