I am an Army of One (merged)
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Fully Automated Airliner
I suspect the first & last flight will go like this -
" Good morning persons*, this is your computer speaking , welcome aboard the inaugural fully automated airline flight ,
a milestone in aviation development and a great leap forward in technology & reliability. We are climbing through 30,000 feet
and our estimated arrival Heathrow is -click click - arrival Heathrow is -click click -arrival Heathrow is -click click - arrival Heathrow - click click ---- click click --- click click--- "
* By this time the politically corrrect will have taken over completely and the Manual of Newspeak will have banned the expression "Ladies & Gentlemen", as it is -
i) Sexist
ii) Homophobic
iii) discriminates against those of the lower socio-economic group who may not aspire to be ladies or gentlemen.
" Good morning persons*, this is your computer speaking , welcome aboard the inaugural fully automated airline flight ,
a milestone in aviation development and a great leap forward in technology & reliability. We are climbing through 30,000 feet
and our estimated arrival Heathrow is -click click - arrival Heathrow is -click click -arrival Heathrow is -click click - arrival Heathrow - click click ---- click click --- click click--- "
* By this time the politically corrrect will have taken over completely and the Manual of Newspeak will have banned the expression "Ladies & Gentlemen", as it is -
i) Sexist
ii) Homophobic
iii) discriminates against those of the lower socio-economic group who may not aspire to be ladies or gentlemen.
Last edited by Capt. Crosswind; 17th Jun 2002 at 08:06.
As for whether most US airline pilots are anti-mgmt or not, I have no idea. As for trust, how about this bit of airline history? Most pilots with any memory of the subject are probably retired.
Some of the older US pilots have heard of the "Mutual Aid Pact", which existed many years ago. The Pact was an emergency cash fund which an airline could draw from in order to reduce financial losses during a stike. Stay tuned. A certain US airline enjoyed provoking its unions into striking, and became know as the "cobra airline": they would strike at anything. Was there possibly more to this unfriendly atmosphere?
The CEO found (or calculated in advance?) that he could make more of a profit during a strike than from normal airline revenue, by grabbing large chunks of cash from the Mutual Aid Pact. Therefore, US major airlines dissolved the Mutual Aid Pact because of the cynical acts of Mr. xxxxxx xxxxx and his management team. His team also removed the doors from the stalls in the mens' restroom at company headquarters, in order to prevent extra long coffee breaks. They also published each pilot's name and annual salary in a large ad in the local newspaper, in order for friends and neighbors to read, possibly creating resentment towards the pilots.
This former CEO might have had the required skills to have quickly climbed a career ladder in the former East German Politburo or Stasi. What a loss for the Deutsche Demokratische Republik-maybe the Wall would have stayed intact, and more two-cylinder Trabis would still be farting their stinky unfiltered Auspuff into the air. Another management person there later allegedly lost his 'golden parachute' when new owners discovered that he allegedly had improper business dealings with a foreign aircraft manufacturer, in order to allow a brand-new aircraft technology to first penetrate a huge market... These dealings are not allowed under US law. Wie schade...non?
Did other large corporations in that location operate in such a cynical manner, no matter how good or bad their debt/equity ratio? How ironic for a company with an excellent ratio to enjoy turning its employee groups against each other, as a corporate culture.
After reading Captain Pprune's advice to everyone, I realized that it is best to avoid using personal names in most remarks, even when addressing events which were reported in "The Wall Street Journal" years ago.
Some of the older US pilots have heard of the "Mutual Aid Pact", which existed many years ago. The Pact was an emergency cash fund which an airline could draw from in order to reduce financial losses during a stike. Stay tuned. A certain US airline enjoyed provoking its unions into striking, and became know as the "cobra airline": they would strike at anything. Was there possibly more to this unfriendly atmosphere?
The CEO found (or calculated in advance?) that he could make more of a profit during a strike than from normal airline revenue, by grabbing large chunks of cash from the Mutual Aid Pact. Therefore, US major airlines dissolved the Mutual Aid Pact because of the cynical acts of Mr. xxxxxx xxxxx and his management team. His team also removed the doors from the stalls in the mens' restroom at company headquarters, in order to prevent extra long coffee breaks. They also published each pilot's name and annual salary in a large ad in the local newspaper, in order for friends and neighbors to read, possibly creating resentment towards the pilots.
