AirGuardianC141747

True, but with his bamboo eye socket spoon, wooden fork and paper straw spitballer complete with a “bullet button.”

Good for your buddy! Before email life was simpler in a few ways. Wished I never had email when it first started out in the military so the bosses had to actually have the cojones to give me orders or directives in person vs shucking them out like a pez dispenser with no forethought. I know it’s been the norm for a long time, but those first few years were miserable coming back to work after a break and those who rarely worked passed the buck to those who did… Worst leader ever: “Didn’t you get my email…?” Douchebags!

Guarantee it would sink rather than float, make your own assumptions. This would start a rash of new earthquake Tunnel Beach T-Shirts. Reminiscent of the “Menlo Beach” T-Shirts decades ago when I visited Menlo Park in the late eighties. Residents were sarcastically hopeful the “Big One” San Andreas fault line would hit and they would have beach front property with sky high value. *Desert Hot Springs, San Bernardino, Wrightwood, Palmdale, Gorman, Frazier Park, Daly City, Point Reyes Station and Bodega Bay might have some good investments if you choose the correct side of the fault line for the “Big One.” (Lived in San Bernardino many moons ago and doubt prices would go up much)

Pretty sure we are all on board, especially when it comes to the getter dun know how this country has proven in the past. Definitely can surmount the issues of accomplishing this endeavor like most everything else, but timing is everything. Debt, debt, more debt what the heck it’s all credit with nothing to back it. Look at the past trillions spent and the latest FY 2023 Omnibus Bill. It is just that - another bill to pay and the narratives within do not support much of anything that is truly productive like dedicating a chunk to rail we are discussing. Currently mentality is NO WHERE NEAR any of the aforementioned “remember when we…” backbone we had during those times. Soft times, soft men or whatever… *Our cabinets are full of the self serving vs forward into the future types we need to support ideas on this thread and many other areas beyond. The cesspool is deep in the circle of so called trust we have elected. **I do like train travel, just not ours. I appreciate great service on board airlines, just not ours. We can’t even begin with baby steps such as great service… that’s just training for the most part and a focused minor investment in comfort/amenities crushed by bean counters; whereas, digging tunnels is actually heavy work, a true mental challenge of know how and commitment coupled with some peril to be sure. Nothing really truly rings out as “remember when” in the past two or three decades. What does that tell us? Remember when “Candy Crush” first came out? Heck, I don’t know never played it. Easily distracted by $ and shiny objects.

Brabus mentioned the stacked lines aren’t the new normal and makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is that the KCM (for me and every 5th person in line with me (ORD) has been tagging a lot of crew members for security checks. Never really complained before and you still just cut in front of the pre-check folks, but it ramped up 200, 300% in my case. Maybe it’s just me or the funny name. Germany laughs at me when the sniffer doohickey goes red from wiping my luggage. Definitely don’t use any of it at the range, but they rock their heads from side to side and mumble - Americans… Maybe its the hotel soap?

Current environment trains won’t work just based on pricing (today) which is evident regarding the post above. In order for it to work you need to have infrastructure in place for nearly a decade with frequent scheduling practices that work and the kinks worked out. Normally everything gets cheaper with higher availability or access, etc. We don’t have any access comparably to some Asia or Europe within the good size states themselves. Rode 1st class from Eastern Spain to Madrid a couple of months ago (little over 3 hrs by car). Great seat, one decent meal, feel free to roam about with only one stop in between at well above 225km per hr or about 150mph and 80 mins later presto in Madrid easy leases. Beautiful ride easy going for 87 euro, but it would take a decade or more to get a few going right with this economy, leadership, you name it.. Doable, yes - but like the man said it ain’t happening, at least not anytime soon.

Europeans have done a lot long before now and some high speed rail is actually dated and refurbishment is happening. Bullet train in Japan I rode on when I grew up there actually looked like a bullet compared to most any other high speed system of today. It has morphed over the decades. Bottom line as mentioned before by others, Europe and most of Asian countries are quite small. All of Japan fits in the state of Montana as we were taught during my high school days there (Japan). Now add the population to that state and that’s when the reality of a “system has to change” statement applies. Perspective is everything and one can only gain so much via the internet vs actually living it. Europe is full of “pocket cities” and the countries are once again Small in comparison. Average of 3 days to drive across the US, just see how far and how many countries you can pass thru in that timeframe. Watermelon to a bunch plums comparison.

