Summary:
I've had a great ride.
I took an extra five.
It's been so good for me I'm taking 27 family to Disney.
I'd like to see entry level pay increased for they who replace me.

This should work.

I wonder if the company popped for all the family members to fly on his final flight. If so, how does the rank and file pilot, like most of us, apply to get the special treatment. I've got about 40 but I could trim it down to the mid 20's for my retirement flight.

my guess is he's purchased tickets… no special treatment other than those who are upper mgmt (SVP level)… I hope thats true anyway...

That hat looks hella sweet on him.

Speak for yourself dude....I am totally gonna go try to find mine so I can wear it....in fact every time I go thru sewark I will stand in the same place and take selfies and post them on facebook. You will be jealous....I know it. You know it.

Sweet story Mike - now get out.

Does anyone ever really even asks those questions? Kinda like when the company middle managers put out a Q & A or FAQ sheet...(which they never sign)

1) If I used sick leave, but want to repay the company so as not to create too much of a cost, what is the best way to initiate the repayment?

2) I'd like to cancel my holiday vacation and fly more since we seem to be understaffed. Is there a preferred way to notify crew scheduling?

3) How soon should we contact the dispatcher if we would like to take off fuel, when we feel that our flight is over fueled for the particular segment?

Seriously, he wasn't a bad guy to work with (although he compromised my personal eMail address, He was often correcting his errant blast mails. I always wondered if they were sanctioned or choreographed and he used to publish a list of Captains that had high onetime stats, which always angered me because it was far more a function of seniority than effort). I'd go to his farewell, but like most of the pizza and ice cream socials that happen around the office, SOMEBODY has to fly the schedule...

It's interesting what some people think makes a good or bad chief pilot. My all time favorite, (hasn't been in the office in years) was hated by most of the others in the base. Yet, I did my job, he left me alone. Perfect relationship in my opinion. I always heard others chirp about how he "never did anything to help them". The guy was living in his car in the airport parking lot during a divorce, for crying out loud. Alternatively I guess I just never asked for much and enjoyed the distant relationship.

Eventually this one was too busy (or too close to retirement) to bother with the average guy. Similarly good. A lame enough duck, to keep his job and his distance.

Good speed and tailwinds.

And say hello to Fred for us.

You guys don't get this piece right?

Here's how I read it.

First, he is a card carrying member and likely sergeant at arms of the Friends of Fred club.

Second, he's from People's Express, so I don't care about what he says. He should have known and understood what Lorenzo was doing there.

Third, This piece has a primary goal of "public relations" to make United look groovey.

Fourth, This piece is a pre-emptive strike that he and his fellow senior pilots coalition members will be taking on age 67 soon. He doesn't want to reitre..........He's trying to drum up some public support and "fish" for comments. This is a conversation piece to get big wigs, big shots, and those with influence to get "educated" on the issue, and to stir them into either direct action, or indirect support.

I am 100 percent correct on how I read the four corners of this article. No other reasons for him to write it, or participate. Most Captains with class just retire and fade into the sunset, honorably, and quietly. If he's going to be allowed to write this diatribe, then I want to see all of our Captains write their farewell message and have it published.