Regional Pilots: The New Year
 

It's that time of year again where we have the opportunity to take a few minutes and reflect on the time that's passed as well as make a few plans/choices for the future. 2008 has been a year many will remember. For me the best part was simply keeping my job. I can't count how many sleepless nights I've had tossing and turning wondering what the future will bring. It's definitely been tough but the great thing about New Years is the ability to draw a line in the sand and wave goodbye to the past then turn around and take a new step.

I know it's just another day but for some reason I've always felt I could simply brush off the bad and only carry on with the good. I hope that all of you are able to do the same. It's these times we admit the things that bind us are greater than those that pull us apart. Here we have differing opinions and take firm stances with one another yet out there it's still a free first round on me should anyone be in IAH. I guess that's how you know how serious to take things here. Johnso29 and I've been talking about our New Year's resolutions. Simple ones that are easy to follow and make a big difference. Take a little time to make a few and be honest with yourself then carry those into the new year.

I'll see you in 09!
Duck

Generally you only sing the first and last verse. Auld lang syne originated in the 1700s. It's Scottish and means "old long time".

Well said TD! Let's put this year behind us. :D Its a little early, but HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :D

Jolly Good Sir!! I didn't know you had it in you, TD.

Auld Lang Syne was one of my late father's favorite. I lost him a few years ago and every time I hear this song, I miss him. He was a tough guy who lived through numerous combat missions and yet he was a very sentimental guy.

Happy New Year to all my compadres del cielo!

A better 2009 to all our brothers and sisters out there!! Let us all raise our glasses/bottles/waters/or whatever you're drinking tonight and give a toast to all those that have lost their jobs this year for a better year for them in '09!!

Economically 2009 will be even worse. But lets bring it in with a bang anyway. Good luck.

Economically 2009 will be better. Airlines are expected to pull around 300mil in profit vs 4billion in losses. Party foul on your post.

Excellent Reply Duck! You're already making good on our News Years Resolution. :D

2008 was a rough year. Here's to a better 2009.

Well, I don't think 2009 can be much worse for me...went through a company shutdown and a furlough.

second that.....happy new year

I dodged a furlough by 4 numbers. I'm extremely grateful to be where I am, considering the position of a lot of guys like Rob who are 0 for 2, due to no fault of their own. Like TD, I had many sleepless nights in 2008. Here's to a better 2009!

I didn't dodge that ridiculous furlough (how's our reserve coverage again?). However it was short lived. I'm grateful to be back but I have about 4 months of back pay and a new contract owed to me. I hope the captains I fly with like LRC...

How about we make 2009 the year we start taking back what we gave up?

And I third that -- Let's do it better this year! :)

Happy Nude Year to all.....and to all a good Drink!

Right there with ya, Rob. 0 for 2 in the airline jobs for 2008. S&P drops 38%. IRA and the kid's 529 are in the outhouse. 2008...don't let the door hit you on the a$$ on the way out.

I miss the D52 crew.

I did my last leg and landing (at least for a while) this evening, Im officially on furlough in the AM, but 2009 will be better for all of us I hope

Tommorow I furlough, tonight I DRINK, friday I start working on the ATP written... Remember guys we've all made it this far, hang in and when the door slams in your face look for another door, I wish only the best for the upcoming year for all pilots, (even the ones who ticked me off ...lol),
in two hours we all have a fresh start in the next year, yesterday is gone, and as low as we went this year I think we can honestly say it has to look up....Kiss and hug those closest to you, and keep your family close, if you have your family, your faith, and a little hope we will all pull through...good luck and LET ME RAISE A GLASS TO ALL OF YOU WHO WEATHERED 2008....

Just another year to keep all pilots "barefoot and pregnant" while the execs rake in the cash. They're partying up in the most exclusive nightclubs while you're swilling a beer in a crashpad somewhere.

I agree, we need to work to live, not live to work. Don't let this sh*tty career dictate your life. I grew very tired last year of worrying, and my life has been much better, at least my mental state.

To my brothers & Sisters in this whacked out Industry, Happy New Years to you & yours ;)

You're both right.

2009 will be a better year for airlines, but as bad or worse for pilots.

some optimism & hope for recall RE: hedging gas prices
 

Interesting comments on National Public Radio the other day ... while airlines were cutting payrolls and other costs in response to 2008 gas prices, they made purchase agreements to lock in prices and buy a lot of gas to avoid further increases in gas prices; however, many made those agreements before prices came down to today's levels. This is believable based on the other smart decisions airline management has made and their track record for doing stupid things (for which they receive huge bonuses). The good news is that most of these agreements will be completed by mid-year and they can begin to benefit from the current market prices. That fits nicely with the need to ramp up for the heavier travel volume associated with summer. Here's hoping your management wasn't even stupidier than the others and signed longer term agreements. Good luck to everyone.