I hear ya, I was referring to a couple majors and LCC's. I've been told time and time again that there is a better way, but the mothership just won't have it!!!

What did he do to get kicked out exactly?

Anyway, the letter from the PD, although disappointing, just proves why I chose SWA in the first place. They've communicated with me. They didn't have to, yet they made time to be honest with folks they've really only spent a round trip to Dallas on.

dont know all the details, but i will try to find out...

No hiring in 09? Is this due more to everyone sticking around past 60? Anyone know the retirement numbers at SWA over the next few years? Certainly puts a damper on your hiring if no one leaves for the next 5 years and very little growth....:mad:

Very true. Unfortuantely this dead horse has been beat. I don't know the retirement numbers, but I think more people will stick around after 60 not just because they need the money, but because they really like working for SWA. Other airline's pilot stick around because they need the money.

The SWAPA president wrote in his weekly blog today that we are overstaffed by 200.

C'mon now, one thing the majority of over 60 pilots (including SWA) have in common is they're staying for the love of extra money + better health insurance + the additional retirement benefits and not for the love of aviation as you imply... :rolleyes:

Your naivete is staggering. You attempt to speak for everyone over 60. I've been flying for over 33 years and still love it. Is there no possibility in your mind that someone could be happy in their employment? Sorry life has delt you such a lousy hand. Most money problems are spending problems. I may or may not fly past 60, but it will have nothing to do with money. When it's no longer fun, I will quit and what I have in the bank is what I have. My happiness is in my heart and is not controlled by my employer. Never has been... never will.

You misunderstood my point. I realize many of us still love flying while for some it's become a routine...

My reply was a response to the previous kool-aid drinker who honestly believes SWA pilots are staying past 60 for different reasons than pilots at other airlines... We all might be working for different airlines however, I don't believe SWA pilots stay past 60 mainly because they love flying (and their company) while other pilots stay because they "have to." I simply don't buy that...

My apologies if I misunderstood your intent. I only took umbrage with the your "only" statement. We all have our own motives and motivations. Mine have just never been money motivated. We do have many of those types at SWA but their motivations are theirs and not mine. I do not sit in judgment of them. My time is more valuable than any employer could pay me. The average SWA pilot flew over 800 hours last year, I flew 472 and I'm good with that.