Comair updates?
How do you guard against this? There is no airline that is safe from shut down/merging/fragmenting/being bought out 100% of the time.
Braniff, PanAm, TWA, Eastern -- gone. Less than a decade ago, Delta was near liquidation and would have been unable to meet payroll had it not filed bankruptcy. Northwest filed the same day. United and USAirways both have been through the bankruptcy process more than once in recent history. AA is in bankruptcy now and its future is uncertain -- will they remain stand alone? Will the be bought out or merger with USAirways? Will they liquidate?
Delta's sitting pretty right about now. Will they be in 5 years? Hopefully, but you never know. Hypothetically, if they start to go down the tubes and head towards bankruptcy, should pilots start bailing from Delta and head to another major that is doing better?
On the corporate side, flight departments come and go on a whim. Fractionals for the most part are struggling and have furloughed loads of pilots in the past several years.
Just because you move to a major airline does not make you any more secure in your career than being at a regional at the end of the day. There is no such thing as a secure job in this industry. This entire career is a gamble. If you've found a "secure" position, well, good for you. My hat's off to you. But our entire profession is based on an ounce of luck mixed with a dash of good timing.
Braniff, PanAm, TWA, Eastern -- gone. Less than a decade ago, Delta was near liquidation and would have been unable to meet payroll had it not filed bankruptcy. Northwest filed the same day. United and USAirways both have been through the bankruptcy process more than once in recent history. AA is in bankruptcy now and its future is uncertain -- will they remain stand alone? Will the be bought out or merger with USAirways? Will they liquidate?
Delta's sitting pretty right about now. Will they be in 5 years? Hopefully, but you never know. Hypothetically, if they start to go down the tubes and head towards bankruptcy, should pilots start bailing from Delta and head to another major that is doing better?
On the corporate side, flight departments come and go on a whim. Fractionals for the most part are struggling and have furloughed loads of pilots in the past several years.
Just because you move to a major airline does not make you any more secure in your career than being at a regional at the end of the day. There is no such thing as a secure job in this industry. This entire career is a gamble. If you've found a "secure" position, well, good for you. My hat's off to you. But our entire profession is based on an ounce of luck mixed with a dash of good timing.
You beat me to the punch. So many examples can be made from recent past, it amazes me people's short term memory. It is getting a bit tiredsome hearing folks preaching their "you should not get comfortable in a regional" mantra. Well, somebody tell me of one -just one- company in ANY industry that hasn't had some sort of problem financial/fiscal/ labor/law situation that hasnt affected the entire company at one time or another?. There is no panacea in life, and if you think you found something close to it and you want to stick with it, good for you!.
Line Holder
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Capt
I hope it works. Copied this off the internet.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
I hope it works. Copied this off the internet.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
Line Holder
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Citation XLS
We will get one paycheck on Oct 15. It will reflect 37.5 hrs or little more if you flew a regular line plus per diem. Remember, paychecks on the 1st of the month were prepayments for the first half of that month. No Oct flying no prepayment owed.
I hope it works. Copied this off the internet.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
A former Comair pilot is attempting to launch a new jet service targeting corporate business travelers.
Russell Stark told The Enquirer that he is in the process of launching Affinity Air Service out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Stark said he hopes to launch service to Newark, N.J., and Los Angeles in June or July 2013. He added that he has not secured the $20 million investment needed to launch Affinity Air.
“We’re seeking funding,” said Stark, a 30-year airline pilot.
That could be an uphill climb with rising fuel prices, said Michael Miller, vice president of strategy for the American Aviation Institute. Miller said it is common to see pilots attempt to start their own airlines.
“In my 20 years in aviation, I have seen at least 50 new airline proposals come across my desk,” Miller said. “About 30 of those have been from pilots, and I don’t think any of the 30 ever made it successful. It’s just difficult, and part of the reason is there are no unserved routes right now.”
