What do you think of NWA so far?

[avrorj-85]

Where is your ALPA?

I guess I do not understand this whole discussion about new hires at NWA not knowing what is going on. If that is truly the case, why doesn't your MEC do something about it. Here at Mesaba our MEC just started a mentoring program for all of our new hires that pairs them up with a ALPA volunteer. As mentors, we are given a manual that addresses pretty much everything that a new hire would need to know like where to park, where to get a badge, where ops is, how to check in, and much much more. So far the program seems to be working fairly well. If XJ can use a program like this to get all of our 21 year old new hires pointed in the right direction, why can't NWA?

Why wait for your inept management to do something that ALPA could probably do much better?

Just curious.

 

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by Spectre
If a merge happens do you really think those 130+ aging DC-9s will remain on the property? If not, how many pilots will still be on the property then? Fuel effiecient aircraft is a must with today's fuel prices.
We don't have 130+ DC9s. More like 100 flying. Next 2-3 years that number wont change...
Believe me, it is much better to be at a company with growth plans rather one which has an ever shrinking fleet. The A330s just replaced the retired DC-10s. The B-787s are not on the property yet. The DC-9s are past 30 years old and WILL be parked. Growth at NWA is at Pinnicle, Mesaba, and Compass, not mainline. The reason for the cold shoulder for new hires is probably because you won't be there long...
Go fly there if you think it is better....
I do agree that the NWA training department is first class from the DC-9s on up. The pilots there are awesome too. It's just everything else about the operation that stinks. Everyone talks big about unions there, yet all the mechanics who work at NWA are scabs from other airlines. Remember the mechanic strike? They all lost their jobs!!!
The mechs shot themselves in the foot. The SCABS are all NWA mechs who crossed the line. It stinks here just as much as it stinks over at JB.
Retirements at NWA are not happening as fast as you think. Research the seniority list. It has the birthdates of each pilot listed. Don't know where you got your 50% retirement numbers? You'll see a very different picture. You're gonna have to hope a lot of them can't get their medicals vs. retiring at age 60!
The 50% comes from the fact that 50% of the pilots at NWA are 50 or older. In 10 yrs they will be gone...
I researched all of this before I turned in my seniority number at NWA. The reason for the need for new hires is because the overall low return rate of furloughed NWA pilots. Get the picture? Ever wonder why no one is going back?
Some did not come back, but a lot have. Your research is a bit screwy.

Wow, there are only 100 DC-9s flying there now? When I was furloughed in 2001, we had 173 DC-9s on the property. I really don't think those 100 you have left will remain if a merger happens or if oil stays at its current prices. I'd just have a backup plan if those 100 aircraft get parked for good!


There are no unions at JetBlue and we'd like to keep it that way. We've been in business for 7 years now and no work group thinks we need one as our management is taking care of us just fine. Don't get me wrong, it's not hard to vote a union on the property. That just hasn't happened because we actually have a good relationship with management. No us vs. them here like at NWA.


There's no way 50% of the pilots at NWA are over 50! You have your numbers WRONG. I'd say 50% of your flight attendants are over 50!


I'd say very few pilots on furlough went back. Why do you think they are hiring off the street right now? That would not have been necessary if "a lot" of pilots returned. I'd say less that 20%.

 

[Superpilot92]

