jimpilot said:
That's pretty obvious
What I was talking about was the maturity you were showing in your post. It seems to me that you're spending a lot of energy telling folks why you're a major pilot (excuse me laid off major pilot, now Lear pilot) and therfore somehow better than the regional guys.
You're right, I am not a airline pilot. I enjoy what I do and wouldn't trade it for the world. (you have flown international I'm sure, so you know the challenges and satisfaction that come from a well executed around the world trip).
But I have always believed that there is room for every type of pilot in this industry. I think the guy who puts us all to shame is the guy who is paying on weekends to go fly, just for the love of it. You never hear him stand around (or writting on boards) putting another part of the industry down. He isn't there to talk about how much he makes an hour or how great his package is.
Kind of makes me wonder what's lacking that you feel the need to talk down to regional pilots.
Jimpilot,
For the record I was a Regional Airline pilot for over three years. And without a doubt they were the best three years of my life. No one, and I mean no one understands of cares more that goes on with the Regional Pilots than I do. It is because of my Regional Airline that I am at this point in my career today. I basically owe everything I have and training received to my former Regional Airline.
I think you are reading my post the wrong way. I am not degrading regional pilots nor am I stating they are second class citizens. I am merely stating the obvious.
Just becuase you make over a billion in revenue and are considered a "Major" by the DOT doesn't mean squat until your quality of life, pay, benefits, and retirement reflect what other Majors (AA, DAL, UAL, SWA, FedEX, etc) are receiving.
If it makes someone feel better or have more self esteem by telling people that they fly for a "Major" Airline then great. But that is all it is going to do for you. It's not going to give you a raise and it's not going to give you a great retirement package.
Thats all I am stating.
Furthermore, what energy am I spending telling people that I am a major airline pilot? I am furloughed from a Major and the way things are going now I am not going back. I like my Corporate job and enjoy the weekends and holdidays off for the first time in eight years. If you think I am bragging or spending energy telling people I fly for a major you are reading way way way too far into my posts. The only reason you know that I am furloughed from American Airlines is that you looked at my profile.
I am only stating the obvious that me as well as many other pilots believe. Sorry you took such offense to that but I dont think you were understanding where I was getting at.
Being listed as a Major airline is just a label that in the real world doesn't mean a thing. It might sound a little harsh but it is the truth.