Stark said he wants to purchase two 78-seat, CRJ 900 jets to launch service. He hopes to later add service to more than 15 cities, including Washington, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Affinity Air would look to compete with Ultimate Air Shuttle, Stark said. Ultimate Air is based at Lunken Airport and offers corporate shuttle service to Chicago, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
CVG spokeswoman Meghan Glynn declined to discuss specifics about Affinity Air.
“We continue to pursue an aggressive air-service strategy that includes a number of carriers and a variety of options,” Glynn said.
CVG has been working to reinvent itself since dominant carrier, Delta Air Lines, began downsizing in 2005. The airport is currently building a strategy around air-cargo service and DHL’s fast-growing North American hub. CVG also has been seeking a low-cost carrier since Candace McGraw was named chief executive officer in July 2011.
I have shiny jet syndrome
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: ELACS, FACs and SECs. Who doesn't love 'em?
Russ is a stand-up guy.
In his defense, I know for a fact that he has been working hard on this project for a few years now. It's not something that he just recently dreamed up since Comair's shut down.
It may or may not ever fly, but this has been a dream and a goal of his for a long time and I admire and applaud him for having the courage to try.
"Big things have small beginnings"
In his defense, I know for a fact that he has been working hard on this project for a few years now. It's not something that he just recently dreamed up since Comair's shut down.
It may or may not ever fly, but this has been a dream and a goal of his for a long time and I admire and applaud him for having the courage to try.
"Big things have small beginnings"
Last edited by RJtrashPilot; 10-03-2012 at 08:02 AM.
On Reserve
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: MD-80 FO
Merger Fund Update in this latest email.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
To: cmrmec-pilotgroup <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 11:57 AM
Subject: Comair Custodian Update October 3, 2012
Comairpilots.com
www.comairpilots.com is still available to receive up to date information. Please log in with your ALPA Member number and Password. If you need help accessing the website please contact ALPA member services at 888-FLY-ALPA (359-2572) Option 3.
Job Opportunities
ALPA has been made aware of immediate openings available at Flight Path International for pilots with a B737 rating to serve as instructors. Qualified candidates will be working in CPT's and Simulators with students for Ethiopian Airlines. Interested Comair Pilots should contact Hamish Webster ([email protected]) immediately for further information.
Additional opportunities and preferential hiring and interview programs will be placed on www.comairpilots.com as the information becomes available.
Separation and General Release
The Separation and General Release information is attached to this email. Please make sure you turn in the release in accordance with LOA 12-04. Individuals residing in California or Minnesota should download their state specific General Release available on hr.comair.com. The Company reports the turn-in period for ALPA Releases began on September 30, 2012 and will conclude on October 9, 2012.
Separation and General Release Processing Delays and Errors
The Company has reported to the ALPA Custodians a delay of at least 24 hours in processing of Separation and General Release. Additionally the ALPA Custodians have noticed errors in the posting Comair has provided on hr.comair.com including changes on who has turned in a release from the previous day. As soon as an updated and accurate list has been made available it will be posted on www.comairpilots.com
Comair Custodians
On September 30, the MEC was dissolved and the remaining operational control of the MEC business was transitioned to the Custodians. If you have any questions, please contact them at [email protected]. You can also call them directly:
Ken Cook 859 816-5282
Michael Perrizo 859 409-9028
David Sarker 717 380-5992
Equipment Turn In
All Items should be returned by October 5th to avoid Comair deducting fees from your final payments.
DTW and CVG Operations – 8:30am to 5:00pm through October 5th.
CVG Satellite Site Equipment Returns- Comair will be offering an off-site drop off in CVG for all required returns. Items can be dropped off at the parking lot of 77 Comair Blvd. This is the old G.O. Building. The remaining dates and times are October 3-4: 9 am-11 am and 2 pm-4 pm.
By Mail:
We recommend requesting delivery notification from the carrier you use.
Comair Airlines
ATTN: Brad Baell
82 Comair BLVD
Erlanger, KY 41018
Comair Pilot Contingency Fund Dissolved
Prior to shutdown the MEC voted to dissolve the Comair Pilot Contingency fund. Once the fund has completed an independent audit, the following will take place:
· Pilots who have been making their payments will have their loan turned into a grant.
· Pilots who donated to the Contingency fund in the last 42 months will have their money refunded.
· All remaining money will be divided up amongst ALL remaining pilots in GOOD STANDING on the Comair Seniority list as of September 30, 2012 except for pilots who have received a grant in excess of $100.00.
· All pilots who have not made an attempt to repay their loan will have their information turned over to ALPA National. Once their money has been repaid, the money will go into the ALPA Emergency Relief fund.
Comair Pilot Merger Fund Dissolved
The Comair Pilot Merger fund is in the process of being dissolved. Following an independent audit of the fund the remaining balance of the fund will be distributed to pilots who paid in to the fund regardless of current classification. During the funds life cycle a limited number of payments were made totaling $4,076.98 leaving a balance of $270,056.26 (please note these amounts have not yet been audited).
EPIC, Emaestro, ESS Access lost
All Pilots lost access to EPIC the morning of Monday, October 1st. As a reminder, Comair has established a new website where employees can access critical information to assist in the transition from Comair. Additionally, we anticipate the Company posting severance and travel information by employee number for all pilots on this new website in the near future. The new website is HR.comair.com. Do not put "www" prior to typing in the address or it will not work. Simply type in HR.comair.com as the address and you will be asked for a username and password.
KY Rapid Response
Teamsters (IBT) is hosting KY Rapid Response today, Wednesday, October3, 2012 at 1300 and 1500. It will be held at Wingate Cincinnati Airport, 605 Viox Rd, Erlanger, KY.
Airman Information Request
Due to the large number of Airman Information requests, the FAA has requested that if you are going to request your Airman Information records from the FAA please use the following process:
EMAIL TO: [email protected]
SUBJECT OF EMAIL: AIE Request
IN BODY OF EMAIL: “According to the Privacy Act I am requesting any and all
AIE information concerning myself.”
ENTER FULL NAME:
ENTER COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS:
ENTER FAA CERTIFICATION NUMBER:
(DO NOT provide either the date of birth or a social security number UNLESS
it is the certificate number.
THEN SIGN YOUR REQUEST BY SIMPLY ENTERING YOUR NAME HERE.
(HIT SEND)
Air Line Pilots Association, International
Comair Master Executive Council
www.comairpilots.com
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
To: cmrmec-pilotgroup <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 11:57 AM
Subject: Comair Custodian Update October 3, 2012
Comairpilots.com
www.comairpilots.com is still available to receive up to date information. Please log in with your ALPA Member number and Password. If you need help accessing the website please contact ALPA member services at 888-FLY-ALPA (359-2572) Option 3.
Job Opportunities
ALPA has been made aware of immediate openings available at Flight Path International for pilots with a B737 rating to serve as instructors. Qualified candidates will be working in CPT's and Simulators with students for Ethiopian Airlines. Interested Comair Pilots should contact Hamish Webster ([email protected]) immediately for further information.
Additional opportunities and preferential hiring and interview programs will be placed on www.comairpilots.com as the information becomes available.
Separation and General Release
The Separation and General Release information is attached to this email. Please make sure you turn in the release in accordance with LOA 12-04. Individuals residing in California or Minnesota should download their state specific General Release available on hr.comair.com. The Company reports the turn-in period for ALPA Releases began on September 30, 2012 and will conclude on October 9, 2012.
Separation and General Release Processing Delays and Errors
The Company has reported to the ALPA Custodians a delay of at least 24 hours in processing of Separation and General Release. Additionally the ALPA Custodians have noticed errors in the posting Comair has provided on hr.comair.com including changes on who has turned in a release from the previous day. As soon as an updated and accurate list has been made available it will be posted on www.comairpilots.com
Comair Custodians
On September 30, the MEC was dissolved and the remaining operational control of the MEC business was transitioned to the Custodians. If you have any questions, please contact them at [email protected]. You can also call them directly:
Ken Cook 859 816-5282
Michael Perrizo 859 409-9028
David Sarker 717 380-5992
Equipment Turn In
All Items should be returned by October 5th to avoid Comair deducting fees from your final payments.
