I wasn’t referring to you bud. My critique is and has always been of the abused rescue dog syndrome. Being extremely skeptical of management isn’t inherently bad, being unable to see when you actually have someone at the helm who has common objectives as you, and subsequently harboring the negativity that comes with that is foolish. Many of you may think that you are emotionally detached from the outcome… But I personally don’t think that distrust, pessimism, etc. do not bleed through to other parts of your life.

Kirby’s motives for running a larger and better airline probably could not be more different than ours. Namely the desire to prove that he is better than Parker, and better than everyone else for that matter. while for us, we are Neck Deep in the operation every day, and it is much more enjoyable to be at work when you are properly supported and can be proud of the product you provide. SK sure could change… But might as well enjoy the good times while they’re here. There will be ample opportunity for distrust and anger towards management in all of our careers


you guys need to quit grouping all people who are critical of your posts into one category ... see the irony there? ;-)

 

If you don’t see the irony of telling a long-time respected United pilot to “get a life” on an Internet forum bursting with non-United, non-ALPA, non-pilot posters, you have found your niche.

 

I don't get when people say this. When someone is retired they have plenty of time to do the things they like AND look at the forums if they so choose. They don't have to work anymore, remember? Are you telling me taking 15 minutes a day to browse a forum after you spent 6 hours fishing is having no life? What's your excuse for spending your precious time here?

 

I think you make a good point about SK's motives.
My take is that Kirby has something to prove. As I recall he's a wash out from AF UPT, and he was let go from AA. He's a two time loser with an axe to grind. So far, he hasn't made the cut. Someone who is an underdog and who has something to prove should not be underestimated. You either love winning, or hate losing, or both. SK may not love winning, but I think he's starting to hate losing. I am OK with either option. He is an underdog and a hungry one at that. Let's see if he can cobble together all of his professional life lessons learned and form a winning team/strategy and run a strong race. it's his race to run. If I see something AFU or TU I'll speak up. If I think ALPA is being taken advantage of, or not doing their enforcement part I'll speak up. I don't follow blindly any more... not management, nor ALPA. Anyone wants my trust, they gotta earn it.

 

dude... I’ve never criticized him for spending time here. And if you read my post, I’m saying I’m just as guilty.

 

Back to the topic... Has anyone been able to commute lately? Damn, these flights are full

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What do you recommend he change and/or do to his strategy that he is not currently executing? What needs to be done to gain some trust?

(genuine question and honestly not trying to pick a fight.)

My thoughts as we start to emerge from this pandemic is to avoid the management arrogance of the past and award themselves the huge bonuses like they did when we exited bankruptcy. Spoiling the good will with the pilots is a big mistake.

I’ve been referring to SK’s strategy this past year as the “Kirby Gamble” and was hopeful it would pay off, but was still guarded and kept my financial house in order. I hope this gamble pays off for all our sakes.

 

I was working in commercial strategy at AA when SK was president. I gave a presentation to him in his conference room the morning before his succession was announced. The below article does a great job summarizing the events.

https://viewfromthewing.com/american...ys-of-my-life/

 

It’s nice to see a guy who wants to punch first rather than waiting to see how hard the other guy can hit.....like Smisek.