US Airways Calls

[acaTerry]

Im not worried about a quick upgrade, But many are under the dillusion that they'll all be Airbus captains at USAirways in 5 years. They aren't considering the west FOs and they aren't considering that fact management is already in the processs of replacing mainline aircraft with feed from the likes of Republic and Mesa. If you ever go to a USair hub its already mostly Republic at the mainline gates anyways. Now AA is in the process of replacing MD80s with E175s. I don't think things are as rosy as many of you would like to believe. Weve seen this game before, and we know how it ends.

I had a similar opinion until everyone in here piped in with the current and future state of US. I've changed my opinion based on the info they all gave me. You'd be a nutjob to pass on applying at US. Even if you don't get that quick upgrade, good things are finally happening there.

 

[Flybywire44]

Im not worried about a quick upgrade, But many are under the dillusion that they'll all be Airbus captains at USAirways in 5 years. They aren't considering the west FOs and they aren't considering that fact management is already in the processs of replacing mainline aircraft with feed from the likes of Republic and Mesa. If you ever go to a USair hub its already mostly Republic at the mainline gates anyways. Now AA is in the process of replacing MD80s with E175s. I don't think things are as rosy as many of you would like to believe. Weve seen this game before, and we know how it ends.

Maybe the Airbus upgrade will be 6-7 years, but thats still a great upgrade time. Right General Lee?

PGTB I don't think newAA pilots are all that worried. There is a minimum block hour floor established already.

newAA feeders will see growth, but it will be somewhat muted when the 50 seat jets start going away.

AA+US have 1190 retirements in the next 4 years + international growth + rest rules... You may stay where you are, but your FOs and many of your Captains will make the transition to greener pastures.

The real problem for the regionals is going to be finding qualified first officers. I just talked to a 6 year regional FO who got hired at United.

 

[PGTB]

A five year upgrade seems fast for someone hired today but until things are merged up I think it's almost impossible to tell. I agree, one shouldn't assume five years.

As to replacing mainline aircraft with regional aircraft I believe you are misinformed. As I said in a previous post, we made modest gains in scope. It's my understanding only 76 large rj's (77 seats plus) are allowed. That's the max allowed at US Airways and now it's the max at a much larger airline. I don't have time to list all the details of the other provisions.

Rosy? I guess it's subjective. In accordance with terms already ratified, in 2.5 years I'll be earning the same hourly rate as a guy at UA and DL.

So how does it end? If it's anything like Delta's "demise" I guess I'll take it.

Whatever the max is in the MOU, will represent all new RJs. The ones that are currently on USAirways Express and eagle are all going to be grandfathered in. Just seems like people on here are wanting to view everything in a positive light and miss the fact that there are west pilot and that mergers don't grow an airline, they shrink collectively.

 

[Data]

Im not worried about a quick upgrade, But many are under the dillusion that they'll all be Airbus captains at USAirways in 5 years. They aren't considering the west FOs and they aren't considering that fact management is already in the processs of replacing mainline aircraft with feed from the likes of Republic and Mesa. If you ever go to a USair hub its already mostly Republic at the mainline gates anyways. Now AA is in the process of replacing MD80s with E175s. I don't think things are as rosy as many of you would like to believe. Weve seen this game before, and we know how it ends.

Factually incorrect.

 

[pave driver]

Im not worried about a quick upgrade, But many are under the dillusion that they'll all be Airbus captains at USAirways in 5 years. They aren't considering the west FOs and they aren't considering that fact management is already in the processs of replacing mainline aircraft with feed from the likes of Republic and Mesa. If you ever go to a USair hub its already mostly Republic at the mainline gates anyways. Now AA is in the process of replacing MD80s with E175s. I don't think things are as rosy as many of you would like to believe. Weve seen this game before, and we know how it ends.

