Just Sad Guys
 

Spirit Pilots,

I debated whether to write this, but I feel it needs to be said. This situation has been tough—not just for the professional pilots and flight attendants at Spirit, but for the entire industry. In all my years on the flight deck, I’ve never heard anyone speak poorly about Spirit or wish for something like this to happen. The truth is, this impacts all of us.

I know many of you who have given everything to that airline over the past 20 years. It’s been a difficult weekend, and the effects of this may be felt for some time. Just know this: the industry stands behind you.

Take the time you need to reflect, but don’t lose sight of what you’ve built. You’ve delivered a solid product for many years, and every one of you will land on your feet.
Every pilot understands the fear of the unknown—but more importantly, we stand with you.

Dave

Thank you kind sir. The outpouring of support personally as well as industry wide has really been heartwarming, and for this old sap, tear inducing. Indeed the hardest few days most of us will ever experience. I know it has been for me. What the next few days/weeks looks like is daunting. We will all scatter and lead different lives going forward. We will land on our feet. But the crews and camaraderie this place provides was second to none. Incredible memories and crews. Good luck to all.

Only Jumpseated a few times on Spirit but was almost embarrassed at the amount of kindness shown. Good luck to all.

Flying for Spirit came out of left field for me. I had the absolute bare minimums for an unrestricted ATP, so I applied thinking that I'll update the app over the next few years and absolutely not get called until I had at least 1000hrs turbine (I'm an Army RTAG guy). I went on to start with an American wholely-owned, finished training, and before I touched the CRJ Spirit reached out for an interview. Initially I looked at the opportunity as a great stepping stone to get to what my dad retired (Legacy carrier), and get experience on a 'Bus. That idea changed really quick over the subsequent year or so. Nearly every aspect of the job was great - living in FL, driving to work, flying as little or as much as I liked, etc etc. "Let's do a career here" I told my wife.. But by far the best part of working for Spirit was the people. When I renewed my medical most of the way through my first year, the doc said "I can tell you're a Spirit pilot", I thought 'Is my clothes? My car? Or some subtle mannerism?'. "You're happy." He said.

Thank you to every one of you I worked with at Spirit. I wish you all the best of luck and happiness for your next chapter.

I’ve commuted on Spirit probably a dozen or so times. I was always treated so well by Spirit crews. Last summer, Spirit was the difference between getting home and being stuck overnight in base on several occasions. Definitely going miss the airline and hope to see UA’s new hire classes filled with Spirit folks for the foreseeable…

I never worked for Spirt but I’ve met several Spirt Pilots over the years. Always top notch guys with positive attitudes. I was told by many that Spirt was a great place to work and that they had incredible work rules and flexibility. Most importantly it was a very happy pilot group that was pleasant to be around. I wish you all well and hope you all land softly somewhere and soon.

I fly for SWA and I absolutely love it here. I’ve only been here for 2.5 years but I can say in my experience the culture here is awesome, and the flexibility in scheduling and amount of bases we have to choose from is unmatched. I would argue we are the highest paid narrowbody pilots in the country. We have recently reopened a portal for employment specifically for Spirt employees to be able to apply. I hope we hire lots of Spirt pilots because I think many of you would be a great fit here. Wishing you all well on your future endeavors.

I honestly didn't think I'd be bothered by NK's closing. Then they closed. I'm bothered. More than I thought I should be. I hope every one of you land at a legacy and can finish out your careers the way you deserve, because you SURELY didn't deserve this sH!t sandwich. Viva la Banan'ya!!!!!

Places to stay away from
 

Guys and Gals, don’t do it! These are the companies that will lie, trick and cheat you. Threaten and harass you and use PRD to ruin you.

World Atlantic
Global Crossing
Eastern Airlines/Eastern Air Express
21Air
7Air
National
SkyLease
Kalitta Charters 2
IFL
Ameristar
USA Jet

*135*
Baker
Talon
Vista
Contour
Worldwide
IBC

You might get worried or desperate and want to grab a seat but you will regret it. Ratted out old buckets from Deserts of the World still flying! Just wait till you get to see the CVG/DHL hub in the middle of the night. Wait till you have multiple failures on a 1982 vintage aircraft. Wait to you fly deportees! No matter your beliefs, it’s upsetting. Fires, threats from the Chief Pilot. Trying to sleep during the day while the maids slam against your door and knock, “Housekeeping!” Don’t write anything up, just call the Chief Pilot! Extend or you’re fired! Call in fatigued, you’re fired. We want you to Jumpseat to your next assignment, Just do it or your fired.

These are just a few of the nightmares that await you.

Do not believe a thing CHASE tells you about Baker.

I will pray for you all!

Just don't be a ****ing pain in the a** diva queen and you'll be fine....

Hmmmm. If by diva queen you mean someone who expects to not be shat upon when pushing back against pilot pushing and unsafe work rules, or being told “do it or you’re fired”, then yea, most self respecting pilots would be divas.

Walmart is hiring....

The sky is blue. Dogs are good pets. Golf is a great pastime. Are we just making random unrelated comments now? Anyway, those companies listed above are known throughout the industry. No big secrets being revealed