Originally Posted by
Flaps1check
I'm curious as to why you keep saying pilots from VX do not have degrees and could not be hired anywhere else. I have a degree, no violations, no DUI's, no failed checkrides, and nothing else on my record that would preclude from getting hired anywhere else. 95% of the guys I fly with fall into this category. The initial cadre of pilots came from, Aloha, ATA, Midwest, US Airways, Delta(early retirees), Airborne, and the military. Is it anger or frustration from your back and forth with the other poster? Or is the the general thought process of an Alaska pilot? I know these ideas get passed around as rumors and soon become know as facts. Is this the impression from Alaska pilots toward the VX pilots?
I'll try and be more diplomatic as packrat suggested. On public forums, it's easy to go over the top and let our sarcasm run wild. You have to admit that there are some VX clowns on here who can't make a case to win an argument and then resort to name calling, then label those who do not agree with them as trolls. I have a thick skin so it takes quite a bit for me to get angry or frustrated. My previous life taught me some life lessons to keep it together and stay cool when under attack.
As for your average Alaska pilot, most are standup bunch of guys and are accepting folks. I may come across as cold and blunt at times but I come from a world where brutal honesty saves lives and results in favorable outcome.
I'm aware that many VX pilots are "airline vets" and that this isn't their first gig. What I don't understand is why would a qualified airline pilot candidate choose to park at VX when there are career airlines such as the big three, FedEx & UPS, SWA and AS. I know I know, none of you VX pilots wanted anything to do with AS.
When I was separating from the military, VX wasn't even on my radar and that goes for the rest of my buds who were job searching. Everyone I knew were hired by the airlines that I listed. I can't speak for others but to me and my buds, VX was a stepping stone just like any other commuter/regional airline. I'm not biased; I'm just being honest. A few always tend to fly under the radar and get hired by the airlines that I've listed but in general, top tier candidates land jobs at those places. I also remember reading on this forum about a terminated Alaska pilot who got on with VX, which does not bode well for VX's reputation. The folks on these forums don't represent the majority but many VX folks who post on here don't come across as bit impressive either. Most can't seem to make a case for their argument and when pinned to a corner, they cry like little girls, throw a fit, and lash out with trash talk. They would be eaten alive during a debrief where I come from. There's my 2 cents.