Air Tran...

[meritflyer]

Are these guys scabs? Any info? No?

[surreal1221]

The two Air Tran pilots I'm most familiar with are not scabs. Both spent their time CFIing, moved up to Dash 8's at a NE regional many years ago, and then both were hired by Air Tran a little over 4 to 5 years ago. Both are now sitting left seat in the 717.

[meritflyer]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

The two Air Tran pilots I'm most familiar with are not scabs. Both spent their time CFIing, moved up to Dash 8's at a NE regional many years ago, and then both were hired by Air Tran a little over 4 to 5 years ago. Both are now sitting left seat in the 717.

I saw on a vid posted it said they were scabs. Did something shady go on at Tran at one point?

[ChrisH]

I think it has something to do with ex-Eastern pilots. Someone else may can ellaborate, as I'm not sure of any details. I'm not sure that pilots being hired there today, are considered scabs, similiar to the whole Freedom thing.

[kellwolf]

Things I know about AirTran is they used to be ValuJet. Other than that, I don't know anything about scabs. I'd work for them. I don't see them flying struck work or crossing picket lines any time in the recent past. It's possible someone in their organization was once Eastern or something else, but I don't think the pilot group could be considered scabs. Hope not since there's a decent chunk of our CAs either applying, interviewing or working there now.

[Gonzo]

Joe Leonard founder and CEO of the ValuJet now Air Tran was a right hand man for Frank Lorenzo at Eastern. When he started ValuJet he hired a bunch of old Eastern scabs that way he knew he could have his way with the work rules. At the beginning almost all the pilots were scabs from my understanding that number is down to under 100 left on their seniority list that were scabs.

[dingo222]

gonzo breaking out the knowledge! THanks, I learn something new every day! :-)

[GatorFC]

I remember reading somewhere that the scab issue was brought back into the spotlight when ValuJet had that crash in the Everglades. The captain, