How about we start by making "RECAPTURE" the number one theme in contract negotiations going into 2012. Let's stop talking about SCOPE and start talking about RECAPTURE. What are we willing to do to recapture the flying that has been lost over the years?

Personally, I feel anything over 50 seats, or anything that flies over 300NM should be flown by mainline pilots. There will be something to give initially in order to recapture what's been lost, if it's even possible. What are WE willing to give? I don't know the answer, but I'm throwing it out there for debate.

If it's got traction, call your REPs and let them know how you feel. If this is something that we really want, then it's going to take everyone getting involved to make change happen. I believe giving up scope has been a major detriment to our industry. We've allowed regionals to fly bigger and bigger equipment over the years. This has allowed management the opportunity to whipsaw the regionals against each other. We've all seen the carnage. We've all seen the degradation of our brand. We blame ALPA. We blame the regionals. We even blame the pilots that are just trying to build their time to get to the majors (which we shouldn't).

I don't know the answer, but I really think it lies with us, the majors. We gave it up, now we need to get it back. What's it worth to you?

Finally someone who gets it. First get rid of Lee Moak. He has no regard for any junior pilots or compass. And he is supposed to represent both.

How do we go about this? Our future as pilots is looking worse and worse by the day...

+5

Another fact filled post by Carl. Great rebuttal there.

PG

I think it is great that people are really miffed. That is a good thing. Now take that anger, and go down to your MEC office and volunteer. There are a lot of people that are needed.

Guys- Two seperate issues. I give Lee and crew an A+ for the merger effort and a D- for Scope related issues. The merger is history, lets look forward.

Scoop

Your usually good info is off on this - there is a large spread in the number of cycles remaining on the DC9 fleet - true that some will time out in the next few years (and most have already been retired), and equally true that half the remaining (of the original ~173) will be good until ~2020 if navaid updates are made.

The real question is whether 1) navaid updates will actually be required, 2) whether DAL chooses to perform them or not, 3) the price of oil, 4) the state of economy and load factors, and 5) the availability of other next generation 100 seat lift.

Anyone who supposes to have the definitive answer to these and the immediate future of the DC9 based on 10 yr old articles, arbitration testimony, and CP scuttlebutt is deluding themselves.

I'll venture the fleet planners don't even no which direction they are going yet.

That's all the effort your posts deserve Pineapple. This continuation of the premise that NWA was worthless is hardly deserving of any response at all.

Carl

Carl, you always twist words. Go back and reread my post. There wasn't a single negative comment about NWA or their line pilots. I have complete confidence that we are all the same, and will work well together, once given the opportunity.

The only negative comments dealt with a handful of obstructionist individuals working for NWA ALPA. Fortunately they did not prevail, the JCBA and SLI are behind us, and we are moving forward collectively for the betterment of all, rather than imploding ala USAir, who I predict will NEVER see a payraise, because the two sub groups will NEVER be willing to work together to demand one. And management NEVER offers anything out of the goodness of their heart. :mad:

Let me repeat: I have nothing but the utmost respect for Northwest Airlines, and the line pilots who work there, and look forward to working along side them for the remainder of my career.

My comments are not about the airworthiness of the aircraft. It is about the plans that our management team has stated. I agree that they can continue flying. It is just what the desire of management wants to do.