Latest rumors about Midwest

[FlyWolf]

So if you're asked to sit in a jumpseat then its obvious that the flight is full... right. So what you're saying is that sitting in coach in a middle seat with the person in front of you reclining their seat into your lap is more comfortable then a jumpseat??? Thats about the $hita$$ craziest thing I have ever heard. God I hope you don't work at Midwest... no offense.

PCL 128 is an Airtran guy, good, keep him there

 

[PCL_128]

So if you're asked to sit in a jumpseat then its obvious that the flight is full... right. So what you're saying is that sitting in coach in a middle seat with the person in front of you reclining their seat into your lap is more comfortable then a jumpseat??? Thats about the $hita$$ craziest thing I have ever heard. God I hope you don't work at Midwest... no offense.

Our contract requires the company to reserve us an aisle or window seat for deadheads. The only time we can get stuck with a middle seat is if it was a last-minute deadhead, which is usually only something the reserve guys have to deal with. But in most cases, I consider a middle seat to be better than an FA jumpseat, anyway. The cockpit jumpseat isn't too bad, though.

 

[WalterSobchak]

FWIW, I have seen the AD that requires the Barbie Jet to carry a ton (actually 2-3) of extra fuel if alternates are needed. Also there is a 6000 lb difference between takeoff and landing weights. I'd bet that the good ol' CRJ can't carry a full load of pax and bag to MSN or GRB if alternates are required. It's no so far fetched to see that they are weight restricted. Thank goodness DR and TH got rid of those nasty 328s and 1900s.

The way the CRJ-200 Flaps AD is written allows for ALOT of wiggle room in the interpretation of said AD. I have had to plan a flight with the required 3.2x alternate fuel a grand total of one time
since that airworthiness directive was issued...at the captain's request. It is essentially a non-issue.

The flaps AD is kinda like 3585...I've yet to meet a pilot from any company that fully understands it...so, uh, on behalf of dispatchers everywhere...you're welcome.

As far as DHers taking the F/A jumpseat to get an offline guy in the cockpit...much thanks to Midwest and Southwest who have done this for me once apiece to get me back towards the west in my travels back to work when my original plans fell through...it has not been forgotten. My mother flew Midwest last time she bought a ticket because I recommended them after how nicely I've been treated by YX crews. I know that's not much...but, hey, it's one revenue pax you wouldn't have had otherwise...and she's sold on Midwest now.

Had the chance to talk to a few YX guys this past week while wandering MKE waiting for my annual observation flights...not sure there is a nicer group of people anywhere. I wish nothing but great things for you guys and gals up there...

 

[CitationLover]

You're welcome and thank you for the kind words regarding us.

Every major LCC out there has great groups of people. I've had great j/s experiences on both LUV and AAI. Even seen some things that I personally would like to see over here, like AAI's simple ticket printer (a roll of paper) not some fancy ticket stock which i'm sure costs a small fortune.

 

[FlyWolf]

Many thanks Walter, come and ride with us anytime.

 

[Propsync]

I am sure they would happily fly 88 seat 900's if TH called upon them to do so.

That's a big reason you all are sitting ducks in all of this. My guess it would be Mesaba or Pinnacle, though, and not Skywest. Too much RJ (and mainline) capacity coupled with a fleet of mis-configured 717's makes you all look replaceable.

CL, we have differed in opinion since day 1, nevertheless, good luck to you in these times.

 

[eightdriver]

What a nice guy...

 

[iwannabeatmidex]

PropSync; you've been a tool since day 1...

 

[Max Powers]

PropSync; you've been a tool since day 1...

you obviously work at midwest. And you pay ten dollars to try and make airtran pilots looks bad!

Pretty sad IMHO

 

[FlyWolf]

That's a big reason you all are sitting ducks in all of this. My guess it would be Mesaba or Pinnacle, though, and not Skywest. Too much RJ (and mainline) capacity coupled with a fleet of mis-configured 717's makes you all look replaceable.

CL, we have differed in opinion since day 1, nevertheless, good luck to you in these times.

Propsync, its totally understandable your frustration with Midwest, good luck to you at Airtran, I hope everyone from Skyway moved to bigger and better things.

 

[iwannabeatmidex]

There's no way I would make a bunch of guys (and gals) look bad for one person... I'm shocked that's how u think. JUST Propsync and (now) Max Powers are tools; that should be clearer.

 

[Propsync]

Propsync, its totally understandable your frustration with Midwest, good luck to you at Airtran, I hope everyone from Skyway moved to bigger and better things.

I'm not at Airtran.

 

[Propsync]

PropSync; you've been a tool since day 1...

Advancing the profession....

If you don't like my opinions, just click ignore. If you think I'm a tool, fine. If you're trying to start a fruitful message board war, that's ok too. I just post what I think will happen. I've been wrong many times before. I thought US Air was toast a few years back. Seems the east pilots are still trying to make it possible. I thought Airtran was getting Midwest for certain. I thought Skyway was going to get the Delta deal. I thought Skyway might actually get 50 seaters after the RFP was announced.

