The cockpit culture at United has been incredible. I am still in awe at my first year, and how eager the captains were to involve me in decision making and treat me as an equal, not an FNG.

I think the TA was written with a lot of wisdom from past mistakes. To me the worst case is the lost income for eight months (160k to 120k for me, or furlough, depending on who you listen to). I would be incredibly surprised if anything else happens. I do not think we want to codify any mpg alterations tied to demand in our contract, but keep these as temporary TAs that the membership must ratify each time.

We will furlough next June, probably 2007 pilots at least, but a lifeline is being given for 8 months, willingly or not, and we would do well to remember to take care of the next generation of pilots who are beset by bad economic circumstances