Originally Posted by
STILL GROUNDED
Professional Pilot News: ALPA Congressional Testimony on Regional Air Carriers and Pilot Workforce Issues
Alright, I am little late to the show in regards to this but..
Maybe it's me but in reading Capt Praters' testimony it sure seems like Capt. Prater has certainly drawn a line in the sand between his support of "Majors" vs "Regionals". I am not reading much in regards to support of anything the regional airlines do. How about some testimony from Capt Prater about all the emergencies handled on a daily basis that regional pilots handle with the utmost safety and professionalism. I am not a ALPA member any more but if I were there would be some serious questions on the table. This Colgan Capt has thrown us all into a heap of crap and Prater with pitch fork in hand continues to bury us (the regional pilot) in it. Nice work Prater, if I were ALPA my dues would stop today!
I for one, (as I am certain many of you are) am a Safe, Professional pilot who has done nothing wrong. Yet now a bunch of suits with political agendas who know nothing in regards to flying airliners are going to change my life at work. And Capt. Prater and ALPA are right there with them. If the current state of the US is any indication this is not going to be for the better. Hold on boys and girls, we're going in!
Good points. However, if the objective is to improve rest rules, training, work rules, duty rules and other criteria; then using the majors as the example of how things should be everywhere is a valid and effective means to make his point. It may ruffle a few feathers at "regionals." but it sends the message clearly, in short soundbytes the press, and politicians, can absorb.