(Really? I'm sure a good number of the guys that are out on the street won't make it "out" okay at all. . .much less even come back into the 121 industry.)
The "we" is referring to the collective of all 121 pilots... and yes... if they hang tight they will make it out OK.
If they leave the industry, and I understand that many will, then of course they may be lost to aviation. That to me... is a shame since I've flown with so many great guys who love this career. But I completely understand if their personal needs dictate that move. However, if they buckle down and take advantage of some opportunities that they may not have considered during a furlough... then they can come out on top even stronger than they were before.
It's definately a life altering time in the industry right now. But... it's happened before... and will happen again. I've said it in another thread... and I'll say it again here... We (Collective JC'rs... especially the ones who've been around for a while) need to focus on how we can support our fellow pilots who we've mentored and helped get into this industry. We can dig on people, and focus on the negative all we want... heck... that's easy.
What's hard... is showing compassion and support to our friends and fellow onliners on a
regular basis... especially when there are so many affected. It's hard... because it can bring you down too when you see it happening to many of those you know personally.
What can you do to help?
- Show words of encouragement.
- Refrain from seeing the negative in otherwise positive posts.
- Show compassion.
- Visit your local airports and report back with potential flying gigs for friends of yours that may be furloughed.
- Maintain the network that has been created here and locally... and continue to pay it forward.
- Keep your eyes peeled online for flying opportunities that may pop up that folks may wish to take advantage of. (Compass is hiring,
flySCA, expat flying, etc)
- Attempt to reduce the use of the "sarcasm" tag and tone outside of the Lav.
- Etc...
Hang tight... yes, the industry is topsy turvy right now... yes, it will turn around, and yes, we will make it through if we commit to maintaining a desire to fly, even if some of us may have to work elsewhere during a furlough period...
Let's keep up our support folks!
Fly safe.
Bob