I'm in class on the 19th as well, and I couldn't be more excited to start. I started a a ramper and have worked my way through the ranks and into a good position in the industry. I had options just like everyone else when it came to which regional I would go to. Envoy was my number one choice, and that was even at the old pay rate. Republic didn't give me the warm fuzzy, neither did Piedmont. I wanted Envoy because I see increased potential here and that was important to me and to my family. Do I plan on waiting for the flow? As of now I don't know, but I do know that most of us do have common sense enough not to develop a "I've got my AA ticket and I'm just going to wait for my turn to board" attitude. If the flow works in my favor, well then great. If DL, 5Y, UA, or FX call first, then I will once again see what is best for myself and my family.

I make it a point to come out of my office at the airport and talk to the Envoy crews. We only get the ERJ at my airport, but it still gives me a chance to talk to the men and women who are out on the line. I'm taking a chance coming to a regional, leaving a government job with a pension, but this is my passion, and I don't think anyone with true passion will let the negative comments pull them down.

I'm sure there are things that will suck, and we'll complain, but at the end of the day I'm making a livable wage and gaining experience patrolling the friendly skies. I'm excited to get to the schoolhouse and see how it all shakes out.