AirGuardianC141747

Not all “airlines” are created equal whether it’s pay/soft pay, retirement, vacation, sick leave, medical, insurance, schedules, scheduling practices, training, bases, commutable or not easily commutable, equipment, first year pay or even indoc/probation practices whatever the differences may be to include unions. Some fit better than others and work you harder as well. Finding “work” that doesn’t feel like work and makes your priorities happen is fantastic although rarely attainable. All outfits have fleas and each can be argued better than the other by the beholder. Even the military is situation dependent. *Can’t say I have slept away from my bed 3 nights a month on avg, more like 12-15 nights avg for 9 maybe 10 months as I take 2-3 months off annually split up. Don’t live in base (live where we want) and that wouldn’t be helpful with our outfit unless it were ANC. Definitely enjoy 11-21 days off between trips never thinking about so called “work” while at home like I did while serving. I could work less but apparently I can be bought while it lasts. Rarely cookie cutter city hopping ground hog days if ever. Normally a one to two hop to a great hotel, restaurant, country, tour, etc. (barring the viral lock downs). Schedule changes Yup, but no one chasing us down or slipping notes under our doors or even using hotel staff for notifications (friend at other outfit mentioned it was happening, but I believe they put a stop to it?) Don’t get me wrong, being home is fantastic, but I do look forward to actual trips and having a good time abroad. Honestly, 8-10 days away doing our trips no one else’s would be perfect! (Caveat - Trips depend on your base and seniority) *Plenty of choices out there and do your homework. Find what works for you! Coming home early a few days before the Christmas debacle, flying Delta One from Spain, off for two weeks = Priceless!!! Although, being 6’ the leg room on the lie flat narrows too much and not enough shoulder width to truly lie flat on the 76, a350 was the same, but their was a cubicle sliding door. Still very grateful Widget delivered me home safe and on time. Best US crew I have had all year. (Seven Pacific/Atlantic trips on US carriers/3 Asian/European carriers) I normally travel on Asian/Arab/EU’s best, but flying on US property without a mask was always the answer.

Good one. I heard it as Why is Covid better than SWA? Same answer… maybe this was too soon using “better” or just not acceptable overall. Your way much better in certain company or just better. Thx.

Any flying seems optional at SWA. Too soon?

I am too lazy to fly SWA. Company tried to book them and I mentioned it’s not them it’s me. Too dang lazy to lock in a seat with the early bird theme. Need to have things set ahead of time as a lackadaisical commuter… Might be the biggest debacle, but definitely hasn’t been the first as of late. Maybe the die hards will send a message, your system gets updated and you get a contract you deserve for dealing with managements failures and the public as a whole. Hopefully it works things out for SWAPA.

That would be great; therefore, setting a precedent is key and creating a way forward. Good stuff Duck.

Totally agree it seems ridiculous not being able to vote while serving your country while retaining the job you have. Overall it would be nice if we could vote at our outfit on a contract period but I digress. I did ask to take union surveys when they become available, but I was declared “inactive” as not a paying member if I recall - no dues no representation until back on property. Maybe some other outfits allow this and others will chime in.

Everyone has circumstances, variables, excuses, whatever, but in the end normally have had a choice. Definitely don’t want to be on the bad side of a setup no doubt regarding law enforcement, etc. Don’t recall anyone specifically pointing the finger as homicide, but beating someone brutally or even just a few times should have its consequences. You can do your best to redeem yourself curing cancer or just being an upstanding citizen but to think you should be privileged to be on equal ground to those who maintained the path for all opportunities is just ludicrous. Correct about self defense if you dare to live in one of those states in a foolish state of mind. I don’t live in those areas like many others so there’s no run, skip crawl away, grovel and it’s not like we want anything to happen regardless. It may not bode well for myself or others (targets if you will), but if possible we would all like to have a fighting chance. Everyone has choices and we all must live with those choices. If rightfully convicted, guilty, etc. that’s on you. *Case in point - Running interview boards for UPT and a candidate mentioned they had a DUI only when asked. They did have a “good story” and they were 16 at the time. Person was 25 or so and we discussed the matter not to condemn them quickly for an early mistake. Great candidate in person, on paper and many recommendations from state officials/influential contacts. Afterwards we always do a deep dive into driving records and other contacts. Turns out his second DUI was within the past year. Case closed despite pressure from above to hire, but initially we were hoping the lesson was learned the first time. One case of many that requires your due diligence. Definitely agree there are quite a few who shouldn’t be on the flight deck, but there will always be a FedEx Spearman, Malaysian flt, German Wings, etc., so it is better to weed out those with a track record or proven history of instability, bad judgement, etc. if at all possible. Proven is the focal point.

Concur, there are limits, standards, requirements, etc. even if there were no standup citizens/candidates. Boils down to judgment. Lack of significant judgment on the ground should never find itself with significant judgment required in the air or any other career requiring confidence especially regarding public trust. Now I wonder how many school bus drivers are legitimate felons. We are not talking shoplifting, etc., well maybe current $900 max shoplifting does apply? Willful harm to others physically, mentally without just cause should never be tolerated. Self defense sure, pure offense leave it on the field. One should have some elements of restraint or moral compass.

