Too many assumptions, Brett.
Brett Hull said:
Not quite what I was getting at, but I understand your point 100%.
The point I was trying to make was, obviously netjetwife's husband is a sharp dude - you kinda have to be to be a fighter pilot. If the job he has now pays so poorly, and their financial position is so bad that we're discussing tips to cover extra income, there has to be something else out there he's qualified to do where he can make more money until you guys get this deal worked out (and I hope you guys get everything you're asking for...imo, you should be asking for more, you deserve it). My assumption was that him being a fighter pilot, he might enjoy getting back in the seat - and the paycheck that comes with it. He's definitely qualified for it.
I don't think any professional pilot should have to work two jobs to make ends meet, or "work another job to subsidize your flying habit", especially if you have a wife/husband/kids at home. But you have to do something to pay the bills if your primary job doesn't provide you enough income to pay them. And if you have to do it, it may as well be something you enjoy. And I'm also not saying "if you don't like it, quit". Someone has to stay there and fight for a change. I applaud both of you for doing your part.
Begging for a few bucks in tips ain't gonna pay the mortgage, though.
AF retirement pays the mortgage and "double dipping" is not allowed. I , too, thought he should be allowed to fly for the guard like so many airline pilots that did their time and got out. IMO, the pilots that serve until retirement are penalized for doing so, in that instance.
I deliberately said personal KNOWLEDGE instead of experience, when stating the reduced lunch price. AF retirement keeps that "wolf" from our door, BUT it is no thanks to NJA. THOSE wages DO qualify, and we have other FO/FO friends on WIC/food stamps. I'm speaking here for a number of wives, w/their blessing.
Like beytzim, my husband is exploring other options, as a back up plan. That said, we are committed to seeing this insulting TA soundly voted down. We realized after about 6 months that we'd been strung along, but tried to remain hopeful while he worked off the seatlocked 2yr training contract, which will be up in Jan. In the meantime, we're giving our all to this fight. If the TA (God forbid) were to pass, he will not be the only pilot bailing out. At that point, I'd hope that ALL owners would be concerned.
Brett ( also my brother's name), please be careful w/your choice of words also. There is a huge difference between "begging" and discussing. Nonetheless, it may interest you to know that tipping the pilots is not as uncommon as you seem to think. The other wives' husbands have also been tipped. NO ONE has asked for this, but the fact remains that some owners do recognize they have received special treatment---one of the things NJA is known for--and choose to show their appreciation accordingly. Apparently, those owners/px are following the etiquette rule for tipping which states: You do not tip the flightcrew UNLESS they have performed personal services above and beyond flying. Obviously, loading bags, serving catering, and arranging ground transportation, is viewed by many owners as going the "extra mile". Miss Manners has spoken.
NJW