For starters, deep down every pilot group thinks first of themselves, but at the same time we should all also consider what is "fair" and apply whatever "power" we as a group have to ensure that we don't allow management to cannibalize another carrier for their benefit like UPS did Challenge Air. Granted Challenge was non-union and infected with a large number of scabs, but I don't recall the union saying boo about their fate, not that they could have changed a thing. Hell...at UPS we have little real control over anything this company does, witness the abuse of the latest contract and the mountain of grievances along with the apparent malaise of the highly touted re-elected leadership regarding everything other than bringing management pilots on our seniority list. It seems to me we can't as a group even take care of our most junior members, so to expect the IPA leadership to do the "right thing" in the event of a merger strains reality to me.

As for Atlas, it sure seems to me that despite what pudknockers like Fly By Cable say or imply, they are a legitimate stand alone carrier, and that the overwhelming majority would just as soon stay that way. If they want to work here, they'll apply here, right? I don't know what most Atlas folks think about their management or their stability, but I for one aren't in the position to imply that we would be better for them. As I've said before, regarding UPS, best job I've ever had, worst people I've ever worked for. Nonetheless, I vote that Fly By Cable has now surpassed Sky High for pudknocker of the year on this board.