I use the Telex 750 (the same one that hangs in the NW 757s). It's light, works great and l've had mine since 1996, so it's very durable. Add the foam mike cover for $5 (available at the airport pilot stores) and you're good to go.

Regardless of what you choose, Marv Golden's has very good across the board prices for whatever you want.

Question for everyone:

Does anyone know of any other airline that requires their pilots to stick around the area and make gatehouse PA's?

Not trying to rekindle the war. I've never seen it and I'm just wondering.

Actually, a great and often overlooked point. Just because some people think sailing is some sort of union proxy, they think having some exchanges with him here constitute input to their reps, whereas all they've accomplished is to exercise their eloquence in front of this most receptive audience (and I mean that will all due respect to my esteemed colleagues). But if you look very closely, you will notice that, at no point was a rep actually contacted.

The only airline I know that encourages extra contact with pax is southwest. They do preface their encouragement by asking pilots and crew to only do what they are comfortable with. If humor and joke telling are not your forte than stick to canned announcements.

I think we deltoids need to step back from a poorly worded bulletin and think about the companies goal. Customer interaction and communication. Just do your own personal best and nobody will fault you. Just stop with the resumes though!! Sheesh!

As stated earlier, DCI carriers have gotten the gatehouse PA memo as well.

This is not a good idea.

Hummm. Even worse. I might have to make a call. ;)

I disagree with the requirement because it sets a bad precedent allowing management to impose work that was originally something Delta pilots would do if they felt it was needed.

The big issue here isn't inconvenience or personal disagreement with the policy. It's the principal of the matter. We get edicts every week on the manner and method of how we're to do our jobs which is to safely fly aircraft and transport passengers across the globe. We comply with the PWA, LOAs, bulletins, etc. relating to safety, FAA requirements, and efficient use of the company's resources. This PA policy does not relate to those responsibilities and duties. Furthermore, it's not a request. The terminology used is "will." As in, the "Captain (or FO if Captain desires) will make initial PA to passengers" in the gate area if there is a known delay in boarding before boarding begins.

The resolution shouldn't be "Don't do it if you don't feel like it" or some attempt to lawyer your way out of it via a physiological needs excuse. The right way to address this over-reach by management is to address it directly in a responsible manner by the organization that takes our money to represent us in regard to our work rules.

I say this not due to a fear that this opens the door for more action of this kind, yet I do see how one could make that case. For example, what's the difference between this and RA wanting to "leverage" a Delta pilot in uniform in some other manner? How about a mandate that pilots push wheelchair bound pax to their next gate when they have the time and Airserve folks are no where to be seen? Yes, we've done it before because we wanted to, but what if it were policy?

Unless they have to wear a hat, I don't see how this will enhance the "Brand". Also when I hear some of these guys make PA's when commuting it's hardly confidence inspiring. Like I tell my kids, sometimes you are better off just not saying anything.

Denzel is using the Telex 750. Good choice. I've used it for many years without any issues. I bought two of them new on Ebay for $75 each about six years ago - one is still in the plastic wrap in the box -