We agree on these points (and I think we are paraphrasing each other)... you bring up a good point that most on these boards do not appreciate, that ALPA work is a sacrifice. It costs real money to volunteer time.

My sources are those available to any line pilot, unless a client pushes open a door. I've no idea if Delta management, or our MEC has updated numbers, but reiterate the problem is developing a model which includes all of the cost factors inherent in the creation of a highly inefficient system for the net purpose of diluting our association's bargaining leverage.

When I sit down with the contracts, say for a US Air / American F4D carrier it is noted that different agreements have completely different compensation (revenue) structures. Most are created to pay the F4D carrier a reimbursement which is below their cost. Profits come from hitting bonus money for completion factor, on time and other metrics valued by the contractor. It is fascinating to go through the data to see how F4D carriers use their resources to game the system ... and sometimes how poorly that works out for the client airline and their passengers. Admittedly my models are soda straws, still when I compare the hourly costs to what Delta reports on Form 41 we are a lot closer than 32% CASM. In fact, it's down to re configuring the airplanes to reach something close to parity.

There is a better way forward. It is our job to find it.

I'm fine with the idea of reducing labor uncertainty. If that is the case then management has no incentive to continue funding redundant structures which exist for the sole purpose of distributing Delta flying to non Delta pilots.

I would like a model that could even answer questions like; "if we recovered flying, would it make Cincinnati a larger base for Delta pilots? Would perhaps Dallas, or another city like Orlando, be viable?" That probably goes beyond my database skills, but it would be a cool tool none the less.

 

Since you posted that, I tried to find the nude celebrity photo dump and only came up with this.

Oh never mind ... I would get banned and Slowplay + Sailing would win our debate.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking when Richard and Sir Richard had that meeting where they said they wanted to turn Delta into a "Fire Brand". That plan won't work out as long as we have people flying around on DCI airplanes. Step one in Fire Brand book is to not outsource your "Brand" to a company that you have no control over.

 

I think we (DAL) have figured that out. Now, it's how we slowly evolve away from where Ron and Leo put us. I think we're on that path. It's gonna take awhile if, for no other reason, than money and logistics.

 

I'm learning a lot from you tonight keep up the good work

As to 80, I don't detect a cover up

 

JLaw and I have hired the same lawyer. We're coming after you, ftb.

 

I changed my sentence btw.

 

At first I thought the guy was a dork.

But after I thought about how he's got a stripper pole in his living room: potential hero.

 

Maybe the widebody order announcement got misplaced with the tablets.

 

The one scenario that would leave the most bitter after taste in most peoples mouth would likely be Alaska.

What concerns me about this one is what follows.

Delta is short 737 sims. This has been known to them for 2 years approximately and they have ordered none and have started looking for increasingly hard to find outside sim time.

Ask yourself this. Why would they delay ordering much needed sims as they continue to except a "757 replacement" or two a month?