Originally Posted by
GoodJet
I watched all that from the corporate side. The part no one is talking about is where the bottom of the list FOs go. In 2008 lots of them went to my employer and asked to do my job for less money. There was no union to protect us from the horde of furloughed airline guys. Lots of them got hired and earned their terrible reputations. Now it’s extremely problematic for an airline pilot to move to corporate. “Airline pilot stink” is very, very real.
What I don’t understand is how this little tale of yours is any kind of inspiration to relax. I’m pointing out this will likely happen again. Even without an economic catalyst. At an airline with little to no growth backwards seniority movement is a 5 year plus ordeal. Add in an economic calamity and it will be much worse.
The inspiration to relax is is this......... Whether you realize it or not, you have a really good job at a good airline that has consistently paid you well and on time. You have a good contract, you have the overall seniority to have bid and held captain in a relatively short time compared to MANY other pilot's careers in the US, and can continue to hold it commuting in almost any scenario (I am guessing a little bit here, but I think I am correct). You will have your job in either the left or right seat at a really good pay rate for that seat as long as you choose to stay at AK (all the way to 65 or earlier if you choose).
Life sucks while junior in seat.... on the engineer panel (I know, I am old
) , the right seat, or the left seat. I have been there, done that. At just over 25 years I am a little better than 50% in the left seat, concerned about the future of whether the plane I fly will be grounded forever, displacement to an aircraft I would prefer not to end my career on, and another long term training event as a commuter that I am not volunteering for. I lost three good friends three weeks ago. One of them I spent the last two months flying with. Stepped back, I am grateful to have the job and know I can help provide for my family doing something I enjoy.
Please answer this, from your hire date at AK to your award of captain seat...... How many years did that take? At a major airline.