Rumor SkyWest Inc. receives new jet financing?

[79%N1]

Man, when GL makes an informed post without belittling people and poking them in the eye, it's almost readable!

 

[General Lee]

Man, when GL makes an informed post without belittling people and poking them in the eye, it's almost readable!

That's because I want YOU to be my FO on Fargo layovers someday. Don't worry, 3rd and 5th beers are on me, plus (as I always state) the first 6 chicken wings (medium please, I can't take the super hot sauce).


YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.



Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[rtmcfi]

It may have taken 15,000+ tries, but persistence pays off. Good post general.

 

[Freebrd]

I've got a better rumor.

United takes back their scope and delta continues to park the useless 50 seaters thus cutting skywest in half.

Shrinkage is a good thing in the regional world.

yeh useless except when you were at a regional huh SuperPooper? loser

 

[GogglesPisano]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/b...cks-and-higher-fares.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Definitely a paradigm shift here. Management will push for larger RJ's and spin it as "fewer overall." In exchange they'll offer a 25% raise and the 717's. I hope we're not as shortsighted as we've been in the past.

Hard to believe there are guys here wishing for larger aircraft at these regional sweatshops. They've grown complacent with their "weekends off," and shudder at the thought of interviewing, probation and (God forbid) being FO's again (is that an indication of an insecurity with their personal skills or flying skills?)

What they don't realize is how incredibly shortsighted this mindset is -- and how much better life is at mainline.

To each is own.

 

[General Lee]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/b...cks-and-higher-fares.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Definitely a paradigm shift here. Management will push for larger RJ's and spin it as "fewer overall." In exchange they'll offer a 25% raise and the 717's. I hope we're not as shortsighted as we've been in the past.

Hard to believe there are guys here wishing for larger aircraft at these regional sweatshops. They've grown complacent with their "weekends off," and shudder at the thought of interviewing, probation and (God forbid) being FO's again (is that an indication of an insecurity with their personal skills or flying skills?)

What they don't realize is how incredibly shortsighted this mindset is -- and how much better life is at mainline.

To each is own.

I can see them asking for more 76 seaters, not larger planes. There is no way the MEC will allow that to go to a vote. I can see a ratio system where they are allowed an extra 76 seater for every 2 or 3 50 seaters parked. I am not saying I am in favor of that at all, but I bet that will be what they are asking for. I would be more in favor of Delta pilots flying NEW 76 seaters, but I don't know if that is on the table. I have a feeling overall the 50 seaters will dwindle, and some eventually could be replaced with some 70 or 76 seaters, but not at the same numbers. I see Regionals shrinking overall. But, along with that, if mainline gets bigger, then maybe there could be more mainline jobs available, which would be a good thing.



Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[enuffalready]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/b...cks-and-higher-fares.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Definitely a paradigm shift here. Management will push for larger RJ's and spin it as "fewer overall." In exchange they'll offer a 25% raise and the 717's. I hope we're not as shortsighted as we've been in the past.

Hard to believe there are guys here wishing for larger aircraft at these regional sweatshops. They've grown complacent with their "weekends off," and shudder at the thought of interviewing, probation and (God forbid) being FO's again (is that an indication of an insecurity with their personal skills or flying skills?)

What they don't realize is how incredibly shortsighted this mindset is -- and how much better life is at mainline.

To each is own.

By better I assume you mean my buddy who went to delta in 2000ish and hasn't had more than a random weekend or holiday off in 11years? What an awesome way to spend a decade of your life....

At least he is raking in about 110k for his switch....TIC

What a short sighted boob

 

[General Lee]

By better I assume you mean my buddy who went to delta in 2000ish and hasn't had more than a random weekend or holiday off in 11years? What an awesome way to spend a decade of your life....

At least he is raking in about 110k for his switch....TIC

What a short sighted boob

We just went through one of the largest stagnation decades ever thanks to 9-11, BKs, and the change to age 65 retirement. Now, after profitability, your friend will ascend a heck of a lot faster due to those old geezers finally leaving. You can stay at your regional and watch it slowly shrink due to inevitable parkings of 50 seaters, or move on. Your choice. His switch will be worth it. You may question your own choice eventually too.


