Gentlemen,
As a ' limey ' living and working in the Middle East, I wouldn't normally venture into USA territory but having seen the dreaded '411a' appear as a 'last posted by' on this forum, curiosity got the better of me.
For those of you unfamiliar with this character, i'll let you into a little secret. His posts serve no purpose other than to wind people up. He's often on the Middle East forum pontificating his outdated views and the lack of our desicion making skills in choosing to work for Emirates. He saves the most vitriolic posts for those of us that have been so 'naive' and downright stupid to have given up a Command for a F/O position. Never, ever, give up a command, under ANY circumstances, are his wise words of wisdom.I haven't checked, but it would not surprise me in the least if the British Airways pension saga was not free from his repetitive diatribe as well. In the 20 years i've been flying, i'm pleased to say only rarely have I had the unfortunate experience of flying with pompous and rude individuals like him.The only positive aspect of flying with him and his ilk was the insight it gave me into how not to treat people.
Regarding his Command theory, in my case that's been dissproved i'm pleased to say. I, like many other professional Pilots worldwide, have taken tough decisions to move ourselves and our families to foreign shores, hoping to provide a better life in what is becoming a tougher and tougher environment. Not just here in the Middle East, but all around the World, as greed and Airlines run by accountants erode at our T&C's in a way that his generation would never have imagined. After 3 years, my command is back. My net wealth has doubled in those 3 years, not through Emirates salary but through the opportunities that were available to us here in Dubai. Both my children go to an excellent private school and along with First/ business class travel, we live in a large Company provided Villa in one of the best parts of the city. Because of the latter, several overseas properties are renting nicely.
I could go on.
I'm sure he'll be quick to reply with some wonderfully presented arguments but I will not be entering a slanging match. And nor should others on this forum.Thousands of people have had their future and livelihood literally pulled from underneath them. Fellow aviators who's only 'crime' was to expect a decent wage for a job that's becoming more demeaning and undervalued each day. How can you gloat about guys losing 80% of their future pension. BA are facing similar problems and the only greed I can see is from the higher managers.
411a
If you really are a professional, retired or current, then you're a complete disgrace to this profession and in future i'll treat your posts with the contempt they deserve. that is until you start to show some compassion and humility.
I'll not hold my breath.
BYMONEK