 

[b82rez]

Thread Sum Up...

1. Midwest has a crappy contract that requires us to sit in a jumpseat if it willl bump a revenue passenger.

2. We are still a bunch of pu$$ys who would do the above even if we weren't required.

3. Everyone here is so scared of the company losing money that we get defensive about us being said pu$$ys.


I will add...

Midwest will never have a strong union. It's senior guys who only care about themselves, or everyone else who is just trying to hold on to whatever seniority they have.

The pilot group has zero say over anything.

Fuel aint going down in price anytime soon. Midwest isn't getting any money from TPG. Milwaukee has a lot of traffic, but that doesn't mean they need us.

I hope that the Midwest captains, who are too old (or lazy) to get another job have been saving their money. I'll give us 3 years max.

 

[IdRtherBsailing]

I don't even think that the furlough assessment would be all that much. We are not talking numbers like the last time. We are talking 35 guys, some of which are probably either under or going under their spouses insurance.

The Capt. I flew with this week was here 18 years. He supports the assessment. I told him that I don't expect people to do this, all I know is that I would without even thinking twice. Even on 1st year pay no question. I am not saying this because after June 15th I will be a professional XBOX player, its just the way I am.

 

[CitationLover]

I am not saying this because after June 15th I will be a professional XBOX player, its just the way I am.

That's XBOX360....

 

[eightdriver]

1. Midwest has a crappy contract that requires us to sit in a jumpseat if it willl bump a revenue passenger.

2. We are still a bunch of pu$$ys who would do the above even if we weren't required.

3. Everyone here is so scared of the company losing money that we get defensive about us being said pu$$ys.


I will add...

Midwest will never have a strong union. It's senior guys who only care about themselves, or everyone else who is just trying to hold on to whatever seniority they have.

The pilot group has zero say over anything.

Fuel aint going down in price anytime soon. Midwest isn't getting any money from TPG. Milwaukee has a lot of traffic, but that doesn't mean they need us.

I hope that the Midwest captains, who are too old (or lazy) to get another job have been saving their money. I'll give us 3 years max.

Yep, sounds like another Skyway pilot we made the mistake of hiring. If you don't like it, then maybe you should've stayed there... then you would have a real career. This is why most guys at mainline can't stand flying with you guys, your bull$hit attitude. If you think your owed this job you are sorely mistaken.

 

[deadstick]

Yep, sounds like another Skyway pilot we made the mistake of hiring.

That is uncalled for. Such a generalization does not reflect well on you. Your post (and the lack of maturity you convey in it) gives merit one of b82rez's points: there is a lack of solidarity at Midwest. I'm not saying I agree with everything that b82 wrote, but you need to get the pilot group together and get on the same sheet of music. If b82 has issues with the contract, then he needs to volunteer for a position with the union and get ready to work on it -- "Put up or shut up," if you will.

35 or your brethren know their immediate fate and, really, things will probably get worse. Helping these people is a karma thing. If you were in their shoes (or when you get in their shoes), I'm sure you'd appreciate a hand, too.

 

[flying zephyr]

now the fun begins

I can't believe that you would generalize about Skyway people like that. WONDERFUL attitude, you must be a joy to fly with. I am assuming you must be part of the old "regime" to make comments like that. I don't agree with everything mentioned above, I will do whatever it takes including sitting in a j/s(within reason) to help the company survive, but you are the type of person the company loves. Create division within. I will be happy to vote for a charge to help our fellow brothers and sisters. Let us not all forget, times are different. No retirees for five years, "shrinkage", oil, competition, mergers. If you think that we are not all in this together, you are sorely mistaken. Take a good look, if we don't survive, I am sure that you will be looking for help from alpa or whoever to find a job asap. Kids, colleges, divorces, toys, age, we all have our crosses to bear and our bills to pay. I am sure you as well, so do unto others as you would have done unto you. I will reiterate, I don't agree with the comments to the negative on the other side either. Let's let this all play out first. How many furloughs and downgrades shake out. It could be worse, much much worse and oil hitting 118.00/bbl is not helping any of us. Fly safe, stay unified and may GOD bless us all. Here's hoping for a quick turnaround.

 

[Thunderchief]

Yep, sounds like another Skyway pilot we made the mistake of hiring. If you don't like it, then maybe you should've stayed there... then you would have a real career. This is why most guys at mainline can't stand flying with you guys, your bull$hit attitude. If you think your owed this job you are sorely mistaken.

Be nice to him, he'll be your captain at the next airline...

 

[eightdriver]

I wasn't generalizing about all skyway pilots that we hired. I am saying that there is a group of them that should not be here. That is the problem with hiring from your regional. You learn to loath the mainline carrier and its policy's from day one.

