Sure! And in fact, that was going to be my next question to address: Most importantly, is there going to be tension/aloofness in the cockpit if people know you're from/aspiring to be in the "dark side"?

I'm actually a big union fan (at least in the realm of aviation--NATCA and ALPA ring strong messages for me). I think the treatment both controllers and pilots undergo as a result of management at certain times is despicable. I also think it's sad that many airline executives were hired from outside the airline and from non-airline backgrounds. This, perhaps, is one reason why so many airlines are failing, and not just financially. I think it takes someone intimately familiar with both the operational and managerial side of the operation--BOTH--to be able to do a management job effectively. Too many only know the management part of the equation.

Flying is my #1 passion. I don't think I would go into management if it meant my future union brothers and sisters would hate me, or if it meant having to forgo flying.

As for why management appeals to me? No, I don't like reigning over others, I'm just interested in business, too. I do want to get my MBA, and flight operations management and things like route/network capacity planning, a financial details interest me. I think doing something like that would, ideally, be a "cool" job--just not as cool as flying. And if everyone in those areas of management is evil, well, count me out.

So, it was a good point to bring up, and another bit to throw into the pot. Anyway, let the discussions roll--both about getting the jobs and this new spin! And thank you all, you're really helpful.