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netjetwife said:
Public elementary schools in Colorado---.40 cents, down from $1.80,
based on personal knowledge.
Your "Super-Duper, crosswind landing, viper driving, fighter jock husband can't get hired by a guard unit somewhere to get you off the government cheese?
 
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.
 
NJA Owner a Moment Pt. 2

NJA Owner

Thank you for your reply. No, you really don’t know me, but I only carry an American Express.

Do you have employees? Do you pay them based upon their expertise, their experience and knowledge? Or do you split the group based on their seniority, project, or where they live?



You say you are paid fairly. Do you think the pilots would like a fair wage? I believe they would. I am paid for the services I perform for my company. I am paid a fair wage for the skills, experience and knowledge by the company I work for, but I believe the pilots at NJA are not. I have seen first hand the outlay of money the pilots must expend, sure some of it is reimbursable, but often times it is not. Life on the road is not easy for the pilots. They miss important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. They miss their children growing up, since they are gone for a half a year or better.



Moving to another company may not be an option for most. Many believe that NJA is the place to end their career, not start it. So please understand the frustrations of the pilots and their spouses, wondering why it seems hard to keep their families above the poverty level.



Thank you again for your time,

Doyouknowme



P.S. Do you own a boat? I have an anchor I’d be willing to give you.
 
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
 
I'm not the pilot. I don't get it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by netjetwife
Jeff is assigned to Centennial/Denver and flies in the Rockies quite a bit. Which airport do you fly into? He says that Telluride can be very difficult esp, in the winter. He had to land there on an icy runway with a strong cross wind.

FracCapt said:
Hmmmm....let's think about this for a minute....KTEX....9,078 field elevation....icy runway...6800x100ft runway....Yep, sounds pretty stupid to me.
Are you calling my husband stupid? Or are you suggesting that the instructions were stupid...dangerous? He was told to land there and did his best for the owner..
 
Ahhh KTEX.. Been there, done it, got the t-shirt.. All single pilot C 310 ops. when I was 20 y/old.. Guess what I got paid for it..
 
netjetwife said:
Quote:
Are you calling my husband stupid? Or are you suggesting that the instructions were stupid...dangerous? He was told to land there and did his best for the owner..
We are never "told to land" anywhere. The PIC and really both crew members have veto power over any flight operation that they feel is a bad idea. I don't know the situation that your husband faced so I can't and wouldn't comment if I thought it was stupid... or dangerous.

I am sure he painted a somewhat overly dramatic picture for you for entertainment value! None of the flights we do should so much as elevate a pilots heart rate. When I was young and foolish adrenalin rushes were a daily occurance. Now if I have one I know I did something I shouldn't have!
 
Tips/Gratuities: Contradictions

netjetwife said:
NJAOwner..."Additionally, the degree of flying difficulty should be reflected in the tip. Flying in bad weather and/or landing on challenging runways, like those seen in the mountains, would suggest a larger tip/recognition of the effort expended by the flightcrew".
Netjetwife/LB
In a later post, netjetwife quotes "Miss Manners" as saying: "Don't tip the flight crew unless they have performed PERSONAL SERVICES ABOVE AND BEYOND FLYING." (emphasis supplied)

How are the above 2 quotes (posted by the same person) reconciled, if at all? There seems to be a contradiction here.

Regarding my earlier post regarding Part 91, Subpart K, 14 hour duty days, and netjetwife's response (she doesn't know, will ask her husband): If you don't know, that's okay. Point is the reg allows for 14 hour duty days. If they constitute a genuine safety issue, seems action at regulatory level (including official pre-enactment "comment") would have been appropriate. But just an observation. Pretty much out of this thread. Good luck to all.
 
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Clearing up the confusion.

lawfly said:
In a later post, netjetwife quotes "Miss Manners" as saying: "Don't tip the flight crew unless they have performed PERSONAL SERVICES ABOVE AND BEYOND FLYING." (emphasis supplied)

How are the above 2 quotes (posted by the same person) reconciled, if at all? There seems to be a contradiction here.