 

[Propsync]

I can't believe that you would generalize about Skyway people like that. WONDERFUL attitude, you must be a joy to fly with. I am assuming you must be part of the old "regime" to make comments like that. I don't agree with everything mentioned above, I will do whatever it takes including sitting in a j/s(within reason) to help the company survive, but you are the type of person the company loves. Create division within. I will be happy to vote for a charge to help our fellow brothers and sisters. Let us not all forget, times are different. No retirees for five years, "shrinkage", oil, competition, mergers. If you think that we are not all in this together, you are sorely mistaken. Take a good look, if we don't survive, I am sure that you will be looking for help from alpa or whoever to find a job asap. Kids, colleges, divorces, toys, age, we all have our crosses to bear and our bills to pay. I am sure you as well, so do unto others as you would have done unto you. I will reiterate, I don't agree with the comments to the negative on the other side either. Let's let this all play out first. How many furloughs and downgrades shake out. It could be worse, much much worse and oil hitting 118.00/bbl is not helping any of us. Fly safe, stay unified and may GOD bless us all. Here's hoping for a quick turnaround.

Do you believe any of the crap you just posted?

 

[Propsync]

That is uncalled for.

Not really. I figure almost half of those hired are complete d-bags. Some couldn't tell the difference between a level 5 and Detroit, some couldn't land the plane without closing their eyes, some just had to take off their shoes to clean the tubes, some acted so strange you wondered how they would do in an emergency, some were more negative about Midwest than me, yet still got hired. Absolute failures. They got hired. Someone mentioned division, it starts with the incompetent ones. There are many from Skyway that fit the bill.

 

[eightdriver]

Not to mention that the only pilots that Midwest had FAIL out of the training program since 1985 were all from Skyway... Maybe instead of talking on the cell with there feet up on the desk in training, they should have taken a few notes. There are some really cool guys that came from Skyway that are good friends of mine, but like propsync said, there are alot of d-bags. They know who they are.

 

[GOULET!]

Where do you work now Propsync?

 

[flying zephyr]

yes propsync, I do.

 

[b82rez]

Jeez... I was just drunk. And am again, by the way.

You're right thought. I might just feel entitled to something after 10 years at "Midwest Air Group", but at least I don't feel superior to everyone else.

 

[CitationLover]

former skyway-xers thought you'd like to know......

To: All Skyway and Midwest Airlines Employees
Date: April 21, 2008
From: T.E. Hoeksema
Subject: David Reeve

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that David Reeve has announced his intention to retire. His last day with us will be June 6, which is also his 63rd birthday.

David holds the distinction of having worked for both Skyway Airlines and Midwest Airlines -- several times each -- during his 11 years here. He joined us as president and chief executive officer of Astral Aviation (now Skyway Airlines) in 1997. In 1998, he was appointed senior vice president of operations for Midwest Express (now Midwest Airlines). In 2006, he took on responsibility for both positions. And finally, this past February, he returned to his original role at Skyway. David's contributions over the years have been significant. He is truly the consummate role model, whose devotion to the highest standards of professionalism and customer service have provided a strong foundation for our efforts to provide "The best care in the air."

David's 45-year career in commercial aviation has been nothing less than distinctive. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, he joined his family's business, Reeve Aleutian Airways, as a teenager and hasn't looked back since. He has worked with six air carriers and told me he feels fortunate to end his career here. Specifically, he says the wonderful people he has worked with and their commitment to our core values have made the good times great and the tough times bearable.

Post-retirement plans include spending more time with his wife, Laurie. They plan to head back to the Pacific Northwest, likely the Puget Sound (Seattle) area, where their two daughters, granddaughter, and son-in-law live. They also plan to take to the skies in the bright yellow and white Republic Seabee amphibious aircraft he and Laurie refurbished several years ago.

We're planning a retirement/birthday reception and Jeans Day in David's honor and will share the details with you closer to the actual date.

I am pleased to announce that, effective June 7, Leo Malloy will be appointed president of and assume overall responsibility for Skyway. Going forward, Skyway will provide a variety of airport services for Midwest Airlines and Midwest Connect, as well as other companies. Leo has done a great job as Skyway's vice president of Customer Service and we look forward to benefiting from the expertise he brings to his new position. He will report to Joe Kolshak.

Please join me in thanking David for his many contributions and wishing him well in retirement, and congratulating Leo on his upcoming assignment.

 

[deadstick]

Dear Tim,

Thank you for sharing David's news.

I, too, have mixed emotions about his decision. I cannot decide whether to dance around the apartment singing "Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead" or "One Down, One to Go."

Love always,
deadstick
Skyway'd Ex-Skyway Pilot

 

[FlyWolf]

Dear Tim,

Thank you for sharing David's news.

I, too, have mixed emotions about his decision. I cannot decide whether to dance around the apartment singing "Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead" or "One Down, One to Go."

Love always,
deadstick
Skyway'd Ex-Skyway Pilot

, why don't you dance and sing both