Originally Posted by
NoLightOff
I think it's sad that there are 5 negative comments for any productive or positive ones. Probably a lot of management guys on here. Just because ALPA is doing nothing for the regionals does not mean we can't do for ourselves. We don't need a union...we just need to unite. There's no better place than this or social media. All it takes is 10% or maybe 15% of ****ed off underpaid FO's to do you know what at the same time. I say FO's because most captains no longer care as much because they can afford warm meals every day now. I imagine if Republic did this they would have a new contract in 3 months.
Dictated, not read.
Hate to say it but if 10-15% of FOs quit then the flying will either be covered by a different company with larger planes or they will just accelerate the parking of your 50 seaters(required by scope anyway) and just downgrade captains to cover the FO slots. Too many Regional pilots are simply delusional and bury their heads deep in the sand.
Mainline got roaring drunk on 50 seaters in the post 9-11 era. It worked great til oil got expensive now they can't get rid of them fast enough. Scope won't allow all those 50 seat airplanes out there to be replaced 1-1 therefore some Regionals will shrink. A lot of airlines out there have mostly 50 seaters in their fleets (TSA, air wisconsin, SkyWest Inc., etc.) An airline like SkyWest Inc. is very likely to shrink. Just look at how many 50 seaters they have. Sorry but there is no leverage
I was one of the delusional Captains but I woke up and smelled the coffee. I got too comfy with my 14 years seniority and my cush schedule. I felt sorry for myself after I failed my Southwest interview and I got lazy. I am kicking myself for it but I am actually doing something about it. I updated my resumes, updated my logbook and sent out my apps. I also went back to school so I could have a backup plan. There will be no pilot shortage anywhere. Mainline has plenty to take from the regionals and the regionals have a lot of 50 seaters to park. The truth hurts but it is what it is. We can stomp our feet until we are blue in the face but we will never have leverage at the regionals as long as we are contractors.