I think every question at PDT can be answered in the same way as the following question.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?

Answers are one thing and personal opinions another. On furloughs in this industry it is almost inevitable and can be argued you haven’t lived the life of a pilot without a few furloughs under your belt. That being said, I am thankful that for whatever reason PDT hasn’t furloughed yet. At the same time however, I am one of the few guys that if it is going to happen would love it to happen sooner rather than later. (I know I’m crazy right)

I guess its because I try to look at the bright side of things and I see a furlough as an involuntary kick in the rear to get a jump start on life’s next big adventure.

Let's just put it a simple way... There is no hope with PDT...If the management knows something they will absolutely make sure you don't know about it, until the very last minute. And if you ask a question, they will give you a smart *ss or some dumb formulated answer that nobody will understand the language of it. Every young guys a PDT should just focus on building there times there for the next two to three years and then when the industry opens the doors again then move out that place. At the end of the day it will be the best decision that you will make toward the progress of your own carrier. If you hoping on the Q400, or the flow through mainline, or a base opening in PHX, or whatever is out there to give you hope with PDT, let me just tell you that you wasting your time. I mean somebody that is management and see the situation of these aircraft and is willing to absolutely do no kind of improvement to these airplane does not have his mind together. I mean these aircraft leaks when it rains, the cockpit is dirty filty and guys get sick from it, the aircraft has tape all around (fuselage, cowling, you name it and it has it). All our 100's still have KNS 660 are you kidding even dash operator in Africa roll around with UNS greater than 1C. So like i said stop wasting your time day dreaming about new stuff, it would be lovely though to have new planes or new routes and all but the truth is, it will not happen. So serve your time with purpose, if you on reserve and not flying much go get some part time job out there if you can and just get busy, not your mind doesn't become frustrated with the company

reading this makes my head hurt...don't post drunk.

Since we all are over-thinking things, bids came out online and I noticed we are overnighting in TRI now come January. I thought that was a PSA overnight? Any other new overnights (I know TRI is not brand new but we haven't overnighted there in a while)?

Also, it looks like they finally thought about the lines. Most now credit in the 80hr mark but have more than minimum days off. I'd think most line holders would enjoy that.

I dont know but it looks like SBY will be covering all hubs some even on the same trips. Alot of Upstate New York overnights too and Some nice lake destinations too. The 13-15 days off are nice.

In the question of the week they said they are not offering any VLOA for January but will be evaluating staffing needs on a month to month basis.

hmm

I don't get it, what are you reading into this?

Well, clearly that means we're going to open a phoenix base and then replace the fleet with Q400s....haha. Sorry I couldn't resist.

I'm sure there are all kinds of rumors out there that this comment has created, but it all comes down to it all being speculation. There's no reason to assume anything bad or good going to come out of this. Don't try to figure out what's going to happen before it happens. I've been wrong just about every time I've tried to do it, but then again maybe I'm just ill informed or not smart enough to see the logic. Often times there's very little to be read into with management's comments. Sometimes they really mean what they say, and it's just easier to take it at face value for the time being. If what they say is stupid, then it's stupid. There's no more to it. Anyway, that's enough of this babble. Has anyone heard anything worthwhile?

How bout' those Philly crew meals eh! But really we should get at least 2 because every time I have hit Philly recently, I have had to sit much longer than I ever care to.

FLG, YUM, MMGM, MMHO, PSP, MRY, SBA, DRO, GJT.

We do it with 6 A/C, equipped with 2 NAV, 2 COMM and an ADF.

Did anybody actually head to PDT betting things there would suddenly explode? For some guys I know it made sense...but I don't think they went into it with any misconceptions about the place.

No, but keep in mind many of the guys hired in the past few years were hired on the top of the curve. The recruiting department(BT) was using false hopes of greener pastures. AKA Q400’s or ATRs and expanding out west to re insure ones choice. Also, many people claimed that Turbo-props are the place to be with the rising cost of fuel.

So I guess I want to change my response to (maybe) some people came here "..betting things would suddenly explode."

Saw the thread on the Colgan winter Ops test and remember ours.

Did we end up getting paid for it?? I forgot about that and don't have access to any of my pay-docs. If anyone could post a simple yes or no and when that would be greeeaaatt. mmm kaayyy..... tthhaaaaankkssss

Yes it shows up on your pay check as training pay.
I got mine!!!
hope it helps:cool:

was that on the Oct or Nov Pay.

