Executives and shareholders have too much to lose if the pilots vote NO.

Everyone, the scare tactics are working. It's time to draw a hard line in the sand.

Do you really think that $80/hour for a captain and $40/hour for an FO really changes the bottom line that much when operating costs on average are around $3500/hour!

 

I've seen mentioned on here and a few other web boards about Pinnacle becoming a Delta wholly owned and/or receiving the benefits of a wholly owned after the "Yes" vote.

Where in the TA/SSP language does it say this? Or is this just something being said in reference to the amounts of money Delta is dumping into this place?

 

The more I look at #2 (even if they have been delivered) the more I believe Pinnacle will get more then 100+ 900s.

A mixed fleet is a "mixed bag" with high potential for conflict. Seniority, training, bidding, basing, fences (if any), maintenance, majors competing for regional support, etc. Now throw in impending fleet reduction. As best as I can determine that SkyWest / Express Jet has over 500 aircraft that are 50 seats or less. They operate those airplanes for multiple majors who at any time can say they are old, uncomfortable, inefficient and do not represent our brand. Isn't that what Delta is doing with the 200s ? Those AZ storage yards are filling up with 50 or less seat aircraft.

Lets assume SW/EJ get rid of 250 airplanes. Roughly 2500 pilots are now in a bidding / training war. Jr. FOs, Maintenance / support staff are given notice. (Remember what happened when Pinnacle bought Mesaba.) Costs (especially training) skyrocket, flights are cancelled, morale goes in the pits. American, Delta, Continental, Alaska, US Airways and United are now competing for SW/EJ support.

Delta may have a unique opportunity - a CRJ900 regional with standardized training, in place support systems, the ability to expand quickly and the lack of competition with other majors for support. It would be highly efficient with long term cost savings. I believe that's their goal - as long as the COST STRUCTURE is acceptable.

They also need to establish a "source of experienced well trained pilots for the future. The best way to do that is exercise control (or at least influence) over the hiring and training process. I'll still go "way out on the limb" and predict that if the TA is passed, Delta will purchase Pinnacle. (probably for less money then they got for Mesaba )

IMHO - They will grant wavers "in the flow" for no college degree, etc. Imagine bypassing a 10,00 hr CRJ900 Captain because he does not have a BA in Underwater Basket Weaving. Supply and demand will dictate what waivers are granted.


Anyone remember the word "staple ?"

 

Lol @ Delta buying Pinnacle and stapling them.

Comedy.

 

More like farce - In theatre, a farce is a comedy that aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity, verbal humor of varying degrees of sophistication, which may include word play, and a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases, culminating in an ending which often involves an elaborate chase scene. [union vote] Farces are often highly incomprehensible plot-wise (due to the large number of plot twists and random events that often occur), but viewers are encouraged not to try to follow the plot in order to avoid becoming confused and overwhelmed. Farce is also characterized by physical humor, the use of deliberate absurdity or nonsense, and broadly stylized performances.

The best description of airlines union / management relationships that I have ever read.

 

Delta will not grant any waivers on no degree. Also in order to have well trained pilots you need a training department. 9E has a checking department.

 

Doubtful. In this day and age, it's not THAT hard to take some initiative and get a degree. You can even do it online while you're sitting in your hotel room. Plenty of FOs (including myself) did it, why can't the senior guys with 10,000 hours do the same thing? It'll take a decade or so (or at least the terms of the TA + 6 months) to go through the 9E list. I don't see any reason why Delta would give a waiver on it when they can just go to the next guy on the list ad naseum.

 

XJ HAS A TRAINING DEPARTMENT.

Supply and demand will determine the need for a college degree. If there is ever a "critical shortage" of airline qualified pilots in the US I see a civilian version of the USAF Aviation Cadet program returning. Costs would be shared by the government and the airlines. Highly screened applicants (high school graduates) put through a one year pilot training program where the "wash out rate" is 60-70%. Only the best survive. Graduates would have waivers to the 1500 hr./ ATP requirement if they go to a regional. It does not take a college degree to fly an airplane; it takes a well trained pilot.

 

Pinchanickled, if you were making $75K to $120k per year, would you be so eager to give that up for the sake of the industry and the good of other pilots? Just curious, an honest yes or no answer please with an explanation if you dont mind. Thanks

I dont make that much. Im in the senior FO payscale. but it is better than the alternative of starting over at $18K.

Also, in all sincerity, could you explain how it will benefit the industry when our airplanes go to a carrier that will fly them for less than we can, even with our concessionary TA? Keep in mind that three other carriers have already bid for our flying in the event the TA doesnt pass and they are cheaper than us with our TA.

Where is the support for 9E for keeping our planes out of the hands of the lowest bidder? Once again, Im just curious.




You guys still crack me up

 

Your convinced aren't you? Are you really that gullible?

Why don't you just work for free then? They can rename the airline Not-for-Profit-Airways!!!

Pilot pay is just a drop in the bucket. Delta is just trying to scare you into a pay cut. And look, it just might work! Even after all those years of negotiating a higher pay rate, you'll just give it up like a wimp on the playground when the bully says give him your lunch money. You just coward down and hand it right over.

How low can you go? Ah hell, just cry Uncle and rename the circus "Not-For-Profit-Airways."