Rob,

FWIW, I'm not a great guy. The problem is that airlines are trying to screen out guys who they never want to see on the other side of the negotiating table; guys who know that management sees them as a cost center, and not the engine of their success. In 2006 I was out of work and interviewing anywhere I could. Unfortunately, systematic discrimination against Guard and Reserve pilots was at its peak then (especially Army officers). Now, I'm too old, and have my back to the wall. Let me put my cards on the table; my only hope is to make my current job a good place to be, and have some advantage of my hard earned seniority. If young, impressionable pilots come to Southern before we get a fair contract, they only set back my goal. DON"T COME HERE! Wait a year or two until we get a good contract, then come. I promise, you are happier at your corporate/regional/banner tow/flight instructing/fish spotting/power line patrolling/sight seeing job.

A word of advice: do not interview and burn any bridges by confronting them with their lies and abuse of pilots. If you want the practice, come and interview. If you can fog a mirror, they will offer you a job. Politely, thank them, but inform them that due to family/personal/financial/whatever circumstances, you are unable to accept their offer at this time. Keep the relations cordial. You may be glad you did. A word to the wise is sufficient.

Spike