No - it is not. From LOA #11:

...the Company commits to approving participation at the maximum number possible based upon maintaining operational reliability... The Company will meet with ALPA to review its operational reliability staffing limitations as they pertain to its approval for participation in the Program...

This just in: American Airlines and the union representing its pilots are close to reaching a deal on a new contract. The accord, if endorsed by the pilot union’s board next week, would give the airline much of what it wants, including more flexible work rules and the ability to use regional partners to fly larger jets, which had long been a major hurdle in previous talks with the 10,000-member Allied Pilots Association. It would also freeze the pilots’ pension plan, instead of terminating it as American initially proposed.
At the same time, the tentative contract offers the pilots some concessions, including pay raises totaling 14.8 percent over the six-year life of the agreement, a pledge not to furlough pilots and a profit-sharing plan. Pilots would also end up with an equity stake in the company once it emerged from bankruptcy, owning 13.5 percent of the “New American.”
Under the proposed contract, American estimated that its pilot costs would shrink by 17 percent, instead of the 20 percent it had initially sought.
Pilots have a strong incentive to reach a deal because they still face the prospect of much more draconian terms if they failed to agree to American’s “final offer.”
Hmmmm, concessions in work rules and more large RJ’s. Probably no cap. 14.8% over SIX years instead of 20% over three years. Maybe the no voters would prefer that contract??????

Imagine the possibilities. OK, I'm a pig!

That is correct. The amount completely depends on what the company deems as to not damage the operation. When they decide (in their sole discretion) that it's done, then it's done.

Carl

This is probably correct, but probably also irrelevant. This is one part of the TA I don't value much. First of all, we have absolutely no idea how many guys will take the bait. Secondly, the early outs don't really help us much anyway. Like the DC-9's, these guys are going out relatively soon anyway. We have been here before. If they go early, we just stagnate until we catch up. A few pilots will move up, but most of us will just remain in category a few numbers higher and then just stagnate until the stove pipe catches up.

And how does a bankrupt company apply to the world's most profitable airline? Should we worry about Kalitta's contract...maybe Evergreen? God forbid we should talk about Southwest, or UPS, or FedEx, or...

Carl

Call, Crew Planning. Not sure if they will tell you, but they have a really good idea of what they can do depending on where the requests come from for the pirp. They have fairly firm numbers for the 744A and expected as well as best case if it was from every seat in the system.

That is the best Alabama house boat I have ever seen. Is that the six or twelve volt model? ;) Party on Garth.

Touché, can’t disagree with you there. I was just highlighting our surrounding environment. Agreed, we have already done the bloodletting. It is now their turn. Unfortunately I still think going back to the table will be risky and fruitless in the current state of domestic and world affairs. Don’t misread me though. I do understand and empathize with the fight. I just seriously think this is a bad time to do so. To reiterate, except for one time which I later regretted, I have voted NO every single time on every single issue. Not this time.

P.S. This is an intrusive question/s so you certainly don’t even need to respond, but as a 744 Captain, you are the most senior of the senior’s. I’m assuming your post description is true. I would give my left nad to be a 744/777 Captain. That will never happen even though I was pretty much a run of the mill new hire. I’m not whining, and we all know that timing is everything. My first question: Are you even considering this retirement package? I have serious doubt that anyone will be interested. Depending on your age, I would think you would be one of the targeted pilots. My second question: I’m wondering why at your seniority level you aren’t a “Pull up the ladder” kind of guy. You seem to be an advocate more for the bottom rather than the top. I respect that, but I’m just curious. To me, you don’t seem like the normal super senior guy. Can you explain your position?

P.S. 2 Carl are you suggesting that we simply ignore our surroundings because we are finally profitable?

I can't be number one. Carl is senior and he's not leaving.