Fair question. The "typical" Delta pilot is someone who you can enjoy drinking a beer with on a layover, isn't uptight, may not agree with your opinion, but when disagreeing offers a reasonable counterpoint, then says "another round."

Usually the guy actually likes flying airplanes for a living and doesn't apologize for that (I swear sometimes the anti-establishment groupthink on some of these web boards seems to equate not working with virtue, but actually showing up for work with a good attitude as vice). However, he also has a life outside of airplanes as well. He doesn't spend a lot of time on web boards constantly equating the DAL pilot group to a bunch of "Stockholm Syndrome" zombies.

As a supporter (or former supporter) of DPA, do you really want to use this analogy!?!

Sorry, that was just to good to pass up!

Denny

Do they still allow non-revs on ferry flights? I'd like to be on that flight.

Interesting that alfaromeo loves to accuse me of telling whoppers.

The fences were 20 years, not 18.

I recall no such effort to extend the fences beyond 20 years. If there were, I never heard of it and will gladly apologize upon the showing of proof.

There were no such lifetime protections for either pilot group...since the 20 year fences applied to both pilot groups.

Again, I recall no such arbitration to extend fences beyond 20 years. But will gladly apologize upon showing of proof.

The green guys started occupying the top of the whale list well before the fences came down because the fences only applied to our original whales, not post merger whales. Since our merger went straight date of hire, they rightly occupied the top of the list...before the fences came down.

The fences came down in 2006 and I didn't join APC until 2008. How could you have tracked my "militancy" before I got here?

Carl

This may be true but also remember DAL has greatly reduced and continues to reduce net debt and halved their interest payments while refinancing remaining debt at lower interest rates. This will greatly offset the tax liability as it comes due.

Also, keep in mind, DAL has been throwing money at special projects the last several years post BK including airport facility improvements, aircraft refurb/lie flat seats, customer service training, etc. adding up to billions of dollars. As those projects wind down there will be even more money available to offset tax liab.

Now if Delta would "refurbish" it's pilots pay, giving a nod to the role pilots have played in the recovery and going forward....instead of stock buy backs and dividends, we might be getting somewhere.

Oh! I know, I know!

Anyone on who lives in the 30269?

Or, how about the seven-oh?

Great article in Aviation Week awhile back concerning the new engine maintenance program that Airbus has been able to squeeze out of the engine supplier for the A 340-600. According to them, the cost for four engines has been brought in line with those of the twin engine wide body variety. If'n so...it could be a major factor in keeping the rumor alive.

And how! Plus one.

What...no scimitars? Come on guys, get with the program!