Originally Posted by casual observer

I've been a co-pilot at Delta 20 years. I've been on the 777 for 9. In nine years I've gone from 40 from the bottom to about 65 from the bottom. So I've averaged about 3 seats of progression a year.

I sat out this bid. I'm happier at Delta then I've ever been. I'm conflicted about the idea of stagnating as a co-pilot although I was an instructor pilot in the military.

My problem is this: I just pulled up a schedule of a guy my seniority who's an M88A. He's worked 13 days and made 68 hours. I worked 14 and made 96. Work the math and that would be a $5000 a month pay cut for me.

I'll be honest and say I'd like to fly more. I like to takeoff and land. I like to feel like I'm important to the operation. I'd love to taxi around on the ground and I'd look better with the extra stripe and the extra shizzle on the hat.

I've got plenty of money and could do whatever I want, but here's how it sounds when I say it out loud.

"Hey, I've thought about it and I think I'm going to bid narrow body captain. The equipment is not as good. It will mean more work for me and potentially less ability to string together days off. And I'll probably make a lot less money. But, hey, I'll get to fly more and I'd love to start calling the shots." To be honest, I can't even convince myself.

For guys in my seniority, it's hard not to come to the conclusion it makes more sense to wait for a wide body left seat.

I hope everybody is doing what they want. I love Delta airlines and I've never been happier.