This former CEO might have had the required skills to have quickly climbed a career ladder in the former East German Politburo or Stasi. What a loss for the Deutsche Demokratische Republik-maybe the Wall would have stayed intact, and more two-cylinder Trabis would still be farting their stinky unfiltered Auspuff into the air. Another management person there later allegedly lost his 'golden parachute' when new owners discovered that he allegedly had improper business dealings with a foreign aircraft manufacturer, in order to allow a brand-new aircraft technology to first penetrate a huge market... These dealings are not allowed under US law. Wie schade...non?
Did other large corporations in that location operate in such a cynical manner, no matter how good or bad their debt/equity ratio? How ironic for a company with an excellent ratio to enjoy turning its employee groups against each other, as a corporate culture.
After reading Captain Pprune's advice to everyone, I realized that it is best to avoid using personal names in most remarks, even when addressing events which were reported in "The Wall Street Journal" years ago.
Last edited by Ignition Override; 17th Jun 2002 at 05:01.
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Well 411A,
42 on and 14 off, did I read that correctly?? Auch!!!
Let me see, I fly approx 85 hrs a month, with an average of 15 days off. Last year I had over 900 hrs of actual flying! So that means I spend 180 days a year at work, your pilots would be looking at 270 days plus. Should do wonders for morale long term.
So all I can say, is your pilot force will be rather underutilized. But having seen the Guvenor come and go, I would imagine no less from you.
42 on and 14 off, did I read that correctly?? Auch!!!
Let me see, I fly approx 85 hrs a month, with an average of 15 days off. Last year I had over 900 hrs of actual flying! So that means I spend 180 days a year at work, your pilots would be looking at 270 days plus. Should do wonders for morale long term.
So all I can say, is your pilot force will be rather underutilized. But having seen the Guvenor come and go, I would imagine no less from you.
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Dream on boys, pretty soon there will be a dog and a man up front, the man to feed the dog, the dog to bite the man should he touch anything. The only time that one has to worry about control of speed, profile, smoothness, accuracy, safety etc, is when some bono wants to play Chuck Yeager and takes the autopilot out.
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More to be pitied than blamed
Zico , we should encourage the lad to pour his vitriol on this thread where it can do no harm. Otherwise he may use his idle time becoming a hazard to the community.
The idle mind is the devil's workshop.
The idle mind is the devil's workshop.
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Sorry, late into this thread.
AAL_Silverbird,
Two wrongs don't make a right, I was always told.
To act against the interests of your company, to damage its prospects and those of your colleagues is wrong and it's unprofessional. To act in this way demeans the reputation of your employer, yourself and, more importantly, the whole of our profession. Act with integrity - it's one of those things pilots tend to have and beancounters tend not to have.
If you don't like it, you know what to do. Leave it to the professionals!
AAL_Silverbird,
Two wrongs don't make a right, I was always told.
To act against the interests of your company, to damage its prospects and those of your colleagues is wrong and it's unprofessional. To act in this way demeans the reputation of your employer, yourself and, more importantly, the whole of our profession. Act with integrity - it's one of those things pilots tend to have and beancounters tend not to have.
If you don't like it, you know what to do. Leave it to the professionals!
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Capt. V
I may be wrong, but I believe AAL_Silverbird only relayed the topic, and was not the author. I too certainly concur with your position. When I was flying, I was more incline to be company supportive, rather than blindly following the vectors of ALPA.
I doubt you will see any of these army members leave their respective carriers.
I may be wrong, but I believe AAL_Silverbird only relayed the topic, and was not the author. I too certainly concur with your position. When I was flying, I was more incline to be company supportive, rather than blindly following the vectors of ALPA.
I doubt you will see any of these army members leave their respective carriers.
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I thought this may be very interesting reading for some of you here.
Maybe it would be better in another topic or forum but some things were raised on this topic so I think it's worth a look. Anyway, click here if you want to read it.
Maybe it would be better in another topic or forum but some things were raised on this topic so I think it's worth a look. Anyway, click here if you want to read it.
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Once again sorry mates but don't shoot the messenger! I'm not "Army" but I do understand where he is coming from.
