I tell you something about the Airline Industry. It changes a lot and is very dynamic.

Just 6 months ago, Delta was the place to be. Today, because of new contracts at UPS and UAL; people are jumping ship from Delta and going to UAL or UPS. Some people are not showing to class.

Airlines are always leapfrogging each other. It is better to stay at one place, then move around. Today's UAL, DAL, UPS can be tomorrows Pan AM and Eastern.

Dont buy into announced record profits and high contractual gains. The system is rigged. Corrupt managers, executives and unionists are running the show. Eventually, the smoke dissipates and you are left with nothing.

So go to a place you enjoy. Dont chase the hype or the herd.

TEN

Thanks Ten. I'm far from having any of this stuff figured out. I swing wildly from one emotion to next. But something tells me you've really nailed it here - I appreciate hearing it.

Yes it is. I totally agree. The "why don't you leave" thing gets old quickly. Frankly, it seems like a very childish statement. Like, why don't you take your ball and go home.

Some of us want to stay, fight, and make this the place we know it CAN be.

It's true F9 won't hire you if they have even the slightest doubt you'll leave for another airline. Those who didn't get selected this week shouldn't stress, you'll get other/better opportunities in this hiring environment.

Right now we have about 1,000 pilots, you'll probably need to reach about sixty percent seniority to upgrade. Best case scenario for those hired today will be an upgrade 3-4 years from now, most likely longer. Before recently speaking with management and the union I was 99% sure a strike or the threat of an imminent strike would be necessary for any movement in negotiations. Now I'm 100% sure that's the case. Maybe we'll get lucky and the NMB will release us in a reasonable amount of time, but I wouldn't count on it. Any potential new hires should prepare to fly under the current contract for the foreseeable future, one where a 321 pilot operating an aircraft with 230 seats is making less than a new hire RJ driver.

Would you care to explain why it's a ridiculous statement? It's fact. Management are turning down pilots who they feel won't sign a training contract and or will leave for a place that pays more.

I haven't left because my daughter is in middle school here, and I'm not commuting and/or fighting with my ex, again. I've been here almost 11 years, I'm on reserve in Denver but I'm not flying much, and I have no interest in going to the bottom of a 11,000 long seniority list.
Plus I don't think I'd interview well. ��
Q - Why do you want to come work for Airline XYZ?
A - I really don't. It's just mine currently sucks balls and I hate management. Do I have the job?

And be prepared to go on strike while they may be on probation.

Is there really no protection for a probationary pilot who will not cross a picket line?

Would they really be fired?

What happened to first year guys at Spirit when they went on strike - or were there any?

Another point to make for the younger people on this board. No matter what airline you choose, dont let it define you. I know most of you had goals to be Airline Pilots. Most of you had goals to cherish and work hard for your company. These goals are great but remember, management of today only care for their own pockets. Their greed is so evident and arrogant, people dont see or question it. You are only a unit cost and will be lied to and exploited. TRY TO LEARN A SIDE JOB, CAREER OR EDUCATE YOURSELF to take advantage of your ability to take care of your family with supplemental means. Learn something on the side and start a business. You have extra time, grow! Dont fall victim to greedy establishments.

Well Southwest is picketing in Houston and Dallas jobs could open up there. Just consider it a form of individual merger.

Google "Return to Work agreement". There are terms set between parties and any probationary pilot fired for striking would be included in such.

Long way off from that point.