Regarding my earlier post regarding Part 91, Subpart K, 14 hour duty days, and netjetwife's response (she doesn't know, will ask her husband): If you don't know, that's okay. Point is the reg allows for 14 hour duty days. If they constitute a genuine safety issue, seems action at regulatory level (including official pre-enactment "comment") would have been appropriate. But just an observation. Pretty much out of this thread. Good luck to all.

I agree it seems inconsistant, but it is easily explained. In response to NJOwner's request for guidance in tipping (see earlier posts), my husband shared his thoughts, which I posted. He suggested the tip reflect the flight--good weather/bad weather. As the debate continued, I felt that it would be helpful to all if I could provide the correct etiquette rule that addressed tipping pilots. I did find and post the rule--Pilots aren't tipped UNLESS they perform personal services above and beyond flying the plane. Those pilots that are receiving a monetary "thank you" have flown owners/px that know and follow rules of etiquette, apparently. Or, also very likely, appreciate the extra efforts the pilots have made on their behalf and want, instinctively, to express their gratitude. In either case, these px are generally the more sophisticated members of our society, savvy on tipping, and I believe it is correct to follow their lead without hesitation. Once again, let me state quite clearly. I do NOT advocate asking, hinting, suggesting, etc for tips. When they are given freely, pilots should smile and say thank you. There is nothing demeaning or degrading about it. The tip is for going above and beyond the call of duty (flying). It is recognition that an extra effort was made and personal service given.

Just to pass on the results of my research--many websites talked of how confusing the question of tipping is (don't we know it!) and how it can be a source of stress and embarrassment for travelers. Knowing that, I'd urge any of you out there who got a tip --even if you only flew the plane--to graciously accept it and avoid embarrassing the px with a refusal.

I haven't had a chance to ask about 91K, but from a layperson's perspective and a wife's concern, I'd like to point out that there is a big difference between making allowances for the occassional 14 hr day, and scheduling them repeatedly because the company has a policy of "doing more with less" when it comes to its pilot force. The first is understandable, the latter unacceptable.

Good luck to you too, Lawfly!
 
Tips/Gratuities; Speaking of Style & Sophistication...

Think/Research/Analyze first, write second. Less need for subsequent corrections. Make points concisely and correctly ab initio. Outta here!
 
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Wow, how did we get here?

I was good enough to get a guard job flying on the weekends to make ends meet. Thats why I live somewhere in Iraq now on my 1 year tour. But why should I have too?
How many other professional people have 2 jobs to make ends meet?
Netjets wife pointed out previously that her husband was retired. Do the math, It would not be very wise financially to come out of retirement to get a guard job.
Hell, I'll be active duty for years to come if I can't get a decent wage at Netjets.
It's a Catch 22. If I can't make a decent wage, and I stay in the Reserves to make ends meet, I get deployed. If I cant make ends meet, I stay in the reserves to make ends meet, I get deployed.
Let me please mention however that I feel that I'm serving in a worthy cause, a battle that has to be fought and won.
Aside of that, It would be nice to have a decent job to come home too.
Sh%t a cold beer would be great! The TA? I'm sorry, I just can't believe the way corporate America has become. It just f***king stymies me to think that "gaffing" the pilots for a decent wage is some corporate game that is played with 2000 pilots and their families.
Please excuse me for rambling, I haven't been drinking for awhile.
 
Offering support--

Semore, If you are married, please tell your wife (if she hasn't already) to register for the wives' board. We are supporting the wife of our NJ pilot that is flying in Afghanistan (same situation!), and we'd be happy to lend moral support to your wife, too. If she needs the info/link just PM me and I'll help her get hooked up. Take care, NJW
 
Cold Beer

Semore - -thanks for your efforts both here and "over there". It is greatly appreciated. If there was a way to attach cold beer (or even warm beer) to this email, I'd send a few cases over for you and your squadron. Heck -- the whole unit.

Thank you.