Every pilot hired by one of the majors comes on board excited as a kid at Christmas with his/her new job. It doesn't take long before the wind is let out of their sail. Some of it is by the unions but most of it is by the employer. Pilots working their up the corporate ladder via the "Peter Principle" make terrible managers. Managers who have never pushed throttles for a living don’t do any better. This current situation that has been dropped in everyone’s lap since 9/11 has turned into a circular firing squad. It always happens when times are bad only this time it’s the worst I’ve seen. Money leaving the corporate coffers by the train load! Where it will end who knows but the landscape will be changed forever as certain operators will not be here in the next five years. Management’s fault, or labors fault? Enough blame to go around for everyone. Most of it can be blamed on alack of communication and trust between the two combatants. At my carrier we used to have a big sign painted facing the ramp connecting A terminal to C terminal at DFW it said, “Cooperation, Communication, Mutual Respect and Trust”. It’s now been painted over.
Every pilot hired by one of the majors comes on board excited as a kid at Christmas with his/her new job. It doesn't take long before the wind is let out of their sail. Some of it is by the unions but most of it is by the employer. Pilots working their up the corporate ladder via the "Peter Principle" make terrible managers. Managers who have never pushed throttles for a living don’t do any better. This current situation that has been dropped in everyone’s lap since 9/11 has turned into a circular firing squad. It always happens when times are bad only this time it’s the worst I’ve seen. Money leaving the corporate coffers by the train load! Where it will end who knows but the landscape will be changed forever as certain operators will not be here in the next five years. Management’s fault, or labors fault? Enough blame to go around for everyone. Most of it can be blamed on alack of communication and trust between the two combatants. At my carrier we used to have a big sign painted facing the ramp connecting A terminal to C terminal at DFW it said, “Cooperation, Communication, Mutual Respect and Trust”. It’s now been painted over.
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Over the years of Pprune threads, this has to be the saddest I've seen. It's the story of how one man thinks the world should do everything to accommodate him, even in difficult times, and how he owes the world nothing other than to enjoy his flying.
His horizon begins and ends with himself and he cannot conceive that anyone in his company wants for the common good, even if that means painful decisions.
What a self-centred, small individual.
His horizon begins and ends with himself and he cannot conceive that anyone in his company wants for the common good, even if that means painful decisions.
What a self-centred, small individual.
I've always wondered why so many Pprune members offer no information about themselves under the "profile" button, not that it will always be honest, even when nobody could figure out who they are, or what continent they live on, nor planet or origin.
Hiding behind a monitor requires no sincerity about, or knowledge of a topic.
Hiding behind a monitor requires no sincerity about, or knowledge of a topic.
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Anonymity often provides a refuge and shield, for not only the uninformed but also the concerned, who do not wish for reprisal. It is our duty to weed the chaff from the wheat, to read these posts with an eye for discernment. Prior to the Internet it was fairly easy, publishers and editors were responsible (or not) for the information they presented under their logo. Now any old duff can disseminate (dis-) information under a panoply of guises.
There are obviously some genuine airline pilots and union members who are posting under their legitimate auspices, but there are also a number of imposters. It is often difficult to determine from just one or two postings. No I don't keep a list. Those that are flying for a living, I respect and value their input and judgments, whether in accordance with my own or not.
Now blatant scabs I can do without. Whether Eastern, Ansett, or others.
[Edited to protect anonymity
]
There are obviously some genuine airline pilots and union members who are posting under their legitimate auspices, but there are also a number of imposters. It is often difficult to determine from just one or two postings. No I don't keep a list. Those that are flying for a living, I respect and value their input and judgments, whether in accordance with my own or not.
Now blatant scabs I can do without. Whether Eastern, Ansett, or others.
[Edited to protect anonymity
]
Last edited by '%MAC'; 16th Jun 2002 at 19:23.
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Well said Joyce, absolutely right. You will struggle to find a more self centred, selfish and arrogant bunch of people. Oh and I am a professional pilot but I am not proud to be associated with the unfortunately large number within my trade who think as the author of ‘I am an army of one’
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Carruthers, "Oh and I am a professional pilot"
LOL - in your dreams perhaps.
Your posts would indicate that you are (psychologically) SICK with envy, Cruthers - go back and read your diatribe, on almost every page, inspired by a disease that's driving you (farther) round the bend.
Joyce"s words, "It's the story of how one man thinks the world should do everything to accommodate him, even in difficult times, and how he owes the world nothing other than to enjoy his flying." hold some truth - it IS how ONE man thinks, however there are thousands of these individuals who are employed WORLDWIDE in MANY companies.
Companies being run by managements(?) that believe because MOST pilots enjoy their work, they can be taken advantage of.
Yet these are doubtless the same managers who would pay ridiculous prices to watch professional sportsmen and women use their natural talents, to earn an income FAR in excess of any individual employed in technical work.
