Age 65, Merger...Scary time to be new at Cal

[coogebeachhotel]

What would happen if merger and then reduction in fleet size?

 

[Turtlesfly]

Merge with ExpressJet, you mean? HAhahahaha, sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[Patriot328]

What would happen if merger and then reduction in fleet size?

Damn good question... I'd rather not think about it at this moment. Knock on wood, I'd retire in the top 40-ish at CAL as it stands. The bullsh*t age 65 alone won't change that, though it will ruin junior guys' QOL and career expectations for serveral years. However, how many furloughs does UAL have? Back to 11/99? CAL is retiring 2,000+ in the next 10 years. A straight DOH would wipe out nearly ALL career expectations a junior CAL pilot would have. That can't be allowed to happen.

This'll be very interesting, if it even comes to pass.


Here's hoping to never flying with a UAL pilot. And I mean that in the best way possible! :beer:

 

[celloman]

"Merge with ExpressJet, you mean? HAhahahaha, sorry, I couldn't resist. "

I say we staple CAL... OK OK just kidding!

Best of luck to Yall!!!

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

However, how many furloughs does UAL have? Back to 11/99? CAL is retiring 2,000+ in the next 10 years. A straight DOH would wipe out nearly ALL career expectations a junior CAL pilot would have. That can't be allowed to happen.

:beer:

Many, many UAL furloughees are not going back. SWA has a former 15 year UAL Captain (gave 2 weeks notice) currently in training, so I hear.

I personally know UAL pilots that gave 2 weeks notice for FedEx and UPS. They won't be going back. Just imagine what the furloughees are up to.

As far as CAL is concerned, some of their new hires are interviewing at SWA and will leave if offered the chance.

Please note, I am not an arrogant SWA fanatic. Just reporting the fact that many people are choosing to make moves right now.

 

[Captain Overs]

Many, many UAL furloughees are not going back. SWA has a former 15 year UAL Captain (gave 2 weeks notice) currently in training, so I hear.

I personally know UAL pilots that gave 2 weeks notice for FedEx and UPS. They won't be going back. Just imagine what the furloughees are up to.

As far as CAL is concerned, some of their new hires are interviewing at SWA and will leave if offered the chance.

Please note, I am not an arrogant SWA fanatic. Just reporting the fact that many people are choosing to make moves right now.

CAL types their FO's. Maybe that is why they are hiring guys with NO PIC! They don't want them to leave for SWA.

 

[Jomama]

CAL types their FO's.

Maybe that is why they are hiring guys with NO PIC!

They don't want them to leave for SWA.

Wrong!

 

[Captain Overs]

I know a few guys personally who left CAL for SWA. So I don't think I'm wrong.

 

[propjob27]

CAL does type all their FOs, regardless of equipment type. I dont personally know of anyone who has come here, gotten the type, and then left for SWA. I do know of two new-hire guys who left for FedEX, and one who left for UPS. But again, I haven't heard of anyone punching out for SWA.

 

[BID]

Scary time to be at CAL? I think it is a scary time to be an airline pilot!

A friend of mine asked me if I would now try SWA? No thanks. SWA is a great company, but it was not my top choice prior to 9-11 and that has not changed.

As previously stated, the age 65 rule would affect the whole airline industry and not just CAL. A merger, well that would just suck.

You can't be scared and be an airline pilot, there are just too many changes in the industry. Every single airline out there has it's problems, so you do the best you can and sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[Jomama]

Capt. overs, if you think CAL is hiring guys with no PIC ...your wrong,

You might be right about guys leaving for SWA but I know people who were just hired from other airlines that have recently come to CAL...it's a personal choice depending on many factors.

 

[Captain Overs]

I should be more specific. No Turbine PIC required. A friend of mine in class right now told me of a guy from Mesa in class that doesn't have an ATP. His dad hooked him up.

 

[Jomama]

I should be more specific. No Turbine PIC required. A friend of mine in class right now told me of a guy from Mesa in class that doesn't have an ATP. His dad hooked him up.

Now thats the way to do it!!!!!

 

[kevin_p]

If the guy from Mesa without an ATP is the same guy I'm thinking of, he met all the required mins, but had no turbine PIC. I'm not sure about his dad, but I do know that he did an internship with Continental and that was the primary reason he got the interview.

 

[bluefin]

328 thats a pretty assinine comment you made. " Ruin the expectations of junior CAL pilots " What about the thousands of other pilots that had their career expectations, and ended in unemployment and welfare lines after they were furloughed? If it goes by doh and a furloughed pilot comes off the street and bumps a new hire, then thats just too bad. If new hire's career expectations don't include a furlough or merger, then they are surely going to be sorry.

 

[FN FAL]

What would happen if merger and then reduction in fleet size?

What would happen if you got out of your car and slipped on the ice and became a paraplegic? What would happen if you wound up in the walk in freezer of the restaurant you were eating at during a layover and the armed robbers were executing all the patrons. What would happen if...

