Let me preface my comments by saying I have zero attachment to Allegiant and have only vaguely followed the details of the event in question. I live in LAS and absorb a bit of info about Allegiant "goings on" through forced osmosis. And I once flew with GB, and later he became my boss. We've purchased fares between LAS and BLI a few times. As others have said, it's ultra low cost, and you need to keep it in context. I caught a glimpse of company "philosophy" when my daughter's flight was dispatched with a some sort of fuel system MEL that severely limited range. Stops in Medford and Fresno to make Vegas out of BLI on a clear summer day. I can only assume that was a captain who did not feel his company would stand behind him for making the right decision; aside from the risk associated with tripling the cycle count, it would be a stretch to call it "unsafe." But it was dumb. In summary, I have a pretty good idea of the atmosphere at Allegiant, but I have no interest in it's success or failure. Of course I hope it can be safely operated.

That's probably more backstory than you care for, but I want to make it clear I have no agenda. With that said, I am appalled to hear how this thing went down. I once was in a similar hot seat many years ago flying a regional turboprop. I evacuated with zero injuries on a high speed taxiway after an airborne cargo smoke warning. My chief pilot emphasized that the aircraft had a history of false warnings (which I knew) and that I should have thought it through a bit harder. Really? Explain that as it burns! Then they tried to fire me for discharging halon into the engines. Evidently this step of the Evacuation Checklist was important enough to stencil onto the yoke of the airplane. But I was told after the fact I should have used "discretion." Hmmm. That's how I was trained, it's in the ops specs signed off by the FAA - couldn't I be violated for applying my own whims to an emergency checklist? Ultimately, the CEO determined I did the right thing and fired the chief pilot instead. But for two weeks my job hung in the balance for something I thought the F/O and I handled by the book.

Fortunately my event had a better outcome, but I know what it's like to be called out when I thought I performed as required. Since I do not possess all the facts, I can't conclude with certainty that you did the right thing. But it sure appears like you used sound judgement and did what you believed to be proper. Any post-mortem will find some sort of flaw. But termination seems extreme. I've been in ALPA for nearly 25 years. I've spent more time frustrated with their bloated bureaucracy and failure to properly represent on a number of issues than I have celebrating victories. However, it's good to wake up knowing they have me covered for situations like this.

I am really disturbed to read the disparaging comments from another Allegiant pilot. Jetpartner, there will come a day you need somebody to have your back. As somebody else just pointed out, this forum is not as anonymous as some might assume. If your career aspirations extend beyond Allegiant, you're probably burning bridges before you reach them. On a more local scale, good luck retaining the trust of your F/Os. Sure, they will back you up on issues of mutual concern. But don't expect them to help out if they see you stepping off a cliff by yourself!

FlyAirJason, I'm sure there are things you should not or do not want to say on here. But if you care to, let us know how your career prospects appear after this firing. I know several pilots who have turned incidents and firings into positive interview banter. If you get the interview, have a clean training record and are personable, a lot of things can be explained. One of my friends turned a low-flying violation into an interview winner. It was all in how he told his story of hitting high tension lines and surviving, and how it as a turning point in his life. Nothing like your situation, but proof positive that willingness to talk openly and portraying your side of the story can do wonders.

Congratulations for an honorable retort to mudslinging. Best of luck to you.