(and especially you) Fly safe.
 
Stop talking about tips please, if it happens it happens. We need to negotiate for fair wages for a job well done. I have never expected tips for the job I do, and will not in the future. This dead horse has been beat to death again!

Emotions are high for all that are concerned with this industry. Cool heads and logic will prevail in the end. We need to stop bashing Netjetswife and give her a place to vent. My wife is just as upset about the situation but doesnt choose to do it here.

NJAOwner may or may not be who he is, but he does add a different perspective to this discussion. Calling him a liar or a troll doesn't add to the discussion. He knows alot about the company and I have no reason to not believe him.

The whole fractional industry and part of the Corporate jet world is watching what we do here. We need to negotiate hard and be able to shake hands and feel good about what we eventually ratify.

The owners may or may not care what we make, but they do care whether the jet will be there after they call owner services. If it comes down to parking the jets, thats when the owners will get involved. I'm ready to step up the negotiations to the next level after this TA is voted down. We will soon see how poor the company is. It's just business!!!
 
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Sctt@NJA said:
But its OK for a pilots wife to ask for him?
If you had bothered to read the beginning of the thread, you would know how this debate started. Seeing the opportunity to "speak" to an owner, I asked about things that I'd been curious about for sometime. I asked 3 questions and everyone focused on 1 and misstated what actually took place.


A few questions please---
NJAowner, what is your POSITION on tipping the pilots? Would you be embarrassed if it became public knowledge that one of your flight crew receives government assistance? Do you find it misleading to be told that there are two captains in every plane, when in reality there is one captain and one first officer that is forced to have a captain's rating but is paid much less than some of the limo drivers? I have no problem believing that you are an owner, as I truly am a wife.
Netjetwife


The owner posted his reply, answering in his own fashion, 1 of my 3 questions, which then led to numerous accusations, all unfounded, that I was ASKING for tips for my husband. It was only, ever, an academic discussion of the issue.


Tips
NetJetWife - I have covered the tips dicussion on the board several times in the past. But, I am flying next week and may try to get some feedback on this with a trial balloon. Please help me and I may try it.

How much do I tip the Capt and F.O.? Should I give the Capt. more? $50 each, $100 each?? 15% of the cost of my hourly fee for the flight (this I will not agree to)? 18% if I have a party of 6 or more on the flight? 15% of the onboard catering bill?

I am not being sarcastic. What do you expect your husband to receive as a tip and what would you (or he) consider insulting?

Thanks.

(Please tell him to ) Fly safe


Clearly the owner,also, wanted the opportunity to satisfy his own curiosity. He could have said he was against tipping and moved on to my other questions. He had assured me that he was serious in asking those questions, so I took him at his word and did my best to answer them. As the debate raged on, I felt we all could use the advice of an expert in etiquette so I researched the subject and posted my findings. I stand by those, and my comments. To ASK for a tip is in very bad taste and something that I would never do. My husband has received tips in the past so clearly his habit of going the extra mile reaps its own reward, based solely on his personal efforts. Perhaps now we could move on to the 2 remaining unanswered questions?
NJW
 
Yes, let's move on to something else---

The questions I think we should ask the owner are: How do you think the owners would respond to informational picketing? Would it make an impression to see the pilots' wives and children holding signs at the FBOs?

I can assure all of you that there ARE wives waiting in the wings, willing to carry signs. I have cautioned them to wait for direction from StrongUnion. If they gave the word, I'd be one of the first out the door. Then all you guys who doubt that I'm really a wife could come meet me in person....lol
 
Getting my money's worth!

Griz, I could give a testimonial for Blue Mountain.com! What a great deal that service has turned out to be. You guys are getting my 165th ecard for the month of Sept--that's right--one month! Our wives support group has really taken off!

