USAir Furlough Recall: My Decision

[CA1900]

Furloughed: I know it's been an agonizing decision for you, but from an outsider's point of view, I think it's the best play you could make with the cards you've been dealt. As I said to you before, the US Airways that furloughed you doesn't exist anymore. It isn't a recall, it's a job offer at a whole new company, and that's how you have to look at it. I think you made a good call.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

I wonder whether i'm the same man I was years ago. Honestly I doubt it. When I started my first job as a Jetstream 31 first officer with Chautauqua I never imagined that I would spend the next decade working for 3 regionals, 1 lcc, 1 major only to end up flying a 7 passenger corporate jet. The airline pilot lifestyle was all I ever wanted. I remember looking at that Jetstream as though it were the finest airplane in the sky. I was proud of the aircraft, proud of the uniform, and proud of the job. I polished my shoes, wore my hat, and dreamed of the day that I would make the inevitable leap to the cockpit of a Boeing.

When that day came in 1999 and US Airways began hiring 100 pilots each month after my date of hire, I thought I had won the lottery.

FurloughedAgain,

I commend you for your well written and heartfelt posting. I'm sure what I'm about to say will come across as callous to some, but that is not my intent. You sound like a very level-headed, caring, family man... your wife and child are fortunate.

The exception I take with your plight is the last paragraph above. USAir was a financial basket case for at least a decade before you even interviewed there. In my opinion, you placed a long shot bet with your career on a frail and ailing company. The odds were heavily against you from the beginning. It seems "curious" to me that you are now disillusioned after the crippled horse you wagered on stumbled (again), nearly died on the track, but received timely life support (merger) as it was gasping.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you can't be upset with your choice to seek employment with an ailing carrier when it doesn't work out. Many pilots fail to do their due diligence when seeking airline employment and too often equate hiring with financial soundness/prosperity. Perhaps there's a lesson here for those coming up behind us?

Just my .02.

I truly wish you the best FurloughedAgain.

BBB

 

[TWA Dude]

FurloughedAgain: I was hired at Chautauqua in '96 and left for TWA in '99. Both of us have had some bad luck. You've made your difficult decision and can now move on. Be at peace and never regret your choice. Good luck.

 

[PHXFLYR]

Furloughed Again,

Outstanding choice. One I wish I made when confronted with the same descision 10 years ago. Your family must be proud of you. Best wishes to both you and Swaayze and may you never be "furloughed" again. Godspeed ,friend....and enjoy your "li'l guy". They grow up quick!!

PHXFLYR

 

[PHXFLYR]

Well, you made your decision and that's all anyone can really do. I hope it works for you. Airline flying is not for everyone, and some people are a lot more family oriented than others. Just hope for a few things: your company doesn't go to a fractional operator, you don't have a large family argument, and your kids don't join the wrong click and try to avoid you because you "aren't cool anymore." If any of those things happen, you may regret your decision. Good luck to you.

Bye Bye--General Lee

Something tells me Delta will be long out of business before his corporate flight department sheds even one airplane. No wonder why most of us on this webboard think you're such a stooge.

PHXFLYR

 

[The Victors]

You made the right choice. Good luck. Enjoy the time with the family!

 

[LittleDeuce]

Furloughed Again

Good luck with your job. We had some great times during B-737 initial at the PIT Candlewood Suites!

The company is putting 74 in the recall Indoc on August 27 and the letters went out to the rest of the list for a September 17 class.

 

[ferlo]

Well, you made your decision and that's all anyone can really do. I hope it works for you. Airline flying is not for everyone, and some people are a lot more family oriented than others. Just hope for a few things: your company doesn't go to a fractional operator, you don't have a large family argument, and your kids don't join the wrong click and try to avoid you because you "aren't cool anymore." If any of those things happen, you may regret your decision. Good luck to you.

Bye Bye--General Lee

Is that why you're a die hard delta Bit*h? You feel "cool" in your uniform? Worse than that, you feel "cool" when little kids look at you and think you're "cool"?

The most pathetic thing I've ever read on E-Tripe.

They take your money.
They take your work rules.
They take your retirement.

but as long as you get to wear that gay ass, 1982, "cool' double breasted, italian sub commander outfit, you feel all is right with the world. I'm sad for you. How depressing will that blue Wal-Mart vest be after this?

 

[sayagain?]

Good luck with your job. We had some great times during B-737 initial at the PIT Candlewood Suites!

The company is putting 74 in the recall Indoc on August 27 and the letters went out to the rest of the list for a September 17 class.

I think that we should start a poll and see how many of the actual 74 show up. And how many leave within the first week.

 

[willNOTfly4free]

Well written FurloughedAgain. Definitely five stars.

Business aviation is really growing right now. Lots of job opportunities. As long as you keep your priorities in life straight, you can't lose. Your family should always come before your career. Good for you. Enjoy the Lear!!

Best of luck.