Monday, i walked into operations to sign in for my trip at 12:15PM, one of the prompts on the computer screen instructs pilots that they have new company messages waiting for them to check.
I checked mine, the news was bleak. in summary, the e mail stated that due to rising fuel costs, the company would be grounding up to 40 jets, and an undetermined number of turboprops. cut backs in fleet structure is never good for anyone. it only translates to fewer flights, fewer pilots, fewer flight attendants... mechanics... rampers... gate agents and the list goes on and on.
Considering i operate on the turboprop, i felt a little comfortable knowing that the cut backs in the turboprops - much more fuel efficient machines when compared to the jets - was thus far "undetermined".
that comfort level was smashed the next day of my trip when it was announced that ALL of the turboprops would be retired.
basically, that amounts to nearly 250 pilots, myself included, in jeopardy of either being displaced or furloughed.
obviously, displaced is the better option... basically, you are kicked out to any base and equipment your seniority can hold once they get rid if your aircraft... but at least you still have a job!
those pilots who are too junior to squeeze in... get furloughed, with recall rights. You might wait a month to get recalled, or you might wait a year or longer (some pilots for American airlines for example... are STILL on furlough from 9/11)
and to think two months ago we couldn't hire enough pilots no matter what we seemed to do to attract them.
The airline business is a crazy mixed up world... in fact much of business aviation is.
part of what infuriates me most is flight schools and aviation academies everywhere still insist to prospective students that things are great in aviation... and that its possible to get a job flying for FedEx making $200,000 per year right out of school.
at least thats what one acquaintance told me that several big name flight schools told him last week >:(
dont believe the propaganda boys and girls, do your research... and if you want a job in aviation ask yourself if you might be happier in a different career that allowed you free time and the financial stability to fly for fun on the weekends. IMHO thats the way to go.
professional piloting is simply too volatile.
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So the same people have moved from money to oil. How long before they mess that all up and have to change track again, gold for examlpe, making electronics and computers as expensive as the first early days of computing.
People Eating Tasty Animals.
