I am very sorry to hear that a lot of you have received the furlough call. While I am not that far in front of you on the seniority list I was spared however I will be back on reserve probably. I just want you all to know that my friends and I that are in about the same seniority position will not pick up any add fly while any pilot is on furlough.

I feel sorry for you guys/gals and I know it sucks but hang in there!

The way this company runs it wouldn't surprise me if we were hiring next week and short staffed. Just hang in there!

 

Okay, I talked to planning and forecasting and union status rep. Here is what both had to say.

CP&F: As it currently stands, 67 50 seat airframes, plus 27 70/90's at less than 9 hours utilization per airframe (even 70's some months). Recalls not expected to begin until 2nd quarter 2009 (thx), which is based on attrition of 10 per month and is optimistic considering the industry. Based on a status quo schedule from Deltard, total amount of recalls projected for 2009=50. All subject to change if additional flying comes along ie Mesa.

Status Rep: ALPA currently working with company about several furlough mitigation issues including: COLA's, voluntary furloughs and flight benefits for furloughees. The company is trying to reduce min. line values to 76 hours, which would result in an 8-10% pay cut for line holders and the union won't allow it. He is doubtful that all 206 will get furloughed and that it will be the end of next week at the earliest before there is any news.

Take it FWIW

 

Best wishes to all those directly affected by this. Furloughed or not, all of us suffer when the operation contracts...yet again.

If there's any bright side to this, it might be that this gives some of us an opportunity to seriously reevaluate the future of the regional airline segment of the industry in general, and the future of Comair in particular.

I'm not trying to make light of the situation at all, but being furloughed from a company where one is likely to not earn significantly more than $40,000/yr. - $45,000/yr. for the next six to ten years might not be all bad. If one is qualified, Net Jets is starting new hires at around $67,000/yr...and their future seems much brighter than Comair's.

Again, best wishes. I hope all who are furloughed and, after evaluating the situation, still want to return, get to do so very soon.

 

Sakamano: You mean second quarter 2009?

 

Just to throw some salt in everyones wounds. Delta net Shows DCI's fleet numbers for October.

Freedom 900's down 3 to -4
Pinnacle 900's up 3 to - 12

I guess we have our answer where they are going.

 

Question for the group:

How are the OCT 5th furloughs going to be paid. Since JFK FO bids closed yesterday all of the potential furloughs bid for a schedule in October. Not to mention needing to be paid for all 5 days, doesn't this screw with scheduling reserves vs. line holders.

 

I don't think Donny B and Richard Anderson are on the same page. I think Don tried to cancel Pinnacle's contract, but when RA found out, he corrected the "error". I think Don tried to give us Freedom's 900's and was overuled again.

 

Which state are we supposed to file for unemployment? In KY or where we reside (if its something other than KY)??

 

anyone have a link to find info on filing for unemployment? ive tried searching on google and yahoo, can find any good sites.

 

Its the state of your permanent residence.

KY: Unemployment Insurance