Your the one comparing an airline job to McDonalds. I just thought that was dumb (which it is) and most people would agree. Why get all defensive?

 

Why get bent out of shape when someone points out the problems as well? You have said I trash the place. Is it me that generates the PR and the horrible customer satisfaction that we all deal with on a daily basis? I can't tell you how many times folks complain to me. Believe it or not some pilots have a hard time with that. I am not willing to sugar coat that. If peeps know what they are getting into, there is a better chance they will stay. Spirit is the equivalent of McDonald's when you talk about eating out. It is a good comparison and I did not come up with it. It was our CEO. Follow the links below. If you don't like the comparison I guess you can quit too according to your logic anyways.

Spirit Airlines is cheap, and CEO Ben Baldanza's proud of it - USATODAY.com

Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza Says Travel Fees Needed to Keep Ticket Prices Down - ABC News

 

I don't know how you and the other "NO OT EVER" crowd incorrectly figures that those of us that don't mind working for a living, aren't "living within our means". As if you are a superior money manager or something. Its about being prepared for the future. Do you put anything in the secondary flight plan before take off just in case you need it? Of course you do, so do I. I also fund my retirement and my family can survive comfortably in case anything were to happen to me, or the airline. We are all just a buy-out away from being on the street. I'm ready, - just in case - are you? If all works out well for me and the airline, it means early retirement, and guess what that means... A lot more flying for others. Heck, they may even have to hire another pilot - maybe 8 years earlier than they would have. On balance, I'd say that means less overall flying for me, while you and the "fly your line/ drop as much as you can - its your responsibility" crowd are still out there working really hard to not work at all, all the way up to 65. Enjoy your "means", but my family is worth more than that.

 

Norm- I've got to agree with you on the importance of professional standards when it comes to appearance. I've always felt that if I expect to be treated (and compensated) as a professional I should dress as a professional. Keep in mind, though, what the FOM says as it pertains to wings usage:

"Wings are to be worn on the uniform coat only, approximately 1 inch above and parallel to the left pocket. They should be centered over the pocket unless the lapel covers them. If the lapel interferes with the centering, the outer edge of the wings may be aligned with the outer edge of the pocket."

So you see- I ditch my wings in April and don't see them again until October most years. If you walk through our crew room, you will see that many have overlooked this paragraph. Must be the same guys that don't bother to read the proper procedure for how to operate the new transponder panel...

 

I am sorry I did not mean the wings but the shoulder bars. I see a bunch of new hires with the wings. I used to do the same and wore it on the shirt as well when I was new, until someone told me. Btw I have no idea why wings are not supposed to be worn on our shirts as well. Just about every airline's fight crew wears wings. Our FA's do. May be once we will get our new uniform we will. Btw what is the latest on that?

I totally agree about the professional look. Call me a uniform Nazi but I wish the company would enforce the rules. It is amazing how some dudes roll.

 

If you're not responsible enough to put away enough money to live on a little sooner than paycheck-to-paycheck, maybe it's best that you not participate in the "B-scale" Captain rates after all...

And my friends from DTW called- they said they would've turned down your invite anyway.

 

I agree, but I'll take less company enforcement on issues over greater enforcement any day; I've worked for micro-managers and I'll pass, thank you. Self-policing is a better policy. Personally, I just try to lead by example; I've actually had guys make wise cracks about my creased pants and shined shoes...but they noticed. Maybe it'll rub off.

 

I take whatever gets the work done. A few days ago I saw my CA walking out of the cockpit without his tie after we have parked. I thought he simply forgot to put it back on so I joked about it to remind him. I thought I was doing a favor. Then I had to listen to his rant for a minute or longer. He also had grey sneakers, I should have known better. Before that I had to listen to why he thought it was BS that we did not get JB pay. For some self enforcement is just not an option imo.

Anyways, the company does not seem to care about how we look so I don't expect anything to change.

 

Yep, there are those and I don't think they'll change either. He was probably still calling out "one taco" as well I assume...

Sometimes the hunt for the problem leads to the mirror.

 

>>> No I am not a "superior" money manager and no I don't care if you or anyone else picks up OT (it is your prerogative; I do as well but not because I have to). I DO get tired by your negative rants about the union, the company etc.... that's all.

I realize no place is perfect: I've had the "perfect job" and it wasn't perfect!

An old UAL 74 Capt. once told me, "never live on more then you make as an FO and you'll be alright." I'll heed is advise