daleeted. bafeeted. whats that freakin wowrd?

You have completely missed the point. I even said I was using sarcasm because I know that employers don't pay for CFI/CFII.

Let me try this another way:

5,800+ pilots at a major carrier paid for their type, but YOU decide to call that inappropriate, outside professional values, etc.

But because you and a slew of others had to pay for their CFI/CFII, then paying for that expense is ok in your mind.

Rationalize it all you want, but at the end of the day, you paid for training. In fact, you probably paid more for your CFI/CFII than I did for my 737-type.

Yeah, I know, not trying to feign ignorance. I insulted you, it was childish. So in a more adult tone, yeah, let's let this damned thread get back on track.

Nope. Just want to try and discuss a few things about SWA-Airtran without all these predictable tangents/detours/derailings.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on the PFJ stuff.

With that... I'll bow on out and stick to my promise to not incite anymore diversions. Back on track for another.. say, 5 posts? :)

So the Southwest pilots buy their type ratings and they're all like....

http://archive.easymodo.net/board/cg...1017106180.jpg


Then Southwest goes and buys AirTran and the AirTran pilots are all like...

http://imnotatoy.files.wordpress.com...pg?w=455&h=330


Some Delta pilots look at the merger from the outside and all they see is....

http://blogs.mix947.com/files/2010/06/redneck1.jpg

But, you never know... they might end up being that mustard and ketchup on the hotdog that is the United States.

http://rlv.zcache.com/hotdog_ketchup...77q53o_400.jpg

HAHA! That was perfect, lolwut.

lolwut, That was some funny shiite. Well done, and yes I saw your posts while arcing the furball that was 80ktsclamp and I doing our best keyboard kung-fu.

You know, your point is well taken. By the time this is all done (SLI and all), perhaps a little SWA-DAL international codeshare though ATL/SLC will really fill up some seats. I know I may have spoken some heresy (codeshare) amongst SWA circles. But really, I don't think SWA has it's eyes on Europe/Asia at the moment...so maybe there's some combined money to be made on that guy in Harlingen who wants some all-jet service to London.

OK fine, maybe it's just all the things you list above.

The problem is: 5,800 SWA pilots who were willing to let the rest of the industry fight the wage battles by never even attempting to lead the industry in pay. The problem is 5,800 SWA pilots that used the bar set by others through strikes and serious threats of strikes, and set their wages below that bar.

This history of SWA thus far is one of being users. Users of government protection after the rest of the industry lost their protection. Users of other airline groups to set the wage measuring stick below which you set your wages. Users of government favoritism to extract assets from other airlines when those other airlines attempt mergers or other corporate transactions. Users of the ATC system to get treatment other than "first come first served" in order to increase operational efficiency.

All this said, SWA management has taken these advantages and made a powerhouse of an airline. It would be nice to see SWA pilots stop using and start leading. Especially in pay as we all move forward.

Carl

Also such as: - best percentage above current industry leaders in pay will we begin our negotiations at.

Carl

No it doesn't. Paying for your CFI etc., makes you qualified for all kinds of jobs and helps new pilots build time. Paying for a 737 type rating required by only one airline so that airline can use the pilot's money to help produce a shorter training footprint is quite a different thing.

I'm glad your investment worked out for you, but you did pay for your training.

Carl