Class of 1883, sorry, I meant 1997?
 

To the Class of 12/1/1997,

Just got the SPA retirement emaill and it looks like to me, from the class of 97, the 28 new hires, we are the five remaining*.

That leaves Joey (the absolute funniest stand-up guy I've ever seen, with that vaudeville shtick with the prettiest girl from the audience, and actually the only stand-up guy I've seen in person because he was generous enough to waive the cover charge, and of course, I doubt any of us had a spare five bucks to get in).

Then Will, who, when I introduced myself as "Kevin", during the interview sit, he heard "Captain" and made me the arrogant BE-1900 "Captain" A-Hole of the interview class. Thanks for that Will ... although I did forgive you for your jet pilot skills and sculpted cheekbones.

Next is Larry "Sky". If you ever have the pleasure to meet Larry, you're blessed. I would trust him with my Debit Card and PIN. We teased him for his nickname because all pilots are jerks, but not him. You want him to be your friend. Trust me on that.

Next is Eric. Thank you for not beating me up in the parking lot of the Ramada the dental clinic/abortion clinic/ training center in beautiful Romulus for being a smart @ss. I was also scared of Cal and Denny, so I didn't need any additional stress. Also, sculpted cheekbones like Will's but a little "meatier", I only say that because they've waived those old charges, and I and finally got approved for my CCW. I promise I'll never mention that "Perineum" issue your AME shared with me while he violated his Hippocratic oath in public. Again. Ever.
Tony, Tony Tony:

My Dad's B-17 lost a prop governor, fell out of formation, and he spent a year in Stalag Luft III,they blew the tail off killing his best best friend (Goldie) and six others, then was forced marched to Stamlageher 7a in January 45 before Patton with his shiny helmet liberated the troops there. Had you been born earlier, and were the Captain of that plane, with the four Wright engines, I suspect you would have taken him back to Foggia instead of where he ended up. I spread his ashes from Nine -O-Nine in 2000. I know you know that tail number.

*KC.

Best pilot I've ever had the luck to know. Walked me through -9 stuff at 3 :am on at 2:am, in January in 98. In the cold plane. Wouldn't have made it without her.

Is Tony still rocking his AOPA ball cap in the terminal? Is he still disassembling planes on a preflight? Still being an…(I’ll stop) That dude…..😕….ugh

Still have no idea what the point of this thread is. Weird doesn’t do it justice


Fun fact for some; the reason why most from 1997 are gone is because UAL was snagging our pilots way back when and many left. These 5 are still here. I’ll let you extrapolate on why that is.

Well Cinco,

I certainly have dirty laundry, it must be nice to have clean tighty whities.

Kevin

I think the point of this thread is pretty obvious: Super senior guy is either close retirement or one of his classmates is. Taking a little walk down memory lane and sharing some thoughts about his remaining classmates. That's what people do when they are approaching the end of their carreers. You'll find out.

As to the "why" there are only five of his class left, I don't know where you were in 1997, but getting on with United wasn't as easy as you seem to think. Maybe your speculation is more of a reflection of your own self-loathing for not being at a legacy today than it is an accurate assessment of the pilot job market in 1997 and beyond.

Well, this fell flatter than my choice of ladies. Which of course are all internet based at my age and BMI.

I was honestly just trying to say hi, and poke some fun, in a friendly and non offensive way to some guys and ladies I bonded with 20 something years ago. Made me sad some of you have the ability to be so nasty, so quickly, when you would never be like that in person. If you're going to be that nasty, at least use your own name and don't hide.

I use the employee lot, and have my pride as well. I've notoriously lost most my of encounters involving fisticuffs so that's to anyone else's benefit. But, I least did it in person, not on the internet. And while I've had my nose busted a couple times, I walked away with my pride and a a bloody shirt.

I actually appreciate other guys walking up to me , shaking my my hand, then helping me straighten out my uniform while calling me a slob or whatnot. It's happened to me more than once, and I was always grateful to not walk through terminal looking like a bigger buffoon than it seems I must present as.

I certainly didn't want to draw out anyone from behind their screen names, but I say let's tone it down on the ugliness. I've never been disappointed with any of my fellow Spirit crew, and I hope Ive never scared any of you. Too much.

Anyway, sorry for this barn fire of a thread, the Star Trek Jackets look very metro, I stand with my classmates, and I got to smoke Marlboro's with Ned, so nana nana boo boo I'm better than you too.

PHhhhhhhhhhhhaaaa!

Kevin

PS.
I got a free model airplane. Maybe you guys should start working on profit sharing this time around.

I get the sentiment but that company you got hired at doesn’t exist anymore. We don’t fly the 9 anymore and people that think we still do put more grey hair on FO’s heads than the W-2 thread.

Congratulations on your retirement.

I appreciated your post. And yes, congratulations on retirement!!!!

Now that's funny, and yes you better keep your eyes on us. Is this why when I say "Pumps on High, Descent Check" you all start blabbering about Baro this and that, Engine Anti-Ice on or off, then start holding that darn checklist and staring at me wanting me to say something back?

I've got a few years left, but if the new NEO's don't have tray tables I'm out.

Not retired yet, I did get my 20 year glass shelf thingy at 23 years and got a really neat model, 25th year plane award last month on my 24th year anniversary. So to the guy that said "this isn't the same company anymore", stick around for awhile.

Congrats on retirement!

congrats on your retirement! Hell of a post to retire on! RSV FO’s will miss you!!!!

In that case, congratulations on making it this far!

It would hurt my feelings to be no bidded by anyone. Please send me a private message if we know each other, and tell me if I have a reputation for being a jerk, or worse yet, inept. Never busted a PC check yet, but never say never with this new program.

I could probably teach an MBA level class in being a jerk, or as I call it Jerking 101. If you'd like to attend. or just lend a hand, I'd really appreciate it.

I really miss flying with the old guys, one of the few downsides of upgrading. Yes some of them were eccentric, yes some carry their own knee board and checklists but those guys have some funny stories to tell from the old days and it was enjoyable to hear how the company has evolved. Next time an old guy says “pumps on high, descent checklist” just roll your eyes and ask about the old company Christmas parties or smoking cigarettes with Ned in the cockpit.

As a reluctantly older guy, really appreciate that. Still remember getting my landing currency for my first job before the years started with a 2. Instructor in the left seat, students rotating through the right seat, examinar standing in the cockpit door smoking, while doing T/Gs in the pattern with a 700' cloud base (not @ NK).

It’s amazing how things have changed in the last 20 years. You can’t say anything to anyone anymore without someone getting offended. Constantly being monitored these days.

$h1t, might have to agree with you. I'm progressive, but hate PC.

My favorite story, second hand, was an Ozark pilot on jump. The Jetbridge had been pulled away. Opened the door. 4 foot gap. Throw your bag on board. Jump. Jump, I say. Made it across. Closed the door. Strap in as we are pushing away from the gate. Think ground was too stunned or too embarrassed to say a word. Everyone was laughing.

I have absolutely jumped out before a parking checklist was run before an agent could wrestle that pirate plank up to an RJ. Gap maybe a couple feet but all rules are out the window when you got a commute to catch.

Do I want to go back to the three hour taxis while the CA rips down cigs with the window open (thankfully) in EWR? No but it’s fun to wax about. I do wish we could go back to how we could talk to each other and without being in constant CYA mode

Can I ask the question of what do you all want to talk about in the cockpit that you can’t talk about anymore?

The car discussions had to end when the definition of a sports car was challenged by some.

You know, for me it's not so much what I want to talk about, or what I don't want to have to disagree with. I just really don't remember politics/religion even coming up when I started aviating over 2 decades ago, in a country far away. I know many un-PC things were said, but I don't think we were all raging racist/misogynists. Heard female pilots/FAs drool over the pilot known as "Ken", 6'2' and I would date him. $h1t was just said without thinking. Easy times.

Are people really discussing religion then or now? I don’t think I’ve ever been in a plane and heard someone say “can we talk about Christ?”

Politics and religion have always been a hot issue in general, but I’ve never seen it in the flight deck.

well crap. Now I’m a Mormon bc of these flight deck talks



Jk pc police

Locker room talk essentially.

To be clear I don’t mean talk about assaulting random women like the former DB in Cheif

Last week I said something completely benign in context of a conversation and I got home thinking I hope that doesn’t come back to me. It shouldn’t be that way.

Let's get back to the days of talking about making our own beef jerky and going on riverboat gambling trips! That's what pilots do!

We literally have never done any one of those things.

One of the nicest guys I flew with repeatedly. Would be reading his bible and ask me:"so Symbiian, have you thought anymore about our conversation last week?". I'd be like"Mike, I'm over 40, if it hasn't happened yet, it probably won't.". Super nice guy though, and tried his hardest to get me hired after that company went bust.

I may or may not have been guilty of that….

But, DAMMIT, a Miata is NOT a sports car!!!!!

Told you we wouldn’t talk about it with the door closed. Sure as hell not having this argument on a public forum. Those days are over.

No, it's a chick car.

I'll see myself out.

:D

Damn straight. Have to set the bar somewhere.