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[GogglesPisano]

By better I assume you mean my buddy who went to delta in 2000ish and hasn't had more than a random weekend or holiday off in 11years? What an awesome way to spend a decade of your life....

At least he is raking in about 110k for his switch....TIC

What a short sighted boob

That was then, this is now. You'll know who's been shortsighted when you hit your 65th birthday. I hope you'll not be bitter.

 

[pilotyip]

those old geezers finally leaving.Bye Bye---General Lee

and if things work out, you too may be an old geezer some day

 

[enuffalready]

That was then, this is now. You'll know who's been shortsighted when you hit your 65th birthday. I hope you'll not be bitter.

oh, good point. that was then and this is now, so you must mean another friend who went to Delta 2 years ago... 319/320. Lucky guy has a wife/family in ATL. problem is he is at bottom of list in DTW. in the next 3-5 years he MIGHT be able to hold a line on the 88 in ATL... MAYBE... and that line will be weekends and holidays at best... or reserve... in the meantime he is commuting to and fro DTW while his wife/Kids/friends enjoy college football saturday with him not there

He is a good guy with a great family and a good friend.... not knocking him one bit... just saying everything has a price...

 

[GogglesPisano]

oh, good point. that was then and this is now, so you must mean another friend who went to Delta 2 years ago... 319/320. Lucky guy has a wife/family in ATL. problem is he is at bottom of list in DTW. in the next 3-5 years he MIGHT be able to hold a line on the 88 in ATL... MAYBE... and that line will be weekends and holidays at best... or reserve... in the meantime he is commuting to and fro DTW while his wife/Kids/friends enjoy college football saturday with him not there

He is a good guy with a great family and a good friend.... not knocking him one bit... just saying everything has a price...

There are plenty of excuses to stay put. But, seriously, is your career only five-years long?

 

[jynxyjericho]

There are plenty of excuses to stay put. But, seriously, is your career only five-years long?

He's just saying what a lot of us see day to day. A lot of guys bitching about their QOL at Mainline while their peers stayed at a regional and are making +100K with 12% matching (General Six was very worried about that last time so I made sure I pointed out the 401k) with twenty days off.

Moving forward, this day forward that is, there is a potential (no absolute certainty) for everyone to move on to a mainline carrier and have a good QOL and much better pay. I don't think these guys are making excuses, they are describing real world examples that everyone flying has seen if they choose to look. Since QOL becomes very important once the job's shine has wore off, it can be a cautionary tale. Of course you are welcome to slap it down, but I for one know exactly what enuffalready is talking about and it doesn't take a "rocket surgeon" to draw lessons from others life experiences.

 

[enuffalready]

There are plenty of excuses to stay put. But, seriously, is your career only five-years long?

i just gave you example of a former ASA guy that left 2000ish and hasn't had more than a random weekend or holiday off in over a decade. he was hired at 29... that means he has spent his entire 30's as either commuting, reserve or both..... that's a lot of little league games, anniversaries, birthdays, thanksgivings, july 4th BBQ's, new years eve's, etc.... Do you find it that perplexing that there are others out there that don't share your vision of a happy future? Some of you mainline guys seemed appalled that some people have no desire to spend years commuting to work on weekends and holidays, then after years get some seniority and a decent schedule you start all over at the bottom of CPT list.

Nobody else has to live my life. I like my family/house/dog/friends/college football parties/golf on saturday, etc...and have no desire to commute to JFK/DTW for 2-3-5-10 years.

 

[Russ]

In the 10 years it would take to reach parity with regard to pay and schedule if I went to a major, my kids will be out of the house or very close to it for the youngest. It's not about money or the size of the plane. My priorities are elsewhere.

 

[Freebrd]

I can see them asking for more 76 seaters, not larger planes. I can see a ratio system where they are allowed an extra 76 seater for every 2 or 3 50 seaters parked. Lee

lmao already changing his tune, too funny, what a putz :laugh:

 

[General Lee]

In the 10 years it would take to reach parity with regard to pay and schedule if I went to a major, my kids will be out of the house or very close to it for the youngest. It's not about money or the size of the plane. My priorities are elsewhere.

