How about we start by making "RECAPTURE" the number one theme in contract negotiations going into 2012. Let's stop talking about SCOPE and start talking about RECAPTURE. What are we willing to do to recapture the flying that has been lost over the years?

Personally, I feel anything over 50 seats, or anything that flies over 300NM should be flown by mainline pilots. There will be something to give initially in order to recapture what's been lost, if it's even possible. What are WE willing to give? I don't know the answer, but I'm throwing it out there for debate.

If it's got traction, call your REPs and let them know how you feel. If this is something that we really want, then it's going to take everyone getting involved to make change happen. I believe giving up scope has been a major detriment to our industry. We've allowed regionals to fly bigger and bigger equipment over the years. This has allowed management the opportunity to whipsaw the regionals against each other. We've all seen the carnage. We've all seen the degradation of our brand. We blame ALPA. We blame the regionals. We even blame the pilots that are just trying to build their time to get to the majors (which we shouldn't).

I don't know the answer, but I really think it lies with us, the majors. We gave it up, now we need to get it back. What's it worth to you?