Thank You for your service and I wish I had the drunken excuse. Wouldn’t be hard to remedy that and could you imagine what I might post if I were. Fortunately I have a breathalyzer attached to this equipment. Hope your new gig is treating you great!

I see your point and yes it would have been great to capitalize on this situation and I wish the best to those who are able to to it. No worries here as I should have been more spot on with there have been a few discussions with folks who view the military training as a free ticket to success with no idea what sacrifices are made to include your family unit. This includes the mil leave rants that go on. There have been some shenanigans, but for the most part it works out. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong regarding the seniority as it’s well above and beyond my pay grade. If it came to fruition or not it’s probably not something to squawk about either way. Agree with the legality issues that would inevitably ensue.

Just me - Don’t care what they think as it’s more of a reward than a labeled privilege. It’s been a “privilege” to serve, serve others especially before serving yourself, hence service before self. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice for those who have been granted the freedom to serve themselves throughout their entire life and nothing more. I as most on here have served or continue to serve and now make no mistake I serve myself just below the highest authority like any civilian for the most part does. Not even in the same food group as apple’s to oranges. If you take your oath seriously it’s above and beyond what most can comprehend. Once again, personally don’t care what they think and have come across a few uneducated in life aspects. If ever challenged in any capacity just roll with it and state, “like you I enjoy the freedom provided to serve my SELF, my family, etc at no real cost.” A bit strong or blunt, but it gets the point across. Do not succumb to “privilege.” *Not to hold up in a court law by any means as it is in reference to what others may “think” so it’s emotional based only. Company and Unions will do what they do it is what it is.

Just know there are plenty of haters out there and SocialD is correct to spread the word. Granted, there are those above who will never make the move over so it won’t mean anything, but it does decrease options. These are the self-righteous who oppress those below. Had one in our squadron and as I live and breath he was originally with NWA now Delta an airline pilot for decades. Imagine that, like crabs in a bucket how sad.

No Doubt other competitors will follow suit or their stupid. Never seen before opportunities within the aviation industry whether your military trained or otherwise as all minimums, requirements and other hurdles have dropped or disappeared. Back in the day you were lucky to get a call from your five career paths of choice and you went with the first that called. Have never seen a time where a pilot can choose a location/domicile first and then the airline that supports it as well as having received three calls within a couple of months or weeks. Crazy times, best of times and hopefully the economy maintains this 2nd hiring wave within a decade. Seeing some rumblings within the cargo sector and we will have a better vision after peak/1st or 2nd Qtr 2023. Easiest time to be hired in known history and may it continue. Keep data mining and choose wisely regarding your priorities and family needs!

Delta’s no dummy. Secure some talent well prior to other outfits having an opportunity. It may provide some greater loyalty in its own form of rewards program to the hired soon to be retired or a backup to those who may have other plans of action for which they intend to pursue at a later date to test the waters closer to retirement. Land another opportunity towards the end so be it; otherwise, if nothing arises heck it’s Delta top notch! Very clever move as we’ve seen folks depart the fix prior to or in training whether hired at the Majors, FedEx/UPS, Southwest, etc. when the career destination of choice came knocking.

Very good point on the evil that may lie in wait and entrap you. Very appropriate as post 666.

Man, the pax MMA arena is rough. I like “boxes” no doubt. Definitely a funny cascade of events. Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised by any means.

The cargo side will reveal a lot more after peak is over. Perhaps a quarter or maybe two will paint a much cleaner picture and perhaps some stabilization to be hopeful once companies get their ducks aligned properly. Saw lower lines for the most part depending on base at my outfit of course. Spectator sport as a line flyer as it’s way above anyones pay grade on any forum. Always good to prepare for whatever.

Went with my neighbor to purchase one and I myself “accidentally” walked out with a shotgun I had been searching for over a year. He bought the Taurus to fit in the glove compartment for his Mach 1 and enjoys shooting it. May have been the GX3 but probably the same. Only issue is the slide release has minimal capture/tough to release. Not a long term review and there might be other issues don’t know. Will get better with time but there will be mods probably like I did to my Glock garbage slide release. Although not my primary, much easy to capture.

Definitely could be part of the negotiation thang, but they aren’t quite as parallel as folks think on how they focus their business practices. UPS focus better not bigger and very strong optimizer in place. Purple cost cutting and heading this way perhaps. Their optimizer is not as bad but probably headed that way. Ground game seriously needs help. Our buy out will probably incur an optimizer of some sort blah! Only time will tell.