 

[Patriot328]

328 thats a pretty assinine comment you made. " Ruin the expectations of junior CAL pilots " What about the thousands of other pilots that had their career expectations, and ended in unemployment and welfare lines after they were furloughed? If it goes by doh and a furloughed pilot comes off the street and bumps a new hire, then thats just too bad. If new hire's career expectations don't include a furlough or merger, then they are surely going to be sorry.

bluefin, if you work for UAL - or even if you don't, I'd like to know what your opinion was when UAL and USAir were going to merge back in 2000. I doubt it's not the same as you just spouted off. Bunch of senior USAir guys wanted to come in to UAL and wipe out the UAL pilots' career expectations. I doubt it would have happened that way. We each go to these airlines and we have to live with the decision. If those furloughed at UAL had gone to CAL back in 2000, they'd be back and rapidly moving up a list right now. No one could foresee that, obviously, and many people chose UAL instead. Afterall, they were the biggest and "best", right? Merging with CAL shouldn't become a jobs program for furloughed UAL pilots. Do you think AWA should start furloughing so they can bring back all the USAir people that are on the street?

 

[FurloughedTwice]

Just my opinion but I really doubt both UAL and CAL are going to want furloughed UAL pilots coming off the street just to furlough pilots at CAL. I'm not saying they won't come back and be senior someday but they will not start furloughing pilots at CAL and spend the money retraining UAL pilots. That would cost a fortune!! I'm sure they would work out some deal that the furloughed pilots come back as needed. As far as seniority.... who knows?

 

[Patriot328]

Furloughed^2, I can see something like that happening. Lists are merged (DOH, Ratio, whatever), then furloughs (both old and possibly new ones that are caused by the merger) are brought back as needed. How they are integrated will most assuredly affect the juniors at CAL. I mentioned on another thread: CAL has 2000 pilots retiring over the next several years. In theory that would move a new pilot here 50% up the seniority less, more or less. A junior CAL pilot post merger can find himself or herself at the very bottom 10 years from now as furloughs are brought back. Now, I know the realities of it will probably mean not all UAL furloughs would come back, but mathematically it'd be possible.

 

[catIIIc]

Just look what is happening with USAir Furloughed guys, a precendent has been set. An arbitrator will decide their fate.

 

[FurloughedTwice]

Just look what is happening with USAir Furloughed guys, a precedent has been set. An arbitrator will decide their fate.

What is going on with the USAir Furloughed pilots? I haven't been following it but I guess I should.

CAL has 2000 pilots retiring over the next several years. In theory that would move a new pilot here 50% up the seniority less, more or less. A junior CAL pilot post merger can find himself or herself at the very bottom 10 years from now as furloughs are brought back.

What is the retirement picture over at UAL for the next ten years?

Let's hope this doesn't happen!!

 

[COpilot]

If they change the age to 65, CO pilots on the bottom might get furloughed. "duh"!

And pilots that are furloughed at UA, US, AA, DL, NW, and any other airline will be out of work longer!

So what the Hell kind of stupid question is this? I'll take the bait your just trying to show your stupid? Or, are you trying to make pilots fell dumb for applying to CO, because they would be in jeopardy? I guess they could just not apply here because we might layoff again. Well let me, let you in on something CO is going to lay off pilots again someday. And you know what, chances are so will B6, so will Airtran, So will American, So will Virgin America, get the picture.

 

[Paul R. Smith]

What would happen if you got out of your car and slipped on the ice and became a paraplegic? What would happen if you wound up in the walk in freezer of the restaurant you were eating at during a layover and the armed robbers were executing all the patrons. What would happen if...

Man you should work for the NEWS media. Or maybe sell OIL.

 

[Paul R. Smith]

Oh... and never underestimate the power of a lump sum option.


Come on guys!!!

CAL is hiring big numbers and all we can do is find some negative spin on hiring?...at the majors???

 

[Airmike767]

Many of the Senior pilots at CAL have a substantial investment in the Frozen A Plan. The annuity value won't change unless it is terminated by the PBGC.

However, should age 65 be approved the lump sum amount would be reduced by every day worked over 60. The annuity payments wouldn't start until retirement and the lump sum valuation would also have to survive the reduced years of the mortality table and the possiblity of increased GATT interest rate.

An increase from the present 4.46% to 5% wipes out the valuation today vrs 2007 on the lumpsum. Thus, don't worry about most CAL Senior Pilots extending careers there, instead look for them to start new careers with Virgin America or overseas.

Last week I was in the CAL Training Center and watched 16 new hires walk in the door for the first time. It's a great feeling to see these new pilots on the property, lots of big smiles. Good luck to all of you with CAL.

 

[FurloughedTwice]

What was her background before the regionals? If it's the same one I'm thinking of she did a great job in training. Very smart!

Isn't this the second time you posted this?

 

[FurloughedTwice]

Over Individuals with twice the total time, Twice the jet PIC time and had at least 3 types to go with it but no inside connections. I think it pretty pathetic that CAL uses these hiring practices.

This happens all the time in every profession. I would say that 99% of the people they hire are very qualified for the position but occasionally this happens. It doesn't necessarily mean she will do a bad job either.

 

[Paul R. Smith]

Don't worry about her. It will just piss you off more.

Worry about yourself. They are still hring so keep updating that resume.

 

[Captain Overs]

Don't forget this important piece of information:

ExpressJet DBA Continental Express, using the BTA code (Britt), with a callsign of Jetlink.

 

[Airmike767]

Popgoes bubble:
Try to preoccupy yourself with "who" got hired without paying her/his dues and making determinations as to who and what helped them is pretty counter productive. Better you should consider more positive avenues.......and support or none support of a strike twenty years ago has not much to do with you does it.

Almost everyone agrees that the company wouldn't exist if the employees hadn't found ways to work together........you're adapting an attitude that will cost you the job at CAL.