Tell us all, Carruthers and Joyce, do you both sit in front of your television sets hurling verbal abuse at each and every professional sports event you watch?
Actually it would NOT surprise me if Carruthers answered "Yes".
LOL - in your dreams perhaps.
Your posts would indicate that you are (psychologically) SICK with envy, Cruthers - go back and read your diatribe, on almost every page, inspired by a disease that's driving you (farther) round the bend.
Joyce"s words, "It's the story of how one man thinks the world should do everything to accommodate him, even in difficult times, and how he owes the world nothing other than to enjoy his flying." hold some truth - it IS how ONE man thinks, however there are thousands of these individuals who are employed WORLDWIDE in MANY companies.
Companies being run by managements(?) that believe because MOST pilots enjoy their work, they can be taken advantage of.
Yet these are doubtless the same managers who would pay ridiculous prices to watch professional sportsmen and women use their natural talents, to earn an income FAR in excess of any individual employed in technical work.
Tell us all, Carruthers and Joyce, do you both sit in front of your television sets hurling verbal abuse at each and every professional sports event you watch?
Actually it would NOT surprise me if Carruthers answered "Yes".
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Bet you've got a leather helmet, fur lined jacket, boots and a real flash belt buckle Capt M. Or are you kidding us all and are really in junior school, looks like it. The fact that there are thousands who think as you do is the problem. Why don't you do us all a favour and run the universe, it would doubtless be perfect.
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Kaptin M, I'll just correct you on that one. Under no circumstances do airline Management think that Pilots enjoy their work. If you'd spent a lifetime like them having to deal with the constant grief that pilots give them some of you might see it from their point of view. Remember, there are two sides to every story.
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Further to Oneworld22's comments - we find that 90% of the grief that he talks about comes from 10% of the pilots. The vast majority go about their trade and give a loyal and dedicated service to their airline.
The 10% are never happy about anything and spend the whole time whingeing - both on the flight deck and here. It's generally agreed they are in the wrong job but it damned hard to get rid of them these days.
The 10% are never happy about anything and spend the whole time whingeing - both on the flight deck and here. It's generally agreed they are in the wrong job but it damned hard to get rid of them these days.
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Managers, ya gotta love 'em! Seems they always have this if you don't like it, leave thing to throw at a pilot if he isn't tickled pink about the way his career is being screwed around.
Funny thing is though, managers know just as well as pilots do, it's hard to leave an airline. There are no lateral moves, it's back to the bottom of the list, unless the contract biz is more to your liking. When it comes to career airlines pilots can't move about without seriously altering their career.
It's different for managers though. Did Eddington go back to the bottom of the list after leaving CX (in quite a mess by the way, still sorting that one!!), or joining BA after Ansett? He didn't even do a good job and managed to keep his position in three different companies. It's the same for the middle management types as well. You see ads all the time, CX has regularly taken on expat managers from other airlines. Then the pr!cks show up and tell us, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT LEAVE! Knowing full well what that does to ones career.
So while all you management types spout off about 'harming the company' and 'behave with integrity' and 'have some dignity', we'll just keep doing the job. Remember this, the performance of your employees is a direct reflection of your effectiveness as a manager. So don't give us that crap anymore. Maybe you should just try and do your job a little better. We are the ones here for the long haul. We are the ones who have the long term interest of the company in mind. We are the ones who have to live with your screw ups.
Funny thing is though, managers know just as well as pilots do, it's hard to leave an airline. There are no lateral moves, it's back to the bottom of the list, unless the contract biz is more to your liking. When it comes to career airlines pilots can't move about without seriously altering their career.
It's different for managers though. Did Eddington go back to the bottom of the list after leaving CX (in quite a mess by the way, still sorting that one!!), or joining BA after Ansett? He didn't even do a good job and managed to keep his position in three different companies. It's the same for the middle management types as well. You see ads all the time, CX has regularly taken on expat managers from other airlines. Then the pr!cks show up and tell us, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT LEAVE! Knowing full well what that does to ones career.
So while all you management types spout off about 'harming the company' and 'behave with integrity' and 'have some dignity', we'll just keep doing the job. Remember this, the performance of your employees is a direct reflection of your effectiveness as a manager. So don't give us that crap anymore. Maybe you should just try and do your job a little better. We are the ones here for the long haul. We are the ones who have the long term interest of the company in mind. We are the ones who have to live with your screw ups.