The Great Gig On The Ground

What a year it's been so far. Oil prices began surging. One airline announced a merger (more like an acquisition) with another which, when (not if) complete will create the world's largest airline. Initially, it appeared to create good news for my carrier. In fact, there was so much projected growth that moving my family to my domicile would be a pretty safe bet.

Less than a month after the move, things began to unravel. The projected growth was gone in an instant. Not only that, but many of the 100 plus of the projected 300 new hires that had been hired were either un-hired or hired through completion of training with the expectation of furlough on completion of new-hire training.

August 1st, it was announced that we would be receiving new CRJ-900's. Furloughs were off and things were looking better. On August 20th, as I ended a really great 4 day trip with one of the best crews I've ever been with, it was announced that the CRJ-900's were not coming and to expect a further decrease in flying.

The following week, a displacement bid was released. There are two kinds of bids for pilot positions, vacancy bid and displacement. A vacancy bid is good. It is issued when more pilots are needed, whether for new captains or a different aircraft. A displacement bid is never good. It means that people are either being moved to another base, aircraft or seat position. The displacement bid called for 100 captains would be downgraded to first officers. 100 captains downgraded creates an extra 200 first officers.

Last week the news was released. 210 pilots were to be furloughed. That is back to an April 2007 date of hire. I was hired in August 2007. So the music stopped and there wasn't a chair for me or the 160 or so pilots junior and 50 senior to me. The first half are being shown the door October 5th and my half November 5th.

With my carrier being wholly owned, it appears that it is easier for the parent company to make the deep cuts with us. Can things change before then? Seeing how they've changed so quickly this year, I would say yes. However, hoping for a miracle isn't a good game plan.

A quick word about furloughs. A furlough is similar to being laid off. It's basically an unpaid leave of absence. The difference between being fired and furloughed is that certain employment rights are retained in a furlough. Basically, when an airline with a union represented pilot group furloughs, the airline is subject to provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. Every furloughed pilot has right to recall before any new pilot can be hired. (Not that anyone would be clamoring to work at a place that is being systematically dismantled by the parent company)

At any rate, it's time to make lemonade from the lemons. I have a few interviews set up but, in this environment, decent flying jobs are few and far between. Plans B, C, D etc. are being formulated and remaining positive is the biggest obstacle.

One of the best things to do right now is remember that we, as furloughed pilots, are not alone. This has happened before and will most certainly happen again. Many brothers are on the street and, unfortunately, there are probably more to go before this bottoms out. We all have to help one another, stick together and stay positive.

To my brothers at Express Jet, Trans States, Republic, PSA, Continental, United and others on furlough, not to mention those who were put on the streets by defunct airlines, best regards. 2008 can't end fast enough.

Like any displaced pilot, I'm trying to leave no stone unturned. I'm current and qualified in the CRJ-700 and 900, have 650 hours in the CL65 and hold a CL65 command type. If anyone has a lead for CRJ, Challenger 850/870/890 or any other positions, please let me know.