I am currently a Comair FO on the 70. I've been here for 3 1/2 years and previously worked at Mesa airlines (specifically Air Midwest) for 3 1/2 years. Seems like a common theme. Haha. Anywho, one of the reasons for the hiring at below advertised mins is that we have experienced attrition rates in excess of 1 pilot per day. In the first six months of this year, we lost 204 (close to this # at least) pilots. The reasons for the attrition are partially due to the bankruptcy process and the upcoming changes to the contract. The company is trying to take away the defined contribution plan as well as paycuts. I, as a 70 FO, would take the highest cut at 22%, while a 50 CA takes 8%, I believe. The management is trying to take this company to Mesa-like levels. Flying for multiples of carriers, at a barging basement rate. Smart business sense, but at a cost. When we first entered bankruptcy, the Pres. stated that we were doing this as a precaution...to protect us as a Delta asset. Then 2 wks later, oops, actually we lost $100 million last year, so we are broke and now we need pay cuts!

The company and union have made no headway in recent negotiations so the company is now filing an 1113 motion. If approved, this would allow the company to impose their own terms. The company doesn't necessairly have a blank slate to work with, and there are some protections, but this is NOT a good thing for the pilots.

I came to Comair because of the improvements made to the contract that these guys and gals fought for during the strike. Now...I'm on the job hunt. I have a hard time working for various companies where I am the bad guy just by trying to earn a living. This is of course my opinion. I am not trying to deter you from that next coveted step in the evolution of an airline pilot. I just wanted to shed some light on the situation here at Comair.

Good luck with the interviews.