Oh no, pick away I undoubtedly deserve it hands down. Gave me chills when you mentioned the “D” word. I remember our crew being handed AC’s and off to the inflatables we went decades ago. I shuddered when we timed out many moons ago at the “D” on an Atlas run. Then we were driven down to “Doha the City” or whatever to a fantastic hotel - definitely no complaints there. Called my buds at the base to let them know I had 2 extra rooms attached come on down, they miserably replied: off base requests must be submitted 72hrs prior. A for effort, F for affect…

Not all “airlines” are created equal whether it’s pay/soft pay, retirement, vacation, sick leave, medical, insurance, schedules, scheduling practices, training, bases, commutable or not easily commutable, equipment, first year pay or even indoc/probation practices whatever the differences may be to include unions. Some fit better than others and work you harder as well. Finding “work” that doesn’t feel like work and makes your priorities happen is fantastic although rarely attainable. All outfits have fleas and each can be argued better than the other by the beholder. Even the military is situation dependent. *Can’t say I have slept away from my bed 3 nights a month on avg, more like 12-15 nights avg for 9 maybe 10 months as I take 2-3 months off annually split up. Don’t live in base (live where we want) and that wouldn’t be helpful with our outfit unless it were ANC. Definitely enjoy 11-21 days off between trips never thinking about so called “work” while at home like I did while serving. I could work less but apparently I can be bought while it lasts. Rarely cookie cutter city hopping ground hog days if ever. Normally a one to two hop to a great hotel, restaurant, country, tour, etc. (barring the viral lock downs). Schedule changes Yup, but no one chasing us down or slipping notes under our doors or even using hotel staff for notifications (friend at other outfit mentioned it was happening, but I believe they put a stop to it?) Don’t get me wrong, being home is fantastic, but I do look forward to actual trips and having a good time abroad. Honestly, 8-10 days away doing our trips no one else’s would be perfect! (Caveat - Trips depend on your base and seniority) *Plenty of choices out there and do your homework. Find what works for you! Coming home early a few days before the Christmas debacle, flying Delta One from Spain, off for two weeks = Priceless!!! Although, being 6’ the leg room on the lie flat narrows too much and not enough shoulder width to truly lie flat on the 76, a350 was the same, but their was a cubicle sliding door. Still very grateful Widget delivered me home safe and on time. Best US crew I have had all year. (Seven Pacific/Atlantic trips on US carriers/3 Asian/European carriers) I normally travel on Asian/Arab/EU’s best, but flying on US property without a mask was always the answer.

Good one. I heard it as Why is Covid better than SWA? Same answer… maybe this was too soon using “better” or just not acceptable overall. Your way much better in certain company or just better. Thx.

Any flying seems optional at SWA. Too soon?

I am too lazy to fly SWA. Company tried to book them and I mentioned it’s not them it’s me. Too dang lazy to lock in a seat with the early bird theme. Need to have things set ahead of time as a lackadaisical commuter… Might be the biggest debacle, but definitely hasn’t been the first as of late. Maybe the die hards will send a message, your system gets updated and you get a contract you deserve for dealing with managements failures and the public as a whole. Hopefully it works things out for SWAPA.

That would be great; therefore, setting a precedent is key and creating a way forward. Good stuff Duck.

Totally agree it seems ridiculous not being able to vote while serving your country while retaining the job you have. Overall it would be nice if we could vote at our outfit on a contract period but I digress. I did ask to take union surveys when they become available, but I was declared “inactive” as not a paying member if I recall - no dues no representation until back on property. Maybe some other outfits allow this and others will chime in.

Everyone has circumstances, variables, excuses, whatever, but in the end normally have had a choice. Definitely don’t want to be on the bad side of a setup no doubt regarding law enforcement, etc. Don’t recall anyone specifically pointing the finger as homicide, but beating someone brutally or even just a few times should have its consequences. You can do your best to redeem yourself curing cancer or just being an upstanding citizen but to think you should be privileged to be on equal ground to those who maintained the path for all opportunities is just ludicrous. Correct about self defense if you dare to live in one of those states in a foolish state of mind. I don’t live in those areas like many others so there’s no run, skip crawl away, grovel and it’s not like we want anything to happen regardless. It may not bode well for myself or others (targets if you will), but if possible we would all like to have a fighting chance. Everyone has choices and we all must live with those choices. If rightfully convicted, guilty, etc. that’s on you. *Case in point - Running interview boards for UPT and a candidate mentioned they had a DUI only when asked. They did have a “good story” and they were 16 at the time. Person was 25 or so and we discussed the matter not to condemn them quickly for an early mistake. Great candidate in person, on paper and many recommendations from state officials/influential contacts. Afterwards we always do a deep dive into driving records and other contacts. Turns out his second DUI was within the past year. Case closed despite pressure from above to hire, but initially we were hoping the lesson was learned the first time. One case of many that requires your due diligence. Definitely agree there are quite a few who shouldn’t be on the flight deck, but there will always be a FedEx Spearman, Malaysian flt, German Wings, etc., so it is better to weed out those with a track record or proven history of instability, bad judgement, etc. if at all possible. Proven is the focal point.

