I heard from a few buds going through new hire initials that we've had some classes who are clearly beyond our good-natured traditions of being a class elder and a class baby and walking around with the associated toys refuse to partake in this good-natured tradition. Self-deprecating humor is always meant to break the ice, and ability to partake in it shows a mature, confident individual. As if that's not enough, these fine folks refused to throw a party for the following class, and make a donation to charity with the big check hanging on the wall for every class before.

We also have a few other traditions here as well. One of those is always taking care of newhires and probationary pilots. Ever since getting off probation, if I saw a probationary pilot on the van who got split up from his captain, I always stepped up and made sure that probationary FO didn't pay for his or her meal or drinks even if perfect strangers. It was just something that we do here... another tradition of the sort. When I upgrade quite possibly next year sometime, I was really looking forward to treating new hires for drinks and meals and truly giving them a welcome that I and thousands of other pilots were given when we were new hires. Well, it seems like that era is coming to the end.

To say it is disappointing would be an understatement. We still turn down plenty of people. I sure hope our interview team stops letting people like this on the property and sends them off to Delta or American where being devoid of personality and fun is modus operandi.