Originally Posted by UGBSM

Here is how I spent my first 7 years at Delta, starting in 1991:
2 years 727 flight engineer, probation/new hire pay.
2 1/2 years furloughed.
2 1/2 years 727 engineer B scale

16 years into my career and after Delta emerges from bankruptcy (wiping out my pension accrual), I finally get to start saving for retirement, which is five years from now. A lower ALV isn't going to help me with that.

I would loved to have spent that 7 years flying an RJ, even on reserve. But no.... instead during my furlough there was no lowering of the 75 hour cap (similar to ALV), everybody green slipped all they wanted, and worst of all captains that were retiring at 60 simply down bid to my FE seat keeping me out. They were called ROPEs (retired old pilot engineers). Also no furlough non-rev or jumpseat privilages back then. I did have paid COBRA from my fellow pilots, thank you.

I'm not whining or complaining. This career has its ups and downs and I've learned that somebody always has had it better than me and somebody always has had it worse. Often you are simply dealt the hand that you play. No matter what happens, don't be bitter or resentful. That will eat you up. Just be grateful for what you do have, not unhappy at what you don't have.

Being furloughed is a lot of stress. Try to make the best of it. Your best years are still ahead of you, God willing.

Originally Posted by Tailhookah

Great post man. I’ve been both. I’ve also been on both sides. Print, social media and texts always can come across differently dependent on how it’s written and or read. Sarcasm doesn’t come across or does humor. Many times an innocent post gets greatly mis-interpreted.

Originally Posted by FangsF15

You are so right that humor and sarcasm can easily be misunderstood in pithy, written posts. To that end. I hope I didn’t come across as dunking on you.

Originally Posted by Tailhookah

Not at all “moon river”.

Originally Posted by NuGuy

Let's not forget how some got here in the first place....not flying an RJ, with an autopilot, FMS, flight attendant, work rules and a livable wage. How about some roasting in some ratty turboprop, flying 135 rules (34 in 7, 120/mo, legal to start, legal to finish) with none of the above and no lav to boot while making $12k a year.

If we "boomers" can claim any failure, it's not preparing these guys for the reality of this business, while reminding them all most all of us have been there, we know what it's like and we're "all in" to reduce the suck as much as possible.

Originally Posted by FangsF15

Using the whole fist, doc?

Originally Posted by D B Cooper

Have you ever served time?

Originally Posted by NuGuy

If we "boomers" can claim any failure, it's not preparing these guys for the reality of this business.

Originally Posted by Tailhookah

And somehow i should be sorry for you? Hey man I am sorry you might be furloughed. Wasn’t my plan and I certainly don’t like it. But to compare stories and try to gin up sympathy will not help. It stinks. I was furloughed for almost 6 years. But it’s the way it happens. Reserve on an RJ? Sorry man. We all have our stories. Should I complain to you that I lived on an aircraft carrier? No I won’t. It was my path. If you are owed so much or looking for sympathy you are barking up the wrong tree.

Go get in a time machine. Those guys hired in 88 had it real good. But life isn’t fair and we get what we are dealt. Some complain. Sorry. I’ll hope you all get back quickly. And in the meantime I will continue to press our union not to give a penny so you have a good contract to return to. I hope it’s sooner vs later.

Originally Posted by Tailhookah

You do also realize this is a seniority based system. So you can either chase seniority or money or a combination of both. I flew with captains back in 2001 when I was hired that were flight engineers on reserve for 8-10 years on the 727. Today most recently we had 1 year probationary captains. I don’t recall more of the junior folk back then ever bringing up lower ALVs. This industry is cyclical. It’ll come back and then like I said, you’ll even be better off then my seniority will ever be.

Be happy you or I never sat side saddle for 8-10 years on reserve... 5 of that on B scale.