Fred Flintstone

For a moment I thought I was on that other pilot board, the less than mature one.

While we are no where near being a major by any standard, we have been flying over a year and from all indications will be sticking around a while.

The issue to me is this board has no "LCC" board like that other one, so there really is no right place to fit in.

As to the derision expressed here, yawn... Heard it before, nothing new.

Fact is we are running a very reliable, on time and quite full airline. Is it the greatest thing in aviation? No, but we've come a long way in a short year and are constantly improving the operation.

Attrition is quite low and the pilot group is quite diverse. Lots of former RJ drivers, major and LCC drivers, returning expats. Not everyone comes bus qualified. There is no purge going on and two line pilots are in charge of flight standards. We stay at top notch hotels, rarely see an MEL sticker in the cockpit and get along well with the schedulers and dispatchers. The training and checking is downright gentlemanly compared to the jedi academy CRJ school at my last airline.

The pay could be better, the bennies could be better and the black shirt is a bit warm when doing the afternoon westbound transcon, but I've certainly seen worse places to work.

So, welcome aboard if you want a ride, good luck if you have an application in, and enjoy being negative and miserable if all you want to do is whine and throw stones.

vagabond

It's been said I am one of the most open-minded and neutral people on earth. I have nothing against any airline or pilot group. My perspective comes from both sides: friendship with real pilots and aviators, and as a frequent flyer.

In my mind, everyone is doing the best they can given these interesting economic times we live in. Whether an airline fails or succeeds depends on many factors, some of which are way beyond the control of the airline itself. So instead of whining and sniping at each other, I hope to see a little unity and support. Look past the uniforms and the stripes. You will find that, at the end, we are all in this together.

Say, Fred Flintstone, did you get a chance to see my travelogue on VA? That Redeye is so cute, eh?

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ha...xperience.html

Flyin1500

Nope not a major yet. I don't think we're regional....but then again...I don't think QX , or any other 'commuter carrier' was regional either....

spinproof

Yet? If you work there then you of all people realize the plan was never to be a major!!!!

....and the last time I looked they appear to be right on schedule.

mooney

Ethiopian Airlines 767 (?) ditched in the ocean after a hijacking. Maybe we should include them in the seaplane airlines/airplanes category?

Fishfreighter

If they don't meet the criteria to be a major airline, they don't deserve to be called a major airline. National, LCC, Regional, whatever, but the certainly ARE NOT a major, despite what the egos of the suckers who fly for them think.

Flyin1500

Um....I do work there and I think we are gonna do very well, economic stability and off-handed jabs notwithstanding. Not sure what schedule you are looking at either.

miacargopilot

Ok!!! Let me rephrase it.

Should VA be moved from this forum to the Major, Legacy, LCC Forum?

I'm only asking about the forums.

Don't start another battle to disrespect other professionals and their jobs.

frozenboxhauler

Not yet. I'm sure they'll be there some day.
fbh

DYNASTY HVY

Sure why not the more the merrier I say !
Besides some of you guys will be working for them in ohh say 2-3 years