If you're metaphorically referring to XJT.. I was there from the original owners until SKYW started transferring flying after the pilots rejected the SKYW concessionary contract.
If you're referring to Fred.. "****** Skywest" rolled off his tongue fluidly.

 

He’s referring to DM....a really cool sim instructor who cursed like a sailor and was tougher than all of us put together. Not really sure this is the thread for that, kinda deserves its own.

 

I'm sorry for your loss.
**** Skywest

 

That's ridiculous. Union is union and non-union is non-union.

 

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exactly. And SWA and AA are both famous for rolling over.....

 

This ignorant statement is what I'm railing against.
Enjoy those EV airframes. You've personally helped put another pilot group out of work.

 

To be fair, Skywest has a virtual monopoly in the western US. If you live in or west of Colorado, Skywest is virtually your only choice of regional. Yes, there's Horizon in the PNW and Mesa has a PHX base, but those are the only options. If someone lives in California and wants to stay in the area, I think it's understandable to go to Skywest. I chose Expressjet even though I was from the west coast, but I don't have a family to worry about. I have friends with kids who chose Skywest because any alternative involved uprooting the family or commuting with no end in sight. I don't like Skywest as a company, but I also don't look down on my friends with kids who chose Skywest because of where they live.

So, sure, it's a choice, but if that is a choice between working for a non union carrier close to home, or endless 3+ hour commutes to work for an ALPA carrier, I can see why some opt for Skywest.

 

Being a pilot is not always a cake walk. Many choices in life are hard one's. Choosing who you are going to build your career on is one of the biggest and potentially the hardest choice you will make in life. Taking the easy path is not always the best path. Choices have consequences and those choices that You make have consequences outside of your own personal life. It's not always about ME, YOU, or Your career.
Take the easy path, own the consequences. Personally, I would have enjoyed living and working in the western half of the country. I would never have done it for Skywest though. I have been proud and fortunate to be an Alpa pilot working for Expressjet, regardless of what part of the country I lived and worked in. I have no regrets and feel good about the choices I've made from day one of being a pilot.
Stand up for what's good and right. When it's time to retire, look back on a lifetime of good choices and know that you did it right and made a positive contribution to your chosen profession.

 

you missed my point. I’m certainly not vilifying your shop, or American.

 

Well.... it wouldn't be the first time I missed the point. Thanks for taking it easy on me. 🤠