10 years? Come on now. These last 10 years have been horrible for stagnation, primarily due to things that usually never happen at the same time. A 9-11 event, 5 legacy BK (UAL, US, DL, NWA, and then AA), and then a huge retirement age change that nobody has ever had to deal with before. Those three things really changed this industry. Look at UPS. They have furloughed, and the bottom 300 guys there were hired right into the 744 or MD11, but all in ANC. Talk about a tough QOL if you have to commute to ANC on reserve. But, that cargo airline pays very well, and people will continue to do it.

As far as your situation Russ, everyone has their own deal. If your situation is good for you, then great. But, the last 10 years won't necessarily equal the next 10 years. Those Age 65 retirements will finally go, and that will mean normal progression again, meaning QOL will improve faster. MOST of the legacies are profitable again and have a handle on today's costs. (could change with another 9-11 event, though) This last decade wasn't very fun unless you were hired early in a hiring wave, and that hiring wave is going to come back around again. If you want to get on it, apply. If not, then that is your choice. RJ Captain pay may take around 3-4 years at a Major, and then it should increase from there.



Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[Jon Rivoli]

I live in Portland, I'm based in Portland. I'm not interested in commuting to ANC or JFK or MSP or any where. I have a friend my age at WN, he's been there five years and he tells me he will never have weekends off ever again. I'm not interested in more money. You can't touch my QOL.

Any move you make is a crap shoot. I had a jump seater once who had been a new hire at SKYW with our chief pilot back in the eighties. He left for TWA and made it to 767 captain. When I met him, he was commuting to reserve as an American MD80 FO about to be furlowed again after spending four year on the street.

My present gig may come to an end someday, for now I plan to make the most of it and let someone else roll the dice.

 

[General Lee]

I live in Portland, I'm based in Portland. I'm not interested in commuting to ANC or JFK or MSP or any where. I have a friend my age at WN, he's been there five years and he tells me he will never have weekends off ever again. I'm not interested in more money. You can't touch my QOL.

Any move you make is a crap shoot. I had a jump seater once who had been a new hire at SKYW with our chief pilot back in the eighties. He left for TWA and made it to 767 captain. When I met him, he was commuting to reserve as an American MD80 FO about to be furlowed again after spending four year on the street.

My present gig may come to an end someday, for now I plan to make the most of it and let someone else roll the dice.

That's good Jon. If you live in Portland, have family there, and NEVER want to commute, then by all means stay there. I believe you have three total airlines you could choose from if you wanted to have a Portland base, SkyWest, Horizon, and Alaska has a small one. If you never want to leave and have to fly in base, those are your choices. Now, if one airline decides someday to leave, and you are flying for them, then you might have a problem.

Another poster on here was talking about his friend who was a 10 year DL MD88s FO in ATL and never got weekends off. He may be like you, just wants to live in base. That is his choice. He might have a heck of a lot better schedule if he did commute, to say DTW on the 320. Maybe he would have twice the QOL and a bit of a raise (320 pays more). That is his choice. Flying for a legacy usually means choices, unless you are at the bottom. If you don't want to make the jump, somebody else will. Just remember, your current job and airline may look different in 5 years, and if you are willing to roll the dice, then that is your decision. Good luck. Btw, that story of yours about the TWA 767 pilot that eventually ended up as an AA MD80 FO and furloughed is a rough one. But for every bad story like that, I bet there are 5 good ones about people who left and are now very happy flying all over the World.



Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[Skywest Pylot]

In the 10 years it would take to reach parity with regard to pay and schedule if I went to a major, my kids will be out of the house or very close to it for the youngest. It's not about money or the size of the plane. My priorities are elsewhere.

Having spent several years at SkyWest, I'll say the QOL is much better at the majors. Better workrules, much better retirement (401k) and you get treated like a professional. SkyWest is a company on the decline. Everyone else has figured out their strategy and the innovator that put the company on the map (Ron Rebber) is gone. You may very well wake up one day and discover that you are on a rapidly shrinking seniority list due to abandonment of the 50 seat RJ (SkyWest has a 100s of them). How long have you been with them? 10 years to reach parity doesn't sound right.

 

[Skywest Pylot]

I left SkyWest and never looked back. It was the best move I ever made. Btw, PDX never has been a very big base and could at some point go the way of SAN, SMF or SBA.