JeremiahWeed fantastic insider information on FedEx commuting possibilities. I would commute to MEM as Memphis definitely ain’t for everyone. I can actually drive to MEM and it’s one of our bases now for just a couple of years is a guess, but I choose to fly elsewhere. Crazy times. *Need a Singapore fix that would be nice. Going to have to hunt for that one next year. HuggyU2, I nearly fell off my couch with the “little Billy” CINC, but as you said that’s their future. Father wasn’t even military and we moved numerous times to include High School overseas. Tough, but what an eye opener that was plus fluent in Japanese and better for it. International is my game as the bug started early at a very young age, it’s not for everyone but don’t knock it til you tried it. Everyone is different no doubt and after nearly a quarter century of service moving here and there our favorite locations including where most of our families reside (former shangri las) have turned to crapola as well. No outfit serves our priorities (not big city folk any longer) so commuting is a must, but thankfully no worries no headaches in our case. Definitely envy those who have the blessing of both but sometimes it’s just not in the cards for some.

As brabus mentioned, hopefully this will be incorporated into future contracts for the majors, etc. which as a first hand user of this benefit I can attest to the stress free/no responsibility to get to work if flights are full, canceled, maintenance canceled, delayed, you’re unable to secure a flight deck seat due to company crew priority or some other seniority/first come first serve/bumped by Capt Crusader, etc. Not all cargo is created equal. Those at Purple/Brown can be more specific/correct me, but FedEx/UPS have trips that include commute on the front, back or both but not all trips are covered. Seniority drives the ability to guarantee this commuting for the most part is what great friends at both places tell me. Both have a travel bank type deal as well, but some of it seems restrictive due to company rules, etc. You can watch the turmoil on APC if bored. I just remember a Delta Capt friend decades ago telling me that getting to work was half the pressure of the job. Easier with current tech today, but still shenanigans/pressure involved and overbooking is back like Godzilla. Main reason I went to Atlas as I could care less about maneuvering for work or where I lived. Not selling it, decent contract and it has its merits depending on your priorities, but nothing like Purple/Brown, Big 3, etc. in other areas no doubt. If your dream home/area happens to be in/near base for an airline that is an amazing opportunity/consideration for ease of life. I do like racking up the miles, although it hasn’t been as good with current conditions. Easier to pickup extra $ trips living in domicile if that’s your gig as well.

Not every place is perfect by any means and may everyone find there destination that lasts. But all of the above reaffirms jump seating sucks bottom line. Flight deck is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get…

Congrats!!! - That is good to know and hopefully the new owner(s) realize what it will take IF they would like us to thrive and expand and not continuously hemorrhage unless their strategy is status quo which is doubtful but who knows. I welcome any additions in obvious areas to improve yet fear the optimizer. Most everything works extremely well in regards to my priorities and a few additions would definitely go far but not worth becoming a generic job to wash, rinse and repeat which seems to be the norm. Efficiencies are exceptional when it serves all parties but usually pilots end up on the short side of the equation other than get work done and get home. Home is awesome and if you must work enjoying it is an amazing opportunity that most do not have. Having had over a decade with some significant ability to maneuver from the right seat by choice has proven priceless at this stage, whether schedule choice, trip choice, vaca choice, training choice and now additional flying by choice has overtaken my left seat peers as seniority is King. In a couple of years I can duplicate this lifestyle depending on base from the left, especially when the incentive pay eventually dries up and levels the playing field. Overall, FourFans of Freedom130 drag that last classmate over and have them drag their friends over it can only help! Dang I am self-serving ain’t I. Cheers and Congrats againon 5X, may it be a fresh breath of air that meets your priorities !

Appreciate the candor, insight and well wishes most definitely. Many will march on and we will take it in stride and do our best. To dwell on such things would be futile to include burying one’s head in the sand being foolish. Time to dust off the logbooks and enter them into the digitizer only to be prepared if this place is burning down to the ground with no fire bottles to be seen. Will heavily leverage my friends over the decades who are at Brown & Purple as it will be who I know vs anything I thought I knew. Not looking forward to that exit strategy if needed but greatly appreciated. I will be as you say cautiously optimistic and enjoy the ride until the music stops or it becomes the exceptional Mambo No.5 in our world, hopefully the later. Only time will tell and until then I will soak up the unique aspects of this adventure. Blessed to get this far! *Yippee Ki-Yay!*

Don’t know anything about the SWA “firm landing”, but we’re hoping it’s the 3 wire regarding our buyout by the Apollo Group and others for $5.2 Billion taking us out of the stock market as private ownership. Stock was in the $65 range up and down if I recall but the stockholders will be paid $102.50 supposedly. Could be good could be bad way too early to tell as the process moves forward and possibly finalized early next year. Most likely an investment for sale several years down the road as they will refine, tweak and undoubtedly optimize our operations like most anywhere else. Plenty of areas to bring talent into and clean up $ lost, but hopefully nothing drastic. Many of us (not all of course) will continue to enjoy the good times of diverse flying, extra pay and less squabbling for the time being. Not like we were ever viewed as a destination career airline, but this buyout is something to consider if you’re young. Many of us will ride it out and perhaps it will be a decent lottery ticket payout, but it could head the other way after the molding for sale is finalized if that is what the future holds, pure speculation or spitballing if you will. No one knows the outcome except the buyers and fortunately pilots aren’t roaming the streets and our routes are very lucrative with more airframes coming on line. Crazy times, interesting moves, life changing so just be aware. *3 wire was the preferred wire correct 😉