Hah hah! Yeah, I wasn't seriously demanding perfect investment advice. I figure if pilots were fantastic stock pickers, they'd be investment bankers, not pilots.

I'm pretty pleased it didn't take a huge dump (yet) after the last earnings conference call. Big D is going to have to start making money one of these days or investors are going to think Delta is just spending money and shuffling airplanes to churn stock.

I have always stated that I felt it would beat 18 by the end of 2010. Some analysts are stating its two year guidance is 30-35 a share.

We must look at the same charts and tarot cards. :D

Trust me I know. I fly with guys in the 767 and 7ER that upgraded when the mass exodus happened a few years ago. They are making less in the left seat than they did as an FO.

Some who were PCP's were making over 220 at FO wages. Granted that is the high mark, but we are so far below it that it is insane.

Airlines are good at that. I do not know many that buy these stocks as investment stock. I never keep an airline stock over 90 days. Most of the time I am in and out in less than two weeks.
(disclaimer:: I do not trade DAL stock. ) :rolleyes:

Contract 2012 thoughts:

Many forum members are big fans of DALPA and Lee Moak. My personal opinion is he has done a very good job of getting some mid-contract gains. However I am disappointed at his performance vis-a-vis scope concessions. I am even more disappointed by his performance through the 1113 process.

Over the past few years the cooperative approach with management has been working, and that's great. However contract 2012 is a big one. I'm a "deadzoner" and thus don't have too many years left to make up for previous concessions and/or mediocre gains in 2012.

I hope DALPA (and management) realize that the pilot group in general have pretty big expectations for that contract. Expectations that include SIGNIFICANT, immediate pay raises as well as improvements in retirement, scope scheduling and other QOL issues. If an acceptable contract can be negotiated with that cooperative approach, that would be outstanding. But if it can't, then we should do what's necessary to get what we deserve.

The addition of the former NWA pilots to DALPA changes the demographics of our group considerably. Many DAL-S pilots are seemingly always willing to accept what ever concessions DAL management wants from us, or whatever small gains they are offering us. But the NWA pilots have a history of being willing to "go to the mat" for what they want. I think that works in our favor in terms of numerically being able to overcome the Milquetoasts.

I also think that many DAL-S pilots built a lifestyle around contract 2000 payrates. That is to say: They were living at or beyond their financial means when the 1113 process started. Now they've presumably adjusted their lifestyles and spending habits to lower incomes and can hopefully weather a financial storm, if necessary, come contract time.

Many interesting points. I agree that the demographics have shifted. I also agree that there are big expectations. It also sounds like the sale job is starting.

As for living beyond your means. Agreed. Did that, learned from it, and will be totally debt free in less than two years. I suggest those who are swimming in debt to live hard over the next few years, pay down that credit card debt, car notes, school loans, and house note. It is amazing how much cash you have and how little it take to live a really good life when you are not paying all of this interest.
Doing this allows you to really start saving for college, and retirement. Our projections for my retirement in 20-25 years looks decent. If I stay till 65 even better.

I dunno if he would coach. I think he would probably be a great NFL OC though. I can't imagina one that would work harder than he does. But in the state of TN I think he could run for governor and beat anybody :)

On my first IOE as a FO on the 76, I ferried an empty 767-200 from JAX to ATL. Steel brakes.. light airplane.. It was.. well.. let's just say I saw the captain cinch up his belt right before landing. You can't buy experience. I broke the windshield with my head.. I think. :D

Especially if Dallas Clark was his running mate.;)

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