As for the Joker system: so far it has a 100% success record. With 1700+ pilots requesting 20400 days off every year, Id say they've done pretty well.
PopGun: Where did you get those numbers? Must be inside info?
By the way, can you ask someone about my retirement fund? Can you ask why it is worth the same now as it was 3 years ago and I have been putting into it for 3 years. I will admit I am a Pilot and not an investment banker.
Just quote from the GMA with regards to the allowances in Adelaide for training:
The recent change was initiated as a result of feedback from course participants, of which there are different types. Some are cadets, some are direct entry pilots on finesse courses, and there are pilots doing just handling courses and Command skills courses. Previously, these groups had been paid different rates, which is obviously ILLOGICAL since the cash allowance is meant for the same purpose.
Then why do we have A-Scale, B+ Scale, B Scale, and two different retirement schemes one of them is sub-standard. Why do we have Pilots doing the same job but getting paid less. Why do we have Relief Commanders getting F/O pay, while taking on a huge responsibility? Clearly we are doing the same job.
Now Nick you have being saying for years A Scale is about right. So why are B-Scalers paid 20-30% less and have a sub-standard retirement scheme? Clearly this must be
ILLOGICAL because the GMA says so. Just can't figure this out. Must be some kind of bust or something.
As I said before about the FF's, make them optional and see how many people attend. It will go the way of your AEP lunches. If anyone spoke up now about any kind of disagreement with the company, your career will be going south in quite a hurry.
Fact. Look how many guys got Category B for their Commands. How about the Captain that just got busted down the F/O because he does not agree with the way the company did things and he expressed his view on the Flight Deck and the pilots turned him in. Do you really expect anybody to go to these forums and say what is on their mind?
You have your head in the sand farther than you think.
Just as a comparison, I left one bush outfit for another bush outfit, but this one has 747's. And no my feet are not glued, nailed, or stapled gunned to the floor.
Never fly the 'A' model of anything.
- Ed Thompson