Shrek

I would have called back and said DOUBLE the add since I am a line item on the OFP - LoL

CLazarus

Wow, crazy how people can have totally different perspectives on the same things. I've seen and dealt with a lot of the same stuff since coming onboard, but it pales in comparison to what I had to deal with in the USAF. Most of what you point out is the direct effect of dealing with other fallible human beings. I'd love perfection from those around me, but I'm told I make mistakes too. My stress level is a fraction of what it used to be, so I guess these sorts of things just bounce off me for now. I know things can go bad for me pretty quick in this industry. However, I hope things improve around here for you or your perspective changes for the better.

Shrek

I would like for you to save this post and look at it again in 10 years.



Aside from that - thank you for your service and Happy Veteren's Day

baseball

I understand. But, here's the deal. We're sort of stuck in a rut right now. We have a severe lack of leadership at the airline. Since the merger began we haven't had any leadership. In this airline, Flight Ops doesn't wear the pants. Bean counters, legal, and HR run the airline. After that it's marketing.

Another thing. we don't know if the philosophy gives birth to the procedure or if the procedure gives birth to the philosophy. We come up with pilot bulletins to manage the operation and we keep yo-yo-ing all over the place. There is nothing SOP about our SOP's.

The airline is too disjointed, too disconnected and is like a helicopter. It has too many moving parts and if the wind isn't blowing right the balls can't all stay in the air.

baseball

same boat. I have two landings since the end of August.

But, last trip.....ugh. delayed about 9 hours. Then, fueler didn't know how to fuel the airplane. Couldn't understand why we need to schedule wing tanks full then put the rest in the center tank. Had to get on a conference call with TOMC, MX, and Load Planning to teach everyone how we fuel a B757. Normally, I just check my totalizer, but now I scrutinize things pretty close.

CLazarus

[QUOTE=Shrek;2008904]I would like for you to save this post and look at it again in 10 years.

If in the next 10 years I go through what Part 121 guys have been through in the last fifteen, I'm sure my perspective would be dark and twisted to say the least.

Agreed, but there is not much I can do about it where I sit except nibble at the edges. Simplifying the operation is definitely one of the keys to improving things. I'd be happy to look at a contract extension with more $$, work rule improvements, etc. But I think odds of one actually passing are slim in today's environment (did you read the recent Forbes article?).

P.S. - If you ever are feeling down, spend some time reading the Allegiant threads. The most profitable airline in the world, but their pilots make squat, have horrible work rules, and probably another couple of years before they get a half-decent contract because their management has no interest in reaching a deal. I pray to Saint Gordon that the leadership here improves.... or at least doesn't come over from Allegiant.

gettinbumped

It has been a LONG and painful 5 years, that's for sure. But I caught a glimmer of hope last night. Arrived at the airplane to a small maintenance issue which turned into a much larger maintenance issue after discovering it was not deferrable. Up against a curfew restriction, there were a LOT of moving parts that needed to work seemlessly in order to have a chance to make it, and I honestly figured we had no chance. The mechanic was simply awesome. My FO proved himself to be a truly great hire. Awesome suggestions, stepped in to help whenever he could in whatever capacity was needed. The flight attendants despite a LONG day were really upbeat and exceptional. The CSR's were fantastic, as it involved deplaning the entire jet and reboarding in a ridiculously short time. Everyone from dispatch to LP to customer service to ramp and especially maintenance was hustling and doing what they needed to do to get the plane out in time: and it worked. Landed with 8 minutes to spare.

Honestly, I don't know if it's the start of an improvement in our operational performance or just a one off, but we had some really great folks doing some really great work. And the response from our customers was overwhelming.

I know, I know. I'll be labeled a Marvin by some. But after watching us fail for so long it was nice to have a win for a change.

El10

It may be just be a coincidence or not, but look at our performance from the date Jeff left till today. In every measurable statistic we have seen drastic operational improvements. Sure the weather has improved and the block hours are down from peak of summer. So either all the stuff they say they had going on to improve things are finally in place, or just a complete fluke. Well see when the first snow storm hits what happens.

IAHB756

Not label here. I had something similar happen this past Summer after a midnight divert due to weather had us arriving at IAD for an unscheduled fuel stop so we could continue on to PHL (line of weather stalled and resulted in our holding for 45 minutes and just flat out running out of hold fuel). Everyone came together and we were able to let those who wanted to stretch their legs walk around the terminal while fuel/catering/dispatch/ramp quickly turned us so we could meet our CCO time (with like 3 minutes to spare....). It was a nice turn of events..

Lerxst

But the more important question is.... Were you wearing your hat whilst doing all this?!?

Nice job, "C"aptain!