If you read AMR's TA provisions (that also are in the 1113), you'll note they ensure no group 1 aircraft (less than 81-seats) pay rate increases can be tied to larger group aircraft. Additionally, G1 aircraft use FAR limits in scheduling.

Clearly, they've considered this likely scenario and have inserted some protections against its negative consequences.

 

Agree completely. I also am planning my "cash out/get out" strategy. I'm in my upper 40's and in 5 years, this industry will be begging for pilots.....pleading for them.To keep me in this biz it's going to take A LOT of coin. Otherwise, by then I'll be in a position to make more doing something else and watch with glee as the airlines finally reap what they have sown for so long.

 

I thought you said, "and watch Glee". I got really excited.......(Sarcasm)

 

Two things. There will never be a pilot shortage at the major/legacy/UPS/FedEx level. They won't be begging you but someone just starting out.

In another post, you say the flying will ultimately be blended into the majors. I disagree. If you blend it in, there is no more whipsawing and cost savings. Sure there might be a return of the B scale but it would eventually be corrected just as AA's was. As long as the legacies continue to have scope eroded, management has no reason to do otherwise.

 

Sorry, need a clarification as it seems your post may seem a little contradictory.

First it says that "G1" aircraft are subject to FAR limits, which pretty much suck. Right now anyway. Are other (larger) aircraft currently subject to something more restrictive per TA/CBA like shorter duty days/longer rest periods?

So if it's a protection against negative consequences, consequences for who if it's FAR limit only?

 

The problem is there are only a fraction of people "starting out" now that need to be there in the next few years. To be there in the future, they need to be there now. As it stands, it seems there's little appetite for many college students to get into aviation and specifically airline pilot positions when they have to absorb $50-75K worth of debt in addition to their normal college costs for a $36K/year job with slow progression, a lot of time away from home and little respect.

That $36K/year BTW is new-hire pay for AA, not the regionals. You think the regionals will be more attractive then that ?

You're dreaming.

They will have little choice but to blend it in to mitigate the damage. Whipsawing is the perfect model, but depends on an endless and ADEQUATE supply of pilots. Right now there is, but in a few years when the demand increases, there won't be.

Whipsawing is worthless when your new aircraft go from assembly line to the Arizona desert.

 

No, but G1 aircraft flying most of the typical regional missions will benefit more from and be subject more to the necessity of those limits. Their economics will depend on it again, due to their limited revenue generation abilities and higher operational costs per seat.

Additionally, in the future these aircraft will likely continue to see airline managements demand more flexible terms. For instance, duty rigs, trip rigs and international pay won't apply and quite possibly, reduced 401(k) provisions as well. AA pilots can eventually expect 13-16% 401(k) contributions, but I'll bet new-hires in those aircraft will not see that contribution until graduating to G2 aircraft or higher.

 

So basically, YES. "G1" aircraft will be on a B-scale workrule as well as a B-scale hourly compensation package. Almost sounds like UAL during the BK. Eliminate the monthly flying cap for narrow body as well as the trip/duty rigs and fly them close to FAR limits.

Might as well bring back the Crandal era B-scale with a flowthough, pretty much be the SAME thing.

 

Remember, this only applies if/when these aircraft are moved to mainline. As of now (and for the next several years), the whipsaw model will proceed and these aircraft will be flown by independent subcontractors and this model will only be abandoned when no longer viable.

In the mean time, look for meat to be dangled into the dogfight ring. The dog that fights harder and eats less and is a cheaper dog gets to keep his gig, the others go back to the cage where life isn't as good.

 

Thanks, but I've ALREADY been through the continuous RFP/shifting of flying/lowest bidder/downgrade/displacement/paycuts/furlough/CH11/company shut down before I even went to XJT. Got hired at XJT, and got to see ALL but the last 2 items AGAIN.

You ain't tellin me nuthin' new brotha'