I believe it was on the first check in Nov. But the line on the paycheck will stay there so you should see it on your current check. I don't have one with me as i am on an overnight..

Thanks guys, I'll look when I get home.

Just a reminder to fill out your contract surveys. Going through my e-mail today noticed I forgot to go back and do it. Took about 45min to complete.

Yea I filled it out. Doubt we'll get anything tho..

PDT just raised their mins to 1200TT 200ME, they are accepting resumes with "No intentions of hiring or interviews."

"Will not be interviewing or hiring for the first half of 2009" *

Not a big difference, but sounds more positive.. heh

The survey where was that on the alpa site?

Here ya go...

Follow these instructions to access the survey:
1. The survey is located at: https://www.ballotpoint.com/SPALPA
2. In the upper left corner you will see "ID" and "PWD"
Your ID: Your seven-digit ALPA member number+ (include leading zeros)
Your PWD: Piedmont
3. Click the button that says "Login"
4. On the left-hand side you will see a menu item called "View Surveys." Click on this link.
5. In the middle of the screen you will see a box listing the survey titled: 2009 Piedmont Negotiations Questionnaire
6. Click on the "Request Survey" button to start your survey.
Note: You must answer every question in order for you to submit your survey responses.

-MJ

So, new rumor I heard today. Possible new hire class in March. That is the reason we are soliciting to create a pool or resumes for late 09. Just a rumor. Take it for what it is worth.

What? They are taking apps for late '09 but rumor is they're hiring in early '09? I know it's not your rumor but how does that make sense? Also, any word on if the reasoning is a hope that Mesa takes a dump?

Don't bank on us taking a dump. Our pitiful pilot group just signed a contract that very well may save the company money. Don't let ALPA screw you like we've been screwed.

Best of luck to you guys, I hope you hire without the demise of another airline.

To my understanding, we hired people the beginning of 08 just never gave them a class date. This is how the rumor was explained to me. They would be given first priority, I think they just want to have a pool of resumes to go to in case we get more flying and I hope it doesn't come at a cost to someone else.

Also, it is my understanding they are hearing the grievance about the social security bridge this month. Doesn't really affect most of Piedmont except the really senior guys. But if that goes through you could see a few more retirements which would need to be filled eventually.

Kind of the point I am trying to get at, I hope it's not another rumor about Mesa folding because I don't see it happening. I know at PSA most of those rumors have stopped.

I don't see Mesa going anywhere, either.

I know this is nerdy but I've been looking for one of these for my little brother and thought i should get it out to the rest of the group.
Online Store

Tail Number
 

Any idea what the tail number is on that model Dash? If you buy one and open it up, could you let us know? As an original Piedmonster myself, I'd rather not have a model with the EX tail numbers from Agony (Allegheny) Airlines.

The one I got for my Brother was a Henson Number it was 912HA

Anybody know what PDTs Christmas schedules are like?

Just wondering when the last flights are taking off from the various bases.

Anyone know if the SW jump seat issue has been resolved?

I'll let you know after Jan 1. From what I gathered on another post, you leave off the EN unlike normal CASS stuff and use EN as the airline code. Also it is better to list via phone ahead of time and you have to make sure they put you in the cockpit even if there are seats in the back. Like I said, I'm gonna use them on Jan 1 so I will let you know how it works.

Nope, the SWA Jumpseat hasn't been resolved yet. Just shows up as cabin seat only. You get on as long as their is a seat in the back. Spent 6 hrs in DEN trying to get home as my brother was on a standby pass on SWA only. At least I wasn't going to work. On a positive note, SWA will let you check a bag even if u r jumpseating.

Well there is one easy way to fix this, no Southwest pilots in the cockpit after X date if the issue is not resolved on any LCC operated aircraft.

Yeah that is smart since it is so entirely SWA Pilots to blame!

Its not about punishing the SWA pilots. Its about getting them motivated to contact their jumpseat committee and get the issue resolved. As of now I would doubt any of them care if PSA/PDT gets the jumpseat it doesn't effect them at all.

Agree, they will take their time because it's not hurting them. I guess there's a reason why we called a reciprocal jumpseat agreement. =)