They wouldn't make it a big deal if the FAA didn't make it a big deal. Flying in there in a Falcon or Challenger is a lot different than in an RJ. The 700 currently is the only plane with the single engine performance to "extract" itself out of there. It's not a big deal till you lose an engine shortly after V1 in the middle of a blizzard, then you better hope all that extra sim training pays dividends. I'm not saying that another airline couldn't do it. But so far only SkyWest spent the money to fly their own jets empty in there for months during the summer, practicing V1 cuts to validate to the FAA our lower than standard approach minimums (for ASE)... Something the bizjet guys don't' have.

This topic has gotten way off track. Hope you guys get your money. If this isn't grounds to strike or "informational picket" I don't know what is.

 

Not bragging, cause I don't see what there is to brag about at this place anymore, but we had over 100 new hires (114 i think?) in the last new hire indoc class. We're attracting new mouth breathers at an alarming rate. Our work rules, pay, and everything else may be going down, but it's not the amount of flying currently. We've added (unofficially) more CRJ every flying the last 4 months in ORD. We'd have more if we could staff it, but we already have 166 projected lines with only 165 to fly them in March. All if this additional flying is from some other contract carrier(s) who isn't bringing in 100 new hires a month.

 

Well, all I can tell you is that pilots here are more than capable. And ASE isn't the measure of one's mountain flying abilities. Funny you mention engine failures... I have actually had one in the mountains. Angel Fire/Taos area.

And maybe AAG will give the Envoy 709 flying to SkyWest? I don't know. All I know is that AAG does t want the CRJ at Envoy. I imagine if PSA can't take them then someone else will.

 

I think it has more to do with SkyWest having a plethora of commutable bases for West coast pilots and decent pay. Mesa, Conpass, and Horizon are the only other ones who offer west coast bases.

 

AAs 2016 fleet plan shows a net gain of 7 crj-700s. That's in addition to the 61 combined that are currently operated by PSA and Envoy. Skywest has 200s coming off contract with AA and 700s coming off contact with UA. It only makes sense that Skywest takes 7 former UA 700s and puts them into operation with AA in exchange for AA 200s coming off contract. AA doesn't have to spend the money on PSA to get ASE qualled and Skywest can takeover the ASE routes if and when Envoy hands over the last 700s to PSA. It's also worth mentioning AA is showing a net decrease of close to 25 200s in 2016. Currently PSA, Skywest, ASA and Wisconsin are the only AA 200 operators and aircraft could be coming from either operator. I think Wisconsin is already down about 5 aircraft from their 70 and as I mentioned early Skywest has some 200s coming off contract.

 

I think they will come from AWAC or PSA... What will be really telling is AAs 2017 fleet reductions. I'll bet we see a whole lot more 50 seaters gone in 2017.

 

This has already been confirmed through internal memos. Thought it had already been posted somewhere else around here. We also placed some of those off contract 700s with Delta.

 

Like I said though, Skywest and ASA have 200s coming off contract in 2016. I know this because Skywest is public, just wait for their filings to come out and you can probably figure it out. Air Wisconsin is obviously private, I think they have around 65 planes on contract through the end of 2016. I think you're right about 2017, we'll probably see the biggest reduction in regional flying.

 

Never said you guys couldn't... That was another one of our shining "stars" here. Honestly think 95% of the pilots at any operation could do any of the flying any carrier does in this country. Hence, why we are so easily whipsawed.

Reflecting on this whole thread, yes it sucks for you PSA guys that your company isn't honoring your contract. Some would maybe say Karma because you didn't hold the line with Envoy when every other regional had also held theirs, but I understand, you're pilots and you look out for #1 like Cam Newton and everyone else in this industry usually does. However, don't dwell on your employers shortcomings, enjoy the fact you have a guaranteed flow through program. At least there is a light at the end of your tunnel.

 

I hope you see the issue here is ALPA. Not the pilots.
700 flying came from one ALPA carrier to another. It shouldn't have.
ALPA does not have the ability to protect our jobs nor our contract.

Our dues are wasted on the dysfunctional Union.