A bit melodramatic aren't you? Yes there are guys that probably won't see the left seat, but they are in a very small minority. (Hired late in life, unfortunate in a merger etc...) But this is a cyclical industry like many others even though we are in an extended down cycle.. but the airlines WILL hire again. When of course is anybody's guess. When guys hit age 65, they WILL leave, and their seats will be vacant once again. As long as the majors hold the line on scope and don't allow the outsourcing of our flying, things will get better. We will probably never return (at least at DAL) to C2K payrates, but there will be improvements. I can't offer advice on whether to go back to AD or not, I would say for bull to do his research, and I think he is doing that by asking questions here. I do know this though.. if he has the opportunity to remain in the reserves and get the benefits of tri-care etc... I would DEFINITELY do that as a minimum. I wish I would have... NOW... at the time, a clean break seemed the correct move.

 

I agree with all the above. ESPECIALLY the last sentence!

Denny

 

So, you say (I'll paraphrase) a) airlines WILL hire again, but nobody knows when, b) nobody will see the pay rates of yesteryear, c) some guys will never see the left seat, d) SCOPE is a huge issue, but we can all hope for the best, and e) stick with what you have now in the way of military pay and bennies.

Hmmm, I think we are in agreement.

Yeah, maybe a little heavy on the "glass is half empty" sentiments in my bit, but I'd say my view from my almost 10 years of furlough is a little different than yours from your 767ER captain's seat. Not holding that against you, by any means. Good on you - timing (and picking the right company) is everything.

In my view, the timing now is not right and picking the best company (of the few that are hiring) is tougher than ever.

Best of luck to bull and others like him.

 

Aren't the Air Tran guys having a strike vote today? That should answer the op's question.

 

I agree with the timing issue.. and at the risk of infuriating SinkR8.. I'll say that more than normal at any given time, this industry is dependent on what the gubbamint does. If they let business operate with the ability to make a profit.. then things will look up. If they tax us to death... If they meddle in our business.. like raising a stink about things like Spirit's carry on fee... If they treat the airlines like public utilities... well.. it's anybody's guess.

and I wanted to apologize if I hammered you too hard with my comment. Being furloughed sucks... I wouldn't wish that on anyone, and I hope you return to the cockpit soon (if that is still your desire).


Best of luck to you my compadre'

 

Has anyone gotten a call yet, or do you think they'll wait until after the job fair on Friday?

 

Not to worry. Raising a glass to widebody left seats in the near future for all of those of us that want it and have worked hard for it.

(And yes, still flying - corporate and liking it).

 

I believe a previous poster said some calls went out last Friday for an interview today. No one has confirmed that however, so take it for what it's worth.

 

Geez, Friday call for a Monday interview? Not too much prep time, especially if you need to trade a trip around.

 

+1