Originally Posted by Spectre
If a merge happens do you really think those 130+ aging DC-9s will remain on the property? If not, how many pilots will still be on the property then? Fuel effiecient aircraft is a must with today's fuel prices.
We don't have 130+ DC9s. More like 100 flying. Next 2-3 years that number wont change...
Believe me, it is much better to be at a company with growth plans rather one which has an ever shrinking fleet. The A330s just replaced the retired DC-10s. The B-787s are not on the property yet. The DC-9s are past 30 years old and WILL be parked. Growth at NWA is at Pinnicle, Mesaba, and Compass, not mainline. The reason for the cold shoulder for new hires is probably because you won't be there long...
Go fly there if you think it is better....
I do agree that the NWA training department is first class from the DC-9s on up. The pilots there are awesome too. It's just everything else about the operation that stinks. Everyone talks big about unions there, yet all the mechanics who work at NWA are scabs from other airlines. Remember the mechanic strike? They all lost their jobs!!!
The mechs shot themselves in the foot. The SCABS are all NWA mechs who crossed the line. It stinks here just as much as it stinks over at JB.
Retirements at NWA are not happening as fast as you think. Research the seniority list. It has the birthdates of each pilot listed. Don't know where you got your 50% retirement numbers? You'll see a very different picture. You're gonna have to hope a lot of them can't get their medicals vs. retiring at age 60!
The 50% comes from the fact that 50% of the pilots at NWA are 50 or older. In 10 yrs they will be gone...
I researched all of this before I turned in my seniority number at NWA. The reason for the need for new hires is because the overall low return rate of furloughed NWA pilots. Get the picture? Ever wonder why no one is going back?
Some did not come back, but a lot have. Your research is a bit screwy.

Wow, there are only 100 DC-9s flying there now? When I was furloughed in 2001, we had 173 DC-9s on the property. I really don't think those 100 you have left will remain if a merger happens or if oil stays at its current prices. I'd just have a backup plan if those 100 aircraft get parked for good!


There are no unions at JetBlue and we'd like to keep it that way. We've been in business for 7 years now and no work group thinks we need one as our management is taking care of us just fine. Don't get me wrong, it's not hard to vote a union on the property. That just hasn't happened because we actually have a good relationship with management. No us vs. them here like at NWA.


There's no way 50% of the pilots at NWA are over 50! You have your numbers WRONG. I'd say 50% of your flight attendants are over 50!


I'd say very few pilots on furlough went back. Why do you think they are hiring off the street right now? That would not have been necessary if "a lot" of pilots returned. I'd say less that 20%.

Well they haven't hired in 6 years, maybe thats why they are hiring? The numbers on the retirements are accurate from all the info i have seen. The numbers were something like 55% or the pilots retiring in the next 10 years, which is higher than any other carrier today. That doesnt count medical outs or early outs. What "numbers" are you using? As far as the DC-9s go I was told in my interview that the company plans to keep about 75 or 85 9's on property. So that is a reduction but they are paid off and the no lease-fuel cost equalize each other. Of course that is all subject to change as is everything in this industry. But i am sure you know that already. That was the info i was given while at NATCO.FWIW

 

[n6604f]

By 2020 over 3900 NW pilots will be retired (age 60).....Out of roughly 5400 pilots....I would have to say that is some movement. Better movement/ ratio than any other legacy but AMR who is not hiring! Life can only be better than where I am at in the regional business.

 

[123]

Originally Posted by


There's no way 50% of the pilots at NWA are over 50! You have your numbers WRONG. I'd say 50% of your flight attendants are over 50!


I'd say very few pilots on furlough went back. Why do you think they are hiring off the street right now? That would not have been necessary if "a lot" of pilots returned. I'd say less that 20%.

Using the Jan 07 list: there are 5457 pilots, 2911 or 53.3443% are 50 years old today and older. Another 2226 are in their 40's.

Just giving the facts.

Last I heard was about a 60% return rate for furloughees, and we still have just over 200 on long term bypass so I don't know what they will do.

 

[JAM-BRO]

Dood

You are talking out your rear end.

Originally Posted by Spectre [
Believe me, it is much better to be at a company with growth plans rather one which has an ever shrinking fleet. The A330s just replaced the retired DC-10s. The B-787s are not on the property yet. The DC-9s are past 30 years old and WILL be parked. Growth at NWA is at Pinnicle, Mesaba, and Compass, not mainline. The reason for the cold shoulder for new hires is probably because you won't be there long...

JB sold a/c recently to increase capital. It also significantly narrowed it's future growth. Are you suggesting pilots go to JB were there is NO growth. Kharma bro. You should be praying to the Don't-buy-my-airline Gods that your 100 Airbii don't get bought out on ya. Where are u gonna go? Pinnicle, Mesaba, or Compass.


Retirements at NWA are not happening as fast as you think. Research the seniority list. It has the birthdates of each pilot listed. Don't know where you got your 50% retirement numbers? You'll see a very different picture. You're gonna have to hope a lot of them can't get their medicals vs. retiring at age 60!

