It's amazing to me that people still talk like Mesaba has never had any hardship. Mesaba pilots have never had management try to mess with us, and we've had growth and quick upgrades for our entire 68 year history.

Know that anybody hired here before the 900's isn't losing any sleep about missing the 15th deadline. Of course we'd like to have it done but most of us senior people thought the 15th deadline was optimistic at best.

I admit I don't know what happens if the 15th pass without a contract and Phil tries to move people and planes around. Nothing I can think of is legal. However there is time.

Planes can't just start coming. There are conformity checks to make sure they have the Pinnacle standard equipment. They can't do all these planes overnight.

The pilots can't just go over because we'd de-qual cause we don't know Pinnacle procedures. Sending 600 guys to ground school would cripple the company. The best way to handle this is with a contract, SLI, agreed to FOM / POM changes that allow for a seamless transition.

A quick change from Mesaba to Pinnacle would be VERY expensive. I suspect things will stay the same and a new deadline will be made. Now is it possible for the contract to be completed by the 15th? YES. Everyone will just have to take a breath and be reasonable.

Of course I'm prejudice. I think the pilots are being reasonable (I have less possible gains than Colgan and Pinnacle). Uncle Phil can make it go on the 15th - I am just waiting patiently.