DTW and CVG Operations – 8:30am to 5:00pm through October 5th.
CVG Satellite Site Equipment Returns- Comair will be offering an off-site drop off in CVG for all required returns. Items can be dropped off at the parking lot of 77 Comair Blvd. This is the old G.O. Building. The remaining dates and times are October 3-4: 9 am-11 am and 2 pm-4 pm.
By Mail:
We recommend requesting delivery notification from the carrier you use.
Comair Airlines
ATTN: Brad Baell
82 Comair BLVD
Erlanger, KY 41018
Comair Pilot Contingency Fund Dissolved
Prior to shutdown the MEC voted to dissolve the Comair Pilot Contingency fund. Once the fund has completed an independent audit, the following will take place:
· Pilots who have been making their payments will have their loan turned into a grant.
· Pilots who donated to the Contingency fund in the last 42 months will have their money refunded.
· All remaining money will be divided up amongst ALL remaining pilots in GOOD STANDING on the Comair Seniority list as of September 30, 2012 except for pilots who have received a grant in excess of $100.00.
· All pilots who have not made an attempt to repay their loan will have their information turned over to ALPA National. Once their money has been repaid, the money will go into the ALPA Emergency Relief fund.
Comair Pilot Merger Fund Dissolved
The Comair Pilot Merger fund is in the process of being dissolved. Following an independent audit of the fund the remaining balance of the fund will be distributed to pilots who paid in to the fund regardless of current classification. During the funds life cycle a limited number of payments were made totaling $4,076.98 leaving a balance of $270,056.26 (please note these amounts have not yet been audited).
EPIC, Emaestro, ESS Access lost
All Pilots lost access to EPIC the morning of Monday, October 1st. As a reminder, Comair has established a new website where employees can access critical information to assist in the transition from Comair. Additionally, we anticipate the Company posting severance and travel information by employee number for all pilots on this new website in the near future. The new website is HR.comair.com. Do not put "www" prior to typing in the address or it will not work. Simply type in HR.comair.com as the address and you will be asked for a username and password.
KY Rapid Response
Teamsters (IBT) is hosting KY Rapid Response today, Wednesday, October3, 2012 at 1300 and 1500. It will be held at Wingate Cincinnati Airport, 605 Viox Rd, Erlanger, KY.
Airman Information Request
Due to the large number of Airman Information requests, the FAA has requested that if you are going to request your Airman Information records from the FAA please use the following process:
EMAIL TO: [email protected]
SUBJECT OF EMAIL: AIE Request
IN BODY OF EMAIL: “According to the Privacy Act I am requesting any and all
AIE information concerning myself.”
ENTER FULL NAME:
ENTER COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS:
ENTER FAA CERTIFICATION NUMBER:
(DO NOT provide either the date of birth or a social security number UNLESS
it is the certificate number.
THEN SIGN YOUR REQUEST BY SIMPLY ENTERING YOUR NAME HERE.
(HIT SEND)
Air Line Pilots Association, International
Comair Master Executive Council
www.comairpilots.com
On Reserve
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: MD-80 FO
Here is the part of the email that is about the merger fund. I wanted the whole email to appear in its entirety for anyone that wants it. If you scroll back several pages on this thread.... the Comair MEC email that I posted last mentions something about the merger fund taking a while to dissolve. I am still guessing December. But just a guess.
Comair Pilot Merger Fund Dissolved
The Comair Pilot Merger fund is in the process of being dissolved. Following an independent audit of the fund the remaining balance of the fund will be distributed to pilots who paid in to the fund regardless of current classification. During the funds life cycle a limited number of payments were made totaling $4,076.98 leaving a balance of $270,056.26 (please note these amounts have not yet been audited).
Comair Pilot Merger Fund Dissolved
The Comair Pilot Merger fund is in the process of being dissolved. Following an independent audit of the fund the remaining balance of the fund will be distributed to pilots who paid in to the fund regardless of current classification. During the funds life cycle a limited number of payments were made totaling $4,076.98 leaving a balance of $270,056.26 (please note these amounts have not yet been audited).
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