Click on the following link.
http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=102927291&m=1932&rr=y&source=bma999
 
Pickets

NetJetWife: In my opinion, pickets by the wives and children at FBOs will backfire in a major way. I have stated many times how I think the pilots can enlist the support of the owners to effect change. Pickets and refusals to fly will infuriate owners, but cause them to support management. Don't forget, you are not starting off with a group which is sympathetic to unions to start with. Then if you drag the owners' families into it, it will backfire. I already told you a real life reaction to a FO bringing an owner's family into your pay dispute.

Fly safe.
 
I have to agree with NJAowner. Don't bring an owner into pay disputes. You agreed to the pay when you went to work there. It's because of the owners that you have jobs. The conflicts should be settled in the proper manner using the proper forum. Whining and complaining will not achieve your result.

To the pilots-you are a professional group. Keep it out of the streets and maintain your professionalism.
 
netjetwife said:
The questions I think we should ask the owner are: How do you think the owners would respond to informational picketing? Would it make an impression to see the pilots' wives and children holding signs at the FBOs
Please let me know when you plan on doing this. I'd be happy to "dirty up" my kids and loan them to you for a day or two. Though I don't live in CO, I have family up there and I could have them walk to and from the "line". They would get there all worn out from the walk and look even more pathetic. In fact, to support the plight of the Netjets pilot, I'd be willing to have them forego a few meals so they could beg for left over catering from the owners.

You and all Netjets pilots and families you "speak" for should be ASHAMED of such a comment. Its one thing to be a concerned spouce, but to drag kids into union picketing is obscene.

Lady, I've seen a lot of lows on this board, in fact, I've been involved with some, but this one is the low of all lows. You need a vacation and you need it soon.
 
And the debate continues---

Under what conditions do you three support pickets and strikes? Though, if you'll notice I said NOTHING about pilots "refusing to fly". But since the subject has been raised--what is the answer? WHEN is it appropriate, in your opinions, to picket and/or strike? And WHERE do you think it should take place? Have any of you ever "walked the line"? Since when is FIGHTING for a fair/earned contract equal to "whining and complaining"? BTW, we are "working in the proper manner using the proper forum". I asked the question on informational picketing STRICTLY for (self) educational purposes, and because the issue was raised by another wife in our support group. At this point, we are ONLY looking at our options.

Xrated, a reality check for you, sir: SHAME goes to the company that exploits its workers, NOT the families that fight corporate greed. OBSCENE is a pilot having to take GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO FEED HIS CHILDREN. My son understands that NJA's wages for the FOs entitles him to the "poor kid" lunch price at his public school, and that the "kick-ass" pay his father was promised was NOT delivered. Do you not understand that securing professional wages for NJ pilots will HELP all pilots in the fractional industry?

Owner, clearly, I need to read all of your posts prior to my joining this board. The FACT remains, however, that the wages of the pilots are paid from the management fees charged to the owners---a DIRECT link, whether any of us like it or not.

Dhc8ap, are you saying that it is UN professional to strike for higher wages?
Do you belong to a union, yourself? Are YOU happy with your contract? If so, my congratulations, but to pass judgement on the professionalism of pilots that are fighting for what others enjoy (industry average salaries) seems extremely callous and mean-spirited.
 
Netjet Wife you are clearly a smart strong willed person. But you are in over your head here talking about things that you have no concept of. Thats fine but you manage to come across as a know it all at the same time. You are alienating people.

If you want to educate yourself on the issues you bring up there are better places than here. The dialog you are engaged in with NJAowner makes me cringe every time.

Even as a leader it is sometimes best to listen more than you talk until you have figured out what is going on.

We don't talk to owners about tipping... even when it is an "educational" conversation.

We don't talk to owners about possible job actions! Thats a big one.

What are you trying to accomplish on this message board? By asking this I am not in any way implying you don't have as much right as anyone else to post here. But clearly you have a purpose in mind. Do you think its working?
 
netjetwife said:
Xrated, a reality check for you, sir: SHAME goes to the company that exploits its workers, NOT the families that fight corporate greed.
The only reality check I need is for you to tell me you were joking about "exploiting" your children on a picket line. Were you honestly entertaining the idea of bringing your children to a line, informational or not?

