I applaud the recent email from Harry addressing the rumors about a retention and recruitment program along with a to-be-expected date for further info.

The vast majority of pilots here are actively seeking more lucrative opportunities, this is not news to anyone. However, what I don't believe gets conveyed on the message board is the other side of that coin. That same vast majority of pilots would stay if a few fundamental things change.

EAS has given many, me included, a lot. Quick upgrades, jet time, and a foot in the door to the corporate side of aviation. We are treated with respect in a non threatening work environment and taken care of on the road. The travel rules certainly aren't without their issues, but if anyone here says life on the road is miserable, their opinion is wrong is malicious.

But if any management is listening, please consider the following.

There is a mature group of pilots here, experienced, who want to stay. We fully understand we are not going to make American Airlines or Southwest pay rates. Economics are economics, we get it.

But 10 days of work in a row followed by half that number off is not sustainable nor is providing for a family making 80K. Sure, one can get by on such a lifestyle and compensation, but at some point one is almost forced to take another job out of dedication to family.

A couple standby days thrown into the above mention 10 changes everything. Having a day to cut the lawn, do laundry, eat dinner with the family shouldn't be a rare gift, it should be the norm. If not, the 5 days off following a rotation needs to be increased.

For the 12 year pay scale, I trust there will be mention of inflation adjustments thru-out its longevity. What ever number is next to year 12, will not be the same number in 12 years.

Retirement is another major concern of those who want to make a career here. Again, I am thankful for the match that we have now, but I'm also concerned like most Americans that I will not have enough when retirement comes. Not to mention that retirement age is only a failed medical away from being a lot sooner than planned.

Not being a publicly traded company, we have no idea except from hearing "we are financially strong" from our management how we are doing. I think I can speak for the group with this; If you are providing the schedule and compensation in line with our profits, and it is-what-it-is, I remain grateful. But if we can afford to increase the bennies here while remaining profitable, it's time.

I'd like to think if I ever had a chance to run things somewhere, someday, I would remember how it feels to be on this side. Employees are the greatest attribute to a company and should be treated with the same care and attention that we provide to our clients. There are many here that would stop filling out our logbooks if we knew the board members wanted the best for our group.

This is by far the best job I have ever had. It sucks that I'm at the end of the typical EAS pilot timeline and am speaking with other employers for opportunities to secure my future.