More to the point actually is that DALPA tells us that our contract provides protections which exceed the FTDT requirements. This may be true, but this is today. In 2 years when FTDT goes into effect, I would expect a full on assault from the company to reduce the contractual requirements to be more in line with FTDT.

Additionally, I would think that the company in C2012, would want to reduce the Captain headcount on flts in excess of 12 hrs. If you think you are stagnant today...

Just keep your eyes open.

Hiring? Yeah I don't see it after reading the newsletter. I see more staus quo until the capacity reduction trend reverses. It's going to happen but I don't see it for 2013. In fact as a guy on the bottom, I see a 3rd displacement in my future.

They are looking at firing up the hiring cog nlt than next year, but not at 1000 pilots per year as some have stated. (That said, the crew planning news seems to indicate a need for displacing more bodies, or hiring to fill the MD88/90 positions. I gather from their wording, they have not gotten the decision on which way they are going yet)

That said, we were actually short last year during the summer months. This year we will all be flying a lot again. Of course some more than others due to where the block hrs will be place.

When asking for a three year LOA, it was stated that they would not give a LOA that went past of next March, and that is when they project that the need for bodies will start.

That said, the government just stated that GDP growth is projected to be 2.2% this year and 1.2% next year. If that holds true, that is not even keep up with inflation, and these projections they have been looking at will change. Of course they are probably taking in to account the termination of the Bush era tax cuts at the end of the year in their 2013 GDP calculations.

I agree with the ULH rules. Now that they are stating three B's and one A, I expect DAL to push for what the rest of the industry is doing. Thing is they stated they were doing it for safety, so that might be an interesting one to get around. Like you said, watch their feet. That is a ton of high paying seats.

Can't speak for the RD's, but us fNWA guys mostly are hedging our bets in case our pensions are routed in a follow-on bankruptcy. Since I have 4 years left (til age 60), I want to try and stay 4 more years. I'd love to take a buyout now and just focus on my business, but if the pension gets wrecked after I jump out early, I'd sure wish I had the opportunity to work until 65 to try and make up for the loss of my retirement plan. I think most of us are thinking the same thing and planning on staying til 60.

Last time however, we had a number of pre age 60 guys take the buyout. The foreign airlines are offering some unbeatable wages for the 744 and the 777. It's getting very tempting.

Carl

But by all means, let's keep the pay scales the same way they have been for years and years and......

Cold beer says that barring a medical, you will still be here past 60.

You're ON.

Carl

It's all about cash flow T

Carl,

Please, don't forget about Southwest Airlines. If they aren't hiring now, they will be soon. Movement will be quick, paychecks will be huge, and all layovers will be warm and tropical. That's just how they roll.

new K <==== Can petition oscarthegrouch, lovejockey, and 1seat to write letters of recommendation for you.