And leave it for all the spineless people like you that don't have a backbone to start voting NO on these insulting TA's that management and ALPO are having you sign?
Pipe, what one of the major problems is, a lot of these young pilots are first generation pilots who have not done any research on the airline industry and the union. So when they get to the airlines, they're just in awe that they're living out their dream.
They have no idea what a TA is, let alone what their last contract contained and they also don't know or care what the other regionals contract contains.
They're just happy to have the job of their dreams flying a jet, and willing to sign anything as long as they keep their job. Sadly enough, it's around this time that management and/or the union tell the pilots that flying might be given to another carrier if they don't get a certain TA passed. They fall for the fear tactics and sign the contract. That's how these crappy things get passed.
Did you just say start somewhere? Well for those of you "starting somewhere" at Eagle, then prepare to be doing that "starting somewhere" ....
One day the place where pilot started their careers was usually flying night cargo, cancelled checks or traffic reports. There they had to build up enough time to get hired on a mid-level cargo carrier like AmeriFlight.
Well, now these guys are starting at the regional level and they see it for a great stepping stone for their career. You know how many times I have heard kids say "The regionals are a great place to gain experience and to build time." That scares me, because once you get to the regionals, you shouldn't be playing airline pilot, hauling passengers around on the east coast, to build flight time.
The regional pilot have had this mindset that they will only be at the regionals for 3-5 years and then move on. That mindset has help screw over their fellow pilots, because now its an "every man for himself" industry. Who cares about long term? I still don't get why contracts at the unions are modeled for 10-15yrs at a time, especially pay scale, chances are they will never be there that long.
But now the industry has come to a screeching halt, and no one will be moving anywhere for a LONG time. I talked to my friend at Comair, he said they have guys in the right seat who have been there for 14-15yrs.....of course they were downgraded.
For all you gung-ho regional airline pilots who think it's so wonderful, and continue to encourage these kids to get into the business, can you actually say that you are proud to tell people that you are an airline pilot when the topic comes up, when ultimately you have to explain to them that you fly the RJ's? And when you tell them who you work for, no one has ever heard of the company or have the faintest idea who they are?
Are you kidding? These are the guys who update their facebook account with their schedules. Post their self portrait picture in the cockpit. They can't wait to go see old family and friends so they can brag that they're pilots. Hell, they love going to parties and find anyway that they can slip in that they're a pilot. Even when they get pulled over by the cops "Excuse me officer, this is my drivers license and this here is my pilots license. I just wanted you to know that I am an airline pilot, and I have experience operating at very high speeds. So I know I was wrong for speeding, but I am very safe and skilled. And Officer, I'm a Union man, just like yourself. But I'm in an airline pilot union...". So in the end, yes, they LOVE telling people they're pilots.
Heck, when you have free time, read some profiles on Facebook. You'd crack up with how many times these guys inflate their job, position and duties.
