Are AirTran guys happy?
 

With AirTran hiring, I was just curious about the atmosphere at AirTran. Are u guys happy? What do you see for the future of AirTran? New contract? I just got out of the military and am relatively new to this whole airline thing. I am in the job market, and trying to get a feel for what it is like. Would you guys leave for CAL, UPS, FEDEX, DAL, if they all were hiring tomorrow? Thanks in advance.

That's bull alright!

I know guys that were at AirTran and left for not only those airlines you mention but also ATA, DHL(Astar), World, NetJets, Jetblue, Virgin America, and a bunch to Southwest. I'm guessing Airtran is better than a regional but still a stepping stone. But in this business still having any flying job is good I guess.

Are AIRTRAN guys happy?

I wouldn't know, but if any are unhappy, the the miracles of modern chemistry will soon be coming to the rescue. :)

{insert snare snap drum-roll here - :D}

Scoop

FAA Proposes New Policy on Antidepressants for Pilots


WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that it will consider the special issuance of a medical certificate to pilots who are taking medication for mild to moderate depression, conditions that now bar them from all flying duties.
On a case-by-case basis beginning April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications – Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), or Escitalopram (Lexapro) – will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. The FAA will not take civil enforcement action against pilots who take advantage of a six-month opportunity to share any previously non-disclosed diagnosis of depression or the use of these antidepressants.
“I’m encouraging pilots who are suffering from depression or using antidepressants to report their medical condition to the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression. Pilots should be able to get the medical treatment they need so they can safely perform their duties.”
The FAA’s policy is consistent with recommendations from the Aerospace Medical Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Civil Aviation Authority of Australia, Transport Canada and the U.S. Army already allow some pilots to fly using antidepressant medications.
Psychiatrists and Aviation Medical Examiners who have specialized training under the Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS) program will help the FAA evaluate and monitor pilots under this new policy. The HIMS program was established 40 years ago and has been highly effective for the assessment, treatment, and medical certification of pilots who need help with alcohol and drug issues.
The policy statement is on display in the Federal Register at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/public-inspection and allows for public comment unt

No, Bleak, Not very soon; no,yes,yes,no

other than that, yes most are happy to have a job. Future went from 5-6 year upgrade to 10-12? maybe. Contract is still in the far off distance despite how close it may seem to some! Use your military experience to get a better job. If the airlines were the place to be they'd be knocking on your door!

Hey BC,
I appreciate your input...is it really that bad? 10-12 year upgrade? That is crazy!! You are almost making me want to return to active duty!! It can't be that bad, can it??? How long have you been there?

Hey Bull, we have no idea! growth has stopped, age 65 kept all who can stay. It will be 3 years for me in July and I have not moved up the list - there are 125 new hires below me! but the top of the list is not moving as fast as it did at one time with 6,8,10 upgrades/month. We are hiring - that's good - but the past is no indication of the future here at Airtran.
Quality of life is the most important factor - live where you are happy, and hopefully you are happy where a flying job is waiting for you! (ie, commuting to EWR is not my idea of happy!)

Yes it really is that bad at the majors. Think impact of age 65, no growth etc. If you are not prepared to be an FO for 10 to 15 years at a major, you might want to rethink your career choice. Not trying to be obnoxious just realistic at this point.

Denny

Not to sound like an a$$, but do some more research. Yes, things are that bad. There are guys that will very likely NEVER see the left seat in their careers at places like UAL, AMR, etc. Upward movement is non-existent. Labor/management relations are at their worst in decades. Heck, even at the current "industry leading" places like UPS and FDX, things are going in the wrong direction (UPS in the midst of a furlough right now).

I think you were being less than serious when you said you were considering a return to AD. I would get serious about it. I returned to AD after my AA furlough in 2001, and it was the luckiest move I ever made.

Don't be suckered by SJS (shiny jet syndrome). Go into the airline gig with your eyes wide open...if you decide to go.

Sorry for the sermon. Good luck to you.

I feel like I have done research, and I didn't see the future as bleak as you guys did. I saw all the baby-boomers getting to retirement age in the next few years with a ton of retirements happening, starting in 2012-13. You don't see movement once the age 65 change is fully integrated and people are once again retiring?? I guess I am a "glass half full" guy, or just really stupid!! I hope it's not the latter, but only time will tell...thanks for all your inputs.