I am not the only one saying this. If you want to see the list, let me know.

I researched all of this before I turned in my seniority number at NWA. The reason for the need for new hires is because the overall low return rate of furloughed NWA pilots. Get the picture? Ever wonder why no one is going back?
Some did not come back, but a lot have. Your research is a bit screwy.

60% return rate. That's 350 pilots that are already on board. There are approx 200 that are doing tours in the military and took indefinite leaves. That leaves about 150 pilots, that like you, resigned. We ran out of furloughees. You don't hear them putting down the guys that took the recall.. What's wrong with your decision. Don't like it.

There are no unions at JetBlue and we'd like to keep it that way. We've been in business for 7 years now and no work group thinks we need one as our management is taking care of us just fine. Don't get me wrong, it's not hard to vote a union on the property. That just hasn't happened because we actually have a good relationship with management. No us vs. them here like at NWA.

Taking care of you???? I heard here(and only here because I don't care what happens at JB) that the raises at JB were not across the board. They were given to selected positions. That's BS.


There's no way 50% of the pilots at NWA are over 50! You have your numbers WRONG. I'd say 50% of your flight attendants are over 50!

DING DING DING. You got one right. Yeap, our FAs are 50% over 50.

I'd say very few pilots on furlough went back. Why do you think they are hiring off the street right now? That would not have been necessary if "a lot" of pilots returned. I'd say less that 20%.

Above

 

[727RedTails]

Jam-Bro,
First off, your retirement info is off at nwa. The average age at nwa is 53. What is it at JetBlue? Young, and the guys that are there will stay to 65. Not the case with many older nwa pilots with their pension intact.

I left JetBlue to come back to NWA. Granted, I enjoyed my time at JetBlue. The management is good there. However, if hired today at JetBlue what would you estimate to 320 Capt. A long a*s time. And lets face it, that is the only seat to be in at JB. I'm sure you are in the top 600 at JB and I am happy for you, however, if you were lower on the seniority list you may have a different perspective. Just look at the resignations from JB and you will see it's not the place to be if you want to be a CA (except the emb) would you do the 190 CA? Not me for less than a $100k, busting a*s at JFK.

Don't be suprised if a union appears at JB, there is a divided pilot group over there between the haves and have nots.

Again, all the best to you and my friends at JB.

 

[JAM-BRO]

Jam-Bro,
First off, your retirement info is off at nwa. The average age at nwa is 53. What is it at JetBlue? Young, and the guys that are there will stay to 65. Not the case with many older nwa pilots with their pension intact.

I left JetBlue to come back to NWA. Granted, I enjoyed my time at JetBlue. The management is good there. However, if hired today at JetBlue what would you estimate to 320 Capt. A long a*s time. And lets face it, that is the only seat to be in at JB. I'm sure you are in the top 600 at JB and I am happy for you, however, if you were lower on the seniority list you may have a different perspective. Just look at the resignations from JB and you will see it's not the place to be if you want to be a CA (except the emb) would you do the 190 CA? Not me for less than a $100k, busting a*s at JFK.

Don't be suprised if a union appears at JB, there is a divided pilot group over there between the haves and have nots.

Again, all the best to you and my friends at JB.

727 RedTail

I think your message was intended for Spectre, not Jam-Bro. I have been trying to tell Spectre the same thing. It seems that he is not happy....
Welcome back.

 

[holmie]

Yeah his name was Ray. As for the chicks in skirts serving coffee that was AWA in 99.

 

[DTW320]

There's no way 50% of the pilots at NWA are over 50!

Way.

Based on the most recent list (July 2007) there are 5299 pilots. As of today, 2765, or 52%, are 50 years old or older.

 

[NuGuy]

Way.

Based on the most recent list (July 2007) there are 5299 pilots. As of today, 2765, or 52%, are 50 years old or older.

Not that this matters or anything...

Nu

 

[DTW320]

Not that this matters or anything...

Nu

Oh....now the stuff on FI has to "matter"???

GMAFB