Dannolars, sorry to hear about your misfortune. You will be hard pressed to find many others more vocal than me about our need for additional pilots at this time. Crew coordination is backed into a corner daily due to staffing issues. We will see what happens. I'm sure Otto will agree, some of this is not just economics but also Section 6 posturing as well. I've asked around to some pilots that have quite a bit more longevity than I do, and historically the company has been quite good at honoring job offers and class dates that have been moved. I'm sure that when classes and/or interviews resume your offer will stand. Of course by then you could be long gone and flying somewhere else. Then when I get furloughed and come there, you'll be senior to me. Don't you love this industry?!

Question for the tech savvy computer geeks out there: As you FMS users know, some software programs offer suggestions for optimum/recommended/max altitude. Naturally, we attempt to abide by those and save some coins on fuel and/or time. Of course it takes into account a few variables and is fairly dynamic. Would it be possible to write a software program that continually looks at ALL the variables and presents a lateral course representation on a map display of suggested routing? Obviously the software programming for the vertical axis works fine, so it would be great to know that asking for direct XYZ would make a difference laterally without trial and error. This is poorly worded, I know. But does anyone follow me? One would surmise that coupled with ADS-B (eventually) that type of graphical depiction would save.... I dunno...money --> our jobs. Lastly, I've been scouring the news lately for any word of more pressure being put on the FAA to improve the technology of the ATC system. I figured by now the airlines would be screaming for change with oil being what it is. I don't consider capping NYC area departures an all encompassing solution, but can't find info. on what progress is being made to upgrade the system. Ahhh the things you think of while sucking down fuel in holding trying to get into EWR.