In retrospect, if I was #1 at Expressjet/ASA (name any regional) I would still leave for US Airways. The sky will not fall. The ratio of aircraft East and West to FOs and Captains will remain the same after the POR. As an EFFEN OH I will be at $182.11/hour with a 16% auto DC plan at 2018 even without choosing to upgrade! Telling people to stay at a regional is idiotic! Of all mainline gates at CLT maybe 3% are Republic. Where are you even getting your ideas from? AA is NOT replacing mainline aircraft with 175s. 400 plus mainline aircraft are on order to replace 1 for 1 all the MDs and other aging aircraft. I believe you are just guessing on most of your "facts". With your vast experience and knowledge, please enlighten us on this game you've seen before. The game ends when you retire. My QOL and pay are far above and beyond what I ever expected. If anyone is fortunate enough to be hired by US Airways, weighing the pros and cons is liken to choosing between being a nurse or a surgeon. Flying at regional is a JOB whereas flying for a major is a career. Seriously, you need to do a little more research and you are exactly where you are because either you just spout due to envy or that is where you have set your standards in you "career". Good luck in your flying career at an outsourcing outfit. That should turn out well for you!

 

[zymotic]

Whatever the max is in the MOU, will represent all new RJs. The ones that are currently on USAirways Express and eagle are all going to be grandfathered in. Just seems like people on here are wanting to view everything in a positive light and miss the fact that there are west pilot and that mergers don't grow an airline, they shrink collectively.

I work here, have all the docs, and been to the road shows. You are misinformed about the scope in the MOU. However, you're entitled to your opinion.

I don't know why you keep bringing up the West pilots. What about them? What about the American pilots?

Can't remember anyone on this thread saying we are going to grow. So we shrink. So what? Doesn't longevity continue to accrue? I think I can eke out a living at $145/hr in the right seat should things stagnate.

I don't know anyone here who thinks this merger is 100% upside. I think we are trying to present a balanced and INFORMED view to those who wish to apply.

I'd still rather be an F/O at the bottom of the largest airline in the world even if it is shrinking than the top guy at any regional.

 

[zymotic]

In retrospect, if I was #1 at Expressjet/ASA (name any regional) I would still leave for US Airways. The sky will not fall. The ratio of aircraft East and West to FOs and Captains will remain the same after the POR. As an EFFEN OH I will be at $182.11/hour with a 16% auto DC plan at 2018 even without choosing to upgrade! Telling people to stay at a regional is idiotic! Of all mainline gates at CLT maybe 3% are Republic. Where are you even getting your ideas from? AA is NOT replacing mainline aircraft with 175s. 400 plus mainline aircraft are on order to replace 1 for 1 all the MDs and other aging aircraft. I believe you are just guessing on most of your "facts". With your vast experience and knowledge, please enlighten us on this game you've seen before. The game ends when you retire. My QOL and pay are far above and beyond what I ever expected. If anyone is fortunate enough to be hired by US Airways, weighing the pros and cons is liken to choosing between being a nurse or a surgeon. Flying at regional is a JOB whereas flying for a major is a career. Seriously, you need to do a little more research and you are exactly where you are because either you just spout due to envy or that is where you have set your standards in you "career". Good luck in your flying career at an outsourcing outfit. That should turn out well for you!

Well said Sir!

 

[ALGFLYR]

I think you are giving too much weight to the West FO's... The total number of pilots on the West seniority list as of Jan. '13 is 1,659 pilots. Take into account any management pilots, LTD pilots and training pilots on the list and I doubt there are even 700 FO's currently flying the line on the West list. 700 additional FO's on a combined AA/US list of 15,000+ with retirements soon to be approaching 1,000 per year won't add that much time to an upgrade. At worst it adds a year or two, and during that year or two, you will enjoy being a senior FO with a good schedule and good pay...

 

[LaGarbage Man]

I work here, have all the docs, and been to the road shows. You are misinformed about the scope in the MOU. However, you're entitled to your opinion.

I don't know why you keep bringing up the West pilots. What about them? What about the American pilots?

Can't remember anyone on this thread saying we are going to grow. So we shrink. So what? Doesn't longevity continue to accrue? I think I can eke out a living at $145/hr in the right seat should things stagnate.

I don't know anyone here who thinks this merger is 100% upside. I think we are trying to present a balanced and INFORMED view to those who wish to apply.

I'd still rather be an F/O at the bottom of the largest airline in the world even if it is shrinking than the top guy at any regional.

Hey !!! I thought we talked about this whole arguing on the internet thing bud. Remember to just go to your "Happy Place". Hope you and the herd had a great 4th and still have all your fingers and toes attached. ;-)

 

[zymotic]

Hey !!! I thought we talked about this whole arguing on the internet thing bud. Remember to just go to your "Happy Place". Hope you and the herd had a great 4th and still have all your fingers and toes attached. ;-)

But, I think I'm making real progress here! :laugh: