Spoken like someone who has never had an airline liquidate in bankruptcy under them. Ever try to navigate the minefield of living in one state, being based in another state, and the corporate HQ in another state? Ever go into the unemployment office and get the stupid look from the state worker when you try and explain this? Ever try and pay your bills while it takes three weeks for these incompetent idiots to figure this all out and get you a check? And whoever told you that you draw 60% of your last check is lying, the amount depends on the state and is usually less. The amount is based over a year and a half or two years, depending on the state. And losing 40% of a paycheck is a big deal if you are lucky enough to get 60%. Oh, then you get the certified letter from the bankruptcy attorney in the mail telling you that under the terms of the liquidation, you only have COBRA for thirty days after the company shuts down.

Since you feel so strongly about "standing up for your profession" why don't you send a resignation letter to your Chief Pilot because by working at a regional you are screwing thousands at mainline and undercutting mainline wages. By working at a regional you are setting a dangerous precedent by allowing the outsourcing of mainline flying to a regional. If enough pilots refuse to fly at regionals, mainline won't be able to outsource and the flying will go back to mainline. You should have a plan B and savings so its no problem paying off those student loans. And there's lots of hiring so you can go on and interview and find another job easily. But somehow I don't believe you are willing to "stand up for your profession" if it is your own neck and paycheck on the line.

Like I said, karma is a b***h, and I hope no one has to go through this. I have found that those who are the most vocal about "standing up for the profession" sing a very different tune when the worm turns and it is their turn to look down the barrell of the bankruptcy gun. When Delta gets finished with Pinnacoabla, Skywest/Expressjet is next to be put in its place by Mother Delta. Make no mistake, Delta caused the Comair bankrupcty and shutdown, and Delta created the situation at Pinnacle. They can take down Skywest et al too if Delta figures it is in their economic interest.

I would never be so presumptuous as to tell someone else what to do with their economic future. That is up to the Pinnacle pilots and I respect their decision, no matter what it is. I'm just glad to have a steady flying job and no longer be a part of the Pinnacoabla trainwreck. I wish everyone there the best and godspeed. There are difficult days ahead, and I hope this works out for the folks there.