Thanks for your well written post. But, there are several things that got my attention:
Originally Posted by CasualSax
CoATP, I was in the Jan 3 Pinnacle class, moved to the Dec 12 one, figuring let's get this started. I've heard all the negative information that's been posted here before, and some of it has me worried, but I think things are weak at a lot of places right now. And since everyone's situation is different no one can say which place will work best for you except you. The upgrade time is likely to be much shorter than previous posts would indicate; my friend has been an FO for PNCL for 1.7 yrs, is upgrading soon. I think if things go right, Pinnacle could be a very good place to be, especially if you like the bases. My biggest concern is NWA's New Co thingy. I can't believe they're really going to start a new company like Delta did when Song was obviously such a mistake. New Co would get the E170 instead of Pinnacle. So that's one growth opportunity down. But look at their stock, it has rallied nicely since the big drop when NWA announced bankruptcy. I talked to many pilots for the company, and the President and CEO myself, and I can promise that the management team will not go down without a fight. Indeed, they have been growing the company at an exceptional pace for quite some time, and if they have to fly for Delta (or DeltaWest ;-) ) or United or whoever, they'll survive. Look forward to seeing you in class or on the line.
1. First, are you on the line flying now (started last DEC) or do you start your training at Pinnacle on the 12th?
2. If you are still waiting to start training, I think you have been listening to the Pinnacle Management Propaganda.
3. My friends who are still at Pinnacle are not happy, they don't know if the company is going to be around if NW pulls the plug or dies. I had dinner with a EX-Pinnacle Capt (who is now at Polar) last week and he is so happy to be out of there. He says Pinnacle is just as bad as NW, only with less pay. NW management is always whipsawing Pinnacle, Mesaba & the mainline pilots to get the lowest cost. Not that this is any different from the other carriers.
4. The idea of 1.7 year upgrade, is just not going to happen, you are going to be stuck in the right-seat for a long time. Why do you think the F/Os are leaving? The majors are not growing, only the LLCs and they have lots of highly qualified candidates.
5. The New Co thingy (scope), is ALPA's line in the sand, the NWA mainline pilots are not going to give away jobs they already have. They will strike over scope, even if it brings down the company. There is already 39% of the pilots who were against the pay-cut, if scope is added to the list, more than half will walk.
If I were you, I would get checked out and keep applying to the others. If a better job comes along take it. The first down sizing at Pinnacle and you will be on the street. I hope to sound so negative, but this is just how things are for NWA, Mesaba & Pinnacle right now. Good Luck in your training, but keep your options open.
A disgruntled NWA Pilot.