This thread is entertaining to say the least.

It seems that there are a couple of points that need to be separated to clearly understand what everyone is arguing (discussing) for:

1. Does there need to be a better Sh1t filter for the bottom 1-5%? This is a separate topic from promoting a merit based system.

2. The current seniority system is 100 years old, and therefore needs to be changed. Merit based? Merit based how? Rank the pilots 1-8,000? The best F/O gets to upgrade first, and then join a seniority based group of Captains? Would a merit based system be part of discussion point #1 to keep the weak pilots at the bottom, and act as a sh!t filter, or is it part of the instant-gratification generation that needs to be Captain now. I got it, certainly after 4+ years in the right seat; you are fully qualified, groomed, and ready for the upgrade – let alone with another several years to go. Just keep in mind, after you’ve been there 20 years, new blood with 4 years experience will join the ranks fully groomed and qualified for the upgrade – the back edge of that sword is very sharp.

3. Comparing pilots to Corporate America does not work. Groups of management/accountants/finance/legal/etc… all with a diverse set of skills and talents all climbing toward top management positions. Pilots are a highly skilled set of standardized labor – very different than corporate America. In corporate America, great and unique ideas are re-warded. In aviation – well, when was that last time you hear a pilot say “watch this, I’ve got an idea I want to try.” Probably need to look to the trades as an example for a different way of doing things – start off as an apprentice, then journey man, and ultimately master.

4. 25 year Capt hits the streets after a company goes bankrupt – certainly shouldn’t sit right seat at the bottom, nobody will argue that. The only way to combat that is to accept the fact that new bodies can be hired into your company ahead of you – everybody will argue that.

 

UPS @ BHM. Supposedly the saving factor was voluntary withdrawal once the writing was on the wall.

The process you mentioned is seniority. It says nothing about competence.

How ironic anyway. Who gets called for interviews at the legacies? I don't see anyone getting cold-calls at Delta, United, and American. You can have stellar qualifications and never hear a peep. Meanwhile people of far lesser qualifications get called because, again, the terms used above 'ass-kissing' , 'favoritism' , 'squadrons' , 'universities' are used to get buddies through the doors. So that is okay and works to get a pilot through the door and hired but not when on the line?

 

If that is how you're justifying not getting your call from Delta, I can't help there. For the rest of your babble, I won't continue to talk past your limited knowledge of the industry.

GJ

 

No, my app hasn't been updated in along time. In fact it should be expired because I only did the free app because didn't want to pay the $55 fee.

 

Because paying $55 to apply for a job that will pay you over $100,000 in a couple years just doesn't make economic sense...

 

Isn't he the guy that's angling for the big shiny M R Rats airplanes?

 

Not anymore, MRats is 777s which are old now. Now I'm angling for the big shiny 787s with Norwegian Shuttle.

 

And when it is based on any other factor than seniority, it will cease to be safe.

It used to be "merit-based" at a lot of U.S. airlines. And Emirates pilots have to INTERVIEW for a captain's seat.

Everyone who chooses this profession knows about seniority.

 

This⤴️I believe the early mail carrier contracts, and high accident rate, demonstrated the need for a seniority based system.

 

Why does this not surprise me. Gulf Stream, pinnacle, and virgin. Salivating over cabatoge by govt financed airlines and now giddy over the Norwegian type scheme to use flags of convenience. I'm sure you would just as much relish a strike at a Delta, AA, UAL or SWA type airline to get where you want.