ASA Pool

[Oakum_Boy]

That is what this place is. Average. So quit sending me those stupid little ID cards that say this is the best regional airline. I might start believing it and want some more gifts!

 

[generaltso]

the truth...the company exists to provide a service to there customers in exchange for a price which the company in turn uses to pay expenses, some of which are its employees

Actually, the company exists to make money for it's shareholders.

 

[sweptback]

Actually, the company exists to make money for it's shareholders.

ASA hasn't had any shareholders for 5 years.

 

[FL990]

ok,

I can see that i have drawn attention to myself..lol.

Alright, first, yes i know that the purpose of the corporation is to "maximize the wealth of the shareholders." The point that i was trying to make before was simply that the purpose isn't to have the best, highest paid, happiest pilot group in the industry...we are just one of many pieces of the puzzle.

Now for the other reply...
Oakum, i am not saying this place is average. I am saying that it is above average for a regional airline. The only place that has it better across the board in terms of there contract is Comair. Yes there are pieces of this contract and pieces of that contract and that one too and this otherone that, if put together, are superior to ours, but we have it pretty stinkin good for a regional. And I am NOT trying to convince the world that ASA is heaven. As i have said, its not perfect. I know there are times when the company purposefully violates the contract because its cheaper to do so and face the grievance than it is to comply. BUT THE SOLUTION IS NOT WHINING. We act...systematically increasing the cost of greivances on the company coupled with not grieving something every time they just piss you off would help solve this problem.

Heck, people whine when there is no violation at all. If they get extended, short called, cancelled, everything...they whine just to hear themselve complain. These are all part of the job we signed up for and all i am saying is don't complain when the company is simply asking you to do your job. If they violate the contract, go after them...grieve it, don't let it go...but don't frikin whine and bring everyone around you down with you..think positive dude, and you will be much happier...cool

And no hard feelings...I'm not the bad guy, trust me.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

I might start believing it and want some more gifts!

Speaking of, it's almost time for Christmas Cookies.

 

[Tim47SIP]

Mmmm Cookies!

Speaking of, it's almost time for Christmas Cookies.

You forgot "stale" with that sentance. Oh, and don't forget the ugly little boxes.

 

[7KCAB]

I interviewed third week of October, got the good letter two weeks ago and am waiting for the call. Waiting, waiting, waiting....

 

[bailout]

>>upgrade will go from 4 or 4 1/2 years to about 3 or so<<

What? I wish it was at 4 years now! Looking at the seniority/DOH list, there are many F/Os that have been just that, for 4 years as of Jan, and IF we started 10 upgrades a month today, (which aint gonna happen) they will be another 2 years min, away from capt. Realistically, upgrades are running about @6-7 years at the moment, IF everything starts moving again.

 

[CF34-3B1]

>>upgrade will go from 4 or 4 1/2 years to about 3 or so<<

What? I wish it was at 4 years now! Looking at the seniority/DOH list, there are many F/Os that have been just that, for 4 years as of Jan, and IF we started 10 upgrades a month today, (which aint gonna happen) they will be another 2 years min, away from capt. Realistically, upgrades are running about @6-7 years at the moment, IF everything starts moving again.

While I don't necessarily disagree with your math, I think it's important to clarify the 6-7 year upgrade statement to those not currently on the property.

It may (but hopefully not) wind up taking some guys that long to upgrade, but the ones currently upgrading are no where near 6 years seniority.

I've been here 7 years and I've been a Captain for 5 (yeah I know, timing is everything)

So while it's true upgrades are currently slow, the guys who ARE upgrading are not 6 to 7 year guys.

I know it's frustrating for the senior FOs who are so close yet so far from upgrade. Let's hope things start to speed up a little.

 

[FL990]

>>upgrade will go from 4 or 4 1/2 years to about 3 or so<<

What? I wish it was at 4 years now! Looking at the seniority/DOH list, there are many F/Os that have been just that, for 4 years as of Jan, and IF we started 10 upgrades a month today, (which aint gonna happen) they will be another 2 years min, away from capt. Realistically, upgrades are running about @6-7 years at the moment, IF everything starts moving again.

Read my post again, (I even went back and highlighted for you)

I said that IF it were to continue at the current growth rate (which they insist is going to continue through at least Dec. '05)and attrition rate, it would be about 3 years (at 20 pilots a month thats 240 per year times 3 years is 720 pilots...then you take a 10 per month attrition thats 120 per year at three years which is 360...so a guy who is currently sitting at 1600 just coming out of training would be 1240 out of over 2000..right about at the upgrade point)....THEN I said that it was unrealistic to make those assumptions, but I really don't think that it will be 6 or 7 years, thats also not likely...I would say 5 would be a good guess. Especially if we keep losing guys to places like AirTran and Southwest at the rate at which we have recently.

 

[Smacktard]

Had a captain tell me a few days ago that a pilot per day is leaving ASA. Any truth to this?

 

[73belair]

Had a captain tell me a few days ago that a pilot per day is leaving ASA. Any truth to this?

Hope so... Been here a little over 2 years and moved up a little over 100 numbers.

 

[49W]

I'm near 230 from the most junior captain right now and I've been here just over 3.5 years. I'm guessing another about another two years to upgrade, putting me between 5.5 and 6 years total to upgrade. I get more and more fed up with this place every day and I'm considering other things. Management is jerking us around with contract negotiations, offering a regressive contract in many areas and scheduling pisses all over our current contract, violating it whenever they want. Other than that, it's a great place with great crews.

 

[FL990]

If you don't mind me asking 49W, where are you considering going? Are you thinking of leaving aviation all together or just going to another company?

 

[bailout]

>>It may (but hopefully not) wind up taking some guys that long to upgrade, but the ones currently upgrading are no where near 6 years seniority.<<

I agree with the ones who are upgrading now, but the Im talking about the ones who have been here @3 years, they are looking at another 3 yrs min. Amazing what a difference a few numbers make!

FL990, I understand what youre saying. We are indeed expecting a lot of growth and are seeing some attrition, so things should start moving quicker. I was just stating what is happening now.