Somber note for old ATA/EAL guys.

[HalinTexas]

We regret to inform you of the passing of retired Eastern Captain Harold D. “Hap” Slayden.

Captain Bill Knoerr called this afternoon to tell say that Hap Flew West today, Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the age of 84.

We spoke to Mrs. Slayden this evening and she stated that there will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 17th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

This will be at the:

Stanfill Funeral Home
10545 South Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 667-2518

One of the true class acts in aviation. I only new him as an instructor at ATA, but like nearly all of the old L1011 instructors there, he's forgotten more stuff than I'll ever know.

Now back to the regularly scheduled whining.

 

[Mach 80]

Hal,

Too bad about this gentleman.

Can you tell us what you have heard as to where some ATA pilots are going for work in this tough job market?

 

[pilotgolfer]

Hal,

Too bad about this gentleman.

Can you tell us what you have heard as to where some ATA pilots are going for work in this tough job market?

There are 20-30 guys hired as Captains at SpiceJet over in India. The first few guys started training this week. Several others have gone to Omni, World, NetJets, Compass, or Pinnacle. A few have thrown there hands up and given up on flying.

 

[HalinTexas]

Quite a few are going over seas. Emirates, ANA, KAL, Jalways, the like.

I've had two interviews. One pass, GoJets, the other fail, Compass. I would have turned Compass down anyway. Interview at Pinnacle next week. World interview in the wings.

At the Compass interview, of the 7 interviewing 5 were ATA. Two of them past 55 yrs. I think only one of them would have taken the job if offered. Not sure who was offered though.

It's a really bad time in the industry, and it's about to get worse.