Originally Posted by
SnoJet440
A huge downturn at the majors? That's been the norm since 9/11. Every other regional was hiring in droves. As were some fractionals and nationals. Yet, a pilot shortage was the last thing on the minds of Comair management. And at the same time, we were paying a $5000.00, yes that is 5 large, bonus to new hires. Hmm, seems to me when Eagle management sees a need, they find the money.
There will never be a pilot shortage to amount to the contract changes you are seeking. Management/industry will continue to shuffle work where they get the most return. No single pilot group will have enough of the flying to entertain any change. The Comair strike taught everyone that.
Even inept airline management can figure that out. Why can't you?
Because your not seeing the bigger picture, they rock bottomed it out so bad that people started flat out crashing the planes. This caused the laws to change (FTDT and 1500 hour rule). They made it such a bad industry that a handful of people are coming into this industry. Add into that the gas prices, and lack of much student loans, and the trickle keeps shrinking. You got 30,000-40,000 major airline pilots retiring in the next 20 years, many of which start over the next 3.
The last 10 years of churned up a huge storm when it comes to helping out the guys on the bottom, the current model is unsustainable. Everything goes in cycles.