Concur, there are limits, standards, requirements, etc. even if there were no standup citizens/candidates. Boils down to judgment. Lack of significant judgment on the ground should never find itself with significant judgment required in the air or any other career requiring confidence especially regarding public trust. Now I wonder how many school bus drivers are legitimate felons. We are not talking shoplifting, etc., well maybe current $900 max shoplifting does apply? Willful harm to others physically, mentally without just cause should never be tolerated. Self defense sure, pure offense leave it on the field. One should have some elements of restraint or moral compass.

Thank You for your service and I wish I had the drunken excuse. Wouldn’t be hard to remedy that and could you imagine what I might post if I were. Fortunately I have a breathalyzer attached to this equipment. Hope your new gig is treating you great!

I see your point and yes it would have been great to capitalize on this situation and I wish the best to those who are able to to it. No worries here as I should have been more spot on with there have been a few discussions with folks who view the military training as a free ticket to success with no idea what sacrifices are made to include your family unit. This includes the mil leave rants that go on. There have been some shenanigans, but for the most part it works out. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong regarding the seniority as it’s well above and beyond my pay grade. If it came to fruition or not it’s probably not something to squawk about either way. Agree with the legality issues that would inevitably ensue.

Just me - Don’t care what they think as it’s more of a reward than a labeled privilege. It’s been a “privilege” to serve, serve others especially before serving yourself, hence service before self. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice for those who have been granted the freedom to serve themselves throughout their entire life and nothing more. I as most on here have served or continue to serve and now make no mistake I serve myself just below the highest authority like any civilian for the most part does. Not even in the same food group as apple’s to oranges. If you take your oath seriously it’s above and beyond what most can comprehend. Once again, personally don’t care what they think and have come across a few uneducated in life aspects. If ever challenged in any capacity just roll with it and state, “like you I enjoy the freedom provided to serve my SELF, my family, etc at no real cost.” A bit strong or blunt, but it gets the point across. Do not succumb to “privilege.” *Not to hold up in a court law by any means as it is in reference to what others may “think” so it’s emotional based only. Company and Unions will do what they do it is what it is.

Just know there are plenty of haters out there and SocialD is correct to spread the word. Granted, there are those above who will never make the move over so it won’t mean anything, but it does decrease options. These are the self-righteous who oppress those below. Had one in our squadron and as I live and breath he was originally with NWA now Delta an airline pilot for decades. Imagine that, like crabs in a bucket how sad.

No Doubt other competitors will follow suit or their stupid. Never seen before opportunities within the aviation industry whether your military trained or otherwise as all minimums, requirements and other hurdles have dropped or disappeared. Back in the day you were lucky to get a call from your five career paths of choice and you went with the first that called. Have never seen a time where a pilot can choose a location/domicile first and then the airline that supports it as well as having received three calls within a couple of months or weeks. Crazy times, best of times and hopefully the economy maintains this 2nd hiring wave within a decade. Seeing some rumblings within the cargo sector and we will have a better vision after peak/1st or 2nd Qtr 2023. Easiest time to be hired in known history and may it continue. Keep data mining and choose wisely regarding your priorities and family needs!

Delta’s no dummy. Secure some talent well prior to other outfits having an opportunity. It may provide some greater loyalty in its own form of rewards program to the hired soon to be retired or a backup to those who may have other plans of action for which they intend to pursue at a later date to test the waters closer to retirement. Land another opportunity towards the end so be it; otherwise, if nothing arises heck it’s Delta top notch! Very clever move as we’ve seen folks depart the fix prior to or in training whether hired at the Majors, FedEx/UPS, Southwest, etc. when the career destination of choice came knocking.

Very good point on the evil that may lie in wait and entrap you. Very appropriate as post 666.

Man, the pax MMA arena is rough. I like “boxes” no doubt. Definitely a funny cascade of events. Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised by any means.

The cargo side will reveal a lot more after peak is over. Perhaps a quarter or maybe two will paint a much cleaner picture and perhaps some stabilization to be hopeful once companies get their ducks aligned properly. Saw lower lines for the most part depending on base at my outfit of course. Spectator sport as a line flyer as it’s way above anyones pay grade on any forum. Always good to prepare for whatever.