That's good Jon. If you live in Portland, have family there, and NEVER want to commute, then by all means stay there. I believe you have three total airlines you could choose from if you wanted to have a Portland base, SkyWest, Horizon, and Alaska has a small one. If you never want to leave and have to fly in base, those are your choices. Now, if one airline decides someday to leave, and you are flying for them, then you might have a problem.

Another poster on here was talking about his friend who was a 10 year DL MD88s FO in ATL and never got weekends off. He may be like you, just wants to live in base. That is his choice. He might have a heck of a lot better schedule if he did commute, to say DTW on the 320. Maybe he would have twice the QOL and a bit of a raise (320 pays more). That is his choice. Flying for a legacy usually means choices, unless you are at the bottom. If you don't want to make the jump, somebody else will. Just remember, your current job and airline may look different in 5 years, and if you are willing to roll the dice, then that is your decision. Good luck. Btw, that story of yours about the TWA 767 pilot that eventually ended up as an AA MD80 FO and furloughed is a rough one. But for every bad story like that, I bet there are 5 good ones about people who left and are now very happy flying all over the World.



Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[79%N1]

Why do some guys try to talk people out of things they are perfectly happy doing, for whatever their reasons are? Why the need to force your opinions and experiences onto others. If they are happy and content, just leave them alone.

 

[pilotyip]

Any move you make is a crap shoot.

There is great short summary of the airline pilot's career. Think of the guy who jumped from SWA in 2000 for the dream job at UAL, or the guy who back in 1975 had to pay for this training in a DA-20, in order to fly overnight mail as a F/O for $400/mo, it turned into FedEx

 

[777forever]

In summary, do what you need to do to be happy. Staying at a regional isnt a death sentence.Our COO started at Skywest as a pilot now he makes the salary of more than 3 senior Delta 777 captains combined. Ballin!

On the other hand, if you're staying put at a regional based on what happened at mainline during aviation's "lost decade" you're being very short sighted

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

 

[Russ]

I like the term lost decade, seems fitting. I'm just not convinced its only a decade. There's been plenty of false starts and boom to busts in my time in aviation. If I was 28, I'd roll the dice. Now that I'm in my 40s with an income over 100K and a good QOL, I'm pretty darn content to watch my kids grow up in person. I had years of my wife calling me when my son or daughter was up to bat, getting the play by play second hand. No more I hope. When folks here praise the majors as the way to go, I have to think its as much of a crapshoot as staying put.

 

[General Lee]

I like the term lost decade, seems fitting. I'm just not convinced its only a decade. There's been plenty of false starts and boom to busts in my time in aviation. If I was 28, I'd roll the dice. Now that I'm in my 40s with an income over 100K and a good QOL, I'm pretty darn content to watch my kids grow up in person. I had years of my wife calling me when my son or daughter was up to bat, getting the play by play second hand. No more I hope. When folks here praise the majors as the way to go, I have to think its as much of a crapshoot as staying put.

Good for you Russ. If that makes you happy, then good for you. My point was that not every story about leaving a Regional is a bad one.


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[tomgoodman]

Why do some guys try to talk people out of things they are perfectly happy doing, for whatever their reasons are? Why the need to force your opinions and experiences onto others. If they are happy and content, just leave them alone.

Maybe this is the reason:

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.
Gore Vidal
US author & dramatist (1925 - )

 

[777forever]

I like the term lost decade, seems fitting. I'm just not convinced its only a decade. There's been plenty of false starts and boom to busts in my time in aviation. If I was 28, I'd roll the dice. Now that I'm in my 40s with an income over 100K and a good QOL, I'm pretty darn content to watch my kids grow up in person. I had years of my wife calling me when my son or daughter was up to bat, getting the play by play second hand. No more I hope. When folks here praise the majors as the way to go, I have to think its as much of a crapshoot as staying put.

Ah I see. Dont blame ya at all for staying. Smart choice IMO

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[SpaceShipEarth]

9-9-9

 

[SpaceShipEarth]

Oh yea.... 20-30 C-Series going to ExpressJet too. Ahhhh Shucky Ducky!