Picking an airline because of their bases

[SmitteyB]

Smittey, the elements for a whipsaw are already in place, you just haven't seen the effects of it yet. Having two seniority lists is by nature a whipsaw. And just because you haven't seen it yet and it doesn't make LONG TERM business sense doesn't mean it won't happen. Unfortunately, since deregulation this industry has been about getting the most out of your work groups to make money for the shareholders. Nowhere are the stakeholders even considered.

That's great outstation basing works for you. Are you prepared to be the number 1 FO and have your base close? Will you be willing to go start over somewhere else. Somewhere else where you have to commute? Ask Tram how going with the unsure thing turned out for him.

I guess my point is, don't ever assume management won't do something because they haven't done it yet or it doesn't make sense for them to do it. Sure, it may not happen (I think it will) but assuming that only sets you up for failure if it does happen. If you are prepared for it or are fighting to prevent the conditions from even being in place for something like that even to happen, then you don't have to worry so much about it.

You point is extremely well taken. I fully accept the consequences of chosing Colgan solely on it's bases. Bases were the deciding factor for me, but I knew I wanted to fly something awesome (Saab) and stay in the northeast. Colgan is the only company that fit what I was looking for long term. Stay here...18 months...Upgrade...2 years...Move on. You can't do that at....let's say Eagle.

 

[BobDDuck]

Stay here...18 months...Upgrade...2 years...Move on. You can't do that at....let's say Eagle.

You couldn't do that at Mesaba 3 months ago. But now you can.

That's not the point though. I was saying that you went there because the bases worked for you (which was the point of this whole thread) but people in general were saying that bases (especially at a place like Colgan) can come and go. Sure your two year plan sounds great, and I'm thinking it will be *if* your base of choice doesn't close during that time period. If a major like Airways can shut down PIT, a feeder like CJC can shut down just about anything at any time, whether it "makes sense" or not.

 

[SmitteyB]

I completely understand. If they close my base- I'll suck it up and move on. Mature and professional.

 

[kellwolf]

I really don't think PNCL Corp. really has any intention of whipsawing your pilot group against Colgan- do you? I know things come out of the blue, but there has been ZERO talk about any of that. And doesn't your scope say that any new jet flying must to go Pinnacle Airlines, Inc.?

Nope, our scope says that any flying done by Pinnacle Airlines or a company in possession of Pinnacle Airlines (ie Pinnacle Holdings, Inc) is to be done by pilots on the Pinnacle seniority list. Basically, every Colgan flight is a violation of our scope clause. You see that's really stopping management from operating them, though.

They specifically asked for relief from that scope clause in contract negotations b/c they wanted to START a non-union alter ego airline. We wouldn't give it to them, so they BOUGHT an airline. I don't see how anything has changed as far as scope goes. The wording hasn't changed, so I don't see how b/c Colgan was an existing airline they suddenly don't need the scope relief.

The whole "jet flying goes to Pinnacle" is merely a management "promise" circulated in a memo. It's not in the contract anywhere.

Colgan is having a hard time staffing the Saab, let alone the Q400- no way Trenary would give your flying to Manassas and tell them to staff it. I'm young and naive, but from a business standpoint, I don't see how they could do it, honestly.

You have to remember, these guys don't think logically. They'd rather pay out millions in penalties to NWA and higher training costs than settle the contract, too. In the end, the contract would be cheaper. In fact, the amount of $$$ we're apart on the contract over the life of the contract (about 5 years) is LESS than what they've already paid NWA this year in performance penalties! If it would mean putting the hurt on the pilot group to get what he wanted, Trenary and company would do it. They'd just cancel flights and pay the penalties associated with it.

Like Seggy, I'll echo- I hope you guys get a fair and deserving contract and I hope our pilot group can grow and become respected as card carrying members next summer.

I'm cautiously optimistic. We had a stellar turn out for the hangar party picketting from what I heard. I had to stay at home with my kid, otherwise I would have been right there. Over 50 pilots in an event that was tossed together last Fridays isn't that bad at all.