There is no shame or obsenity in doing what you have to do to feed your kids, but even the thought of striking with them is disgusting.

I know you come from a military background and all, but welcome to the private sector. Corporate Greed, ha, show me an aviation related company that isn't greedy and I'll show you some beach front property in AZ.
 
I am fearful!

Netjet Wife:

You are causing many of us great concern for the apparent time you are putting into this project, at some apparent disregard for your more earthbound responsibilites!

You have made post after post in the middle of the night, quite often, in highly emotional language. I am concerned for your emotional state of mind, the welfare of your children and your inability to use this board in a way that preserves your anonymity.

Yes, I work for Netjets. Yes, my wife makes more than I do. Yes I also have another part-time job. In a time in history where hundreds of thousands of jobs are being exported, I find myself to be in a fortunate position.

Your rantings are doing nothing to garner support and sound like a spoiled officer's wife that has a history of being little more than a spoiled brat.

I am not telling you to eat cake...just put your time to better use. Go get a job!
 
To NETJETWIFE

I do not belong to a union. I fly for a corporation.
"Fighting for what others enjoy" salary-wise???

I paid my dues-flying a 1900 out of Plattsburgh, NY in the wintertime for a net pay of $800/mo at Commutair. Followed by a 37% paycut at Piedmont as part of the bankrupcy concessions

Callous and mean-spirited-I think not.

I agree with you standing up for salaries-but be careful in the method in which you go about it. It will backfire.

You don't see a COEX F/O out there picketing with his children when he is on Food stamps.

It's all about dignity
 
DHC8AP.....It's all about dignity


Hu, well I can see that you have no Dignity.


I paid my dues-flying a 1900 out of Plattsburgh, NY in the wintertime for a net pay of $800/mo at Commutair. Followed by a 37% paycut at Piedmont as part of the bankrupcy concessions

That sounds like a lot of dignity on your part...yea right.

You wonder why COEX dosent do anything about there crapy pay, because they only hire 800TT hr pilots, who don't know any better.
 
I'm in the process of gathering information, weighing options,getting feedback, and educating myself about the issues which directly impact my family. Is that not the purpose of boards like this? I also ask questions on behalf of the NJ Wives Online Support Group. (They read the board). I was not the wife that raised the subject of informational picketing, but having nothing against it on principal, I believed it was a suitable topic of conversation on this board. Was I wrong?

I have voiced my opinion --that we cannot act without guidance from OUR leaders, who ARE NOT the current MEC--to the wives. I see no harm in DISCUSSING all of the options. In our society we're always encouraged to ask questions, so I did. Furthermore, doing so here, helps the most frustrated members of my group to feel as if we are "doing" something other than sitting passively while others make decisions which affect our lives. It's generally accepted that women like to talk about things more than most men. Don't mistake my/our talk for imminent plans. We will not act unilaterally, and certainly not without talking to our husbands about it first.

Dhc8ap, are FOs at other companies also on food stamps? How sad! I do hope they will stand up for themselves, as well. No pilot's family should have to subsidise the salary. It's all about PRINCIPAL!

Hawkered, how are YOU voting on the TA? And who do you speak for? Who are these "many of us" that are so concerned? Could they be yes voters? That'd be nice! To calm your worries--my children are fine, my painting job is going beautifully, and I happen to be one of those people who don't need lots of sleep. Late posts are done between my emails to the wives. This daytime one--between loads of laundry. Satisfied?

Sctt, responses have been much more positive than negative, from both pilots and wives. If I "knew it all" I wouldn't be asking questions. My purpose in posting is 2-fold: educating myself by broadening my horizons, and "rallying the troops" by lending support and inspiring the wives to stand up for their families. Is it working? Absolutely! I'm learning a lot and the feedback from the wives has made all my late night work (after my daytime responsibilities) worth every hour of sleep I've missed. There are leaders among the NJA pilots that I trust to be objective about my posts here. If they ask me to stop posting, I will.
 

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