Yeah I guess there will be loads of retirements at American legacies over the next few years.

All these 175 guys going to the majors here will obviously have to go in as FO's correct? How long are they looking on average before upgrade?

 

Quite honestly it should be. Pay is great for pilots and more options for West coast bases. Lots of CA's I know that have went there really like it. I just don't think they have a very good product. They don't care about the customer and I have never enjoyed flying as a passenger with them. International they are not as bad, but I just don't think you can keep ****ing off your customers and have horrible management and make it long term. (But then everyday that Republic is still in business shoots down that theory)

I know it is stupid and probably not a great career strategy. I made the mistake of choosing what I thought was a good company when I decided what regional to work for and look how that has turned out for me. Companies with horrible reputations and service get awarded more flying because they can do it cheaper with a less senior workforce. There is no reward for loyalty or experience. Plus this industry is so cyclical, that today's top dog is tomorrow's Chapter 11.

 

You have some valid points there. Aviation is so hard to judge these days. The industry seems hell bent on keeping infighting between crew and management and making customers suffer.

My friend flies for Emirates on the 777. The product for the pax is great but crew get treated like dirt. You upset the wrong manager there and you miraculously fail your next sim ride and have a week to vacate the country.

I really just don't understand why this industry has the most incompetent managers compared to others. Imagine trying to run a top tech firm or bank like some of these clowns run an airline!

I think the best option is to keep all options open. It is hard to show loyalty when you damn well know you will not get any in return.

 

So, we are going to be in Chapter 11 soon? Well, that escalated quickly.

 

Not really... If the airlines could hire 500 hr wonders do you think pay would get better or even offering a bonus?

 

No. Just like it wouldn't improve if you make it 2,500tt.

 

Not for lack of trying.....

 

Fresh type=trainability......

 

I was more talking about Major airlines. I find JS a weasel and think he has ruined the good customer relations that CO brought to the table. I like companies like Amazon and Costco. Those that realize how important customers are and do everything to take care of them. How many major airlines have claimed bankruptcy or merged over the past 10 years? Top airlines always end up swinging the other way.

But your response is not surprising from someone immersed in corporate SGU. Instead of hanging on the successes for the last 40 years, we should be thinking of the next 40. What has worked in the past, won't work in the future. Why are we okay realizing this in some aspects but not others? We understand that we need to lower hiring standards or get more people in class, but top brass will not admit that we are not getting pilots as easy as we have in the past.

Not saying Chapter 11 is coming up for SW. I'm just saying that SkyWest isn't the obvious first choice like it was 10 years ago. And for me, I would tell anyone coming into the industry to look at some of the other options out there first.

 

As a matter of interest who would be first choice in your opinion and why?