unless they get nasty and "fire" the folks on probation for whatever reason (don't like the color of their hair...they don't need a reason on probation) instead of furloughing them.

I've heard that from some of the capts I've flown with. They said last time they had to furlough they would make it imposible to pass the probabtion ride and thats how they get rid of pepole.

Clown, two hours: $125
Magician, 45 min: $175
Happy 6 year old: priceless

I've heard that too but I want to believe that it wouldn't happen this time. Right up until the reduction announcement came (literally the day before) we were way understaffed. Our biggest issue was that we could not recruit qualified people to fly our airplanes. If our management has any foresight (which they indeed may not have) they would probibly realize that the same people they would be terminating now might very well be the people they will need to recruit when the next hiring binge starts. Sure some folks on furlough might pursue other careers or choose to further their educations but many will "wait it out" by instructing or finding other aviation jobs. Having those folks who will jump at the chance to come back could be a very good asset once this "correction" is over