actually, I think they are hedging pilots the way airlines hedge fuel.

Massive retirements at mainlines expected
Flight Time, Duty Time to require more pilots
1500 Hour rule soon to limit pool of hirables
much few new pilot starts nationwide

all means there won't be enough pilots for the jobs soon... so, get em while you can.

So, hire all the low time kids you possibly can, while you can, then when the 1500 hour rule kicks in, grab all the experienced guys....

anybody signing a new long term contract with these types of changes about to hit the industry are idiots. For the first time in 25 years the pilots will be in the negotiating drivers seat. I predict that the APA will get an industry leading contract within the next year, perhaps two... the longer they wait, the better.

time to start furloughing some lower to upper management types....

Yes I know of some people in there today. I am starting on 5/23, just missed the window on the 5/9 but it worked out better anyways. Hoping someone will post the offerings, just nice to see what's getting handed out.

have hired a bunch of high timers. Taking Comair pilots left and right

Congrats, I'm still awaiting the captain review board's decision... what day did you hear back? I'm hoping to hear from Eagle today or tomorrow and somehow sneak into the May 23rd class... Where did you do your medical?

I heard on a Friday around 11:30am about a week and a half after the interview. And i had all my paperwork done and employment forms back the next day. Haven't done my medical yet but will prob be at DFW. I had some additional things they wanted me to do and they are all done. If you hear from them Friday you will prob make the 23rd class without an issue.

Where is this information coming from? Haven't heard a peep from the MEC...

not true....

How would you know?

The rumors of the divestiture being called off all grew from this single line in the MEC Chairman's letter to the pilots a few weeks ago, hardly conclusive...

Someone is posting on another web board that ORD chief pilot is saying that divesture is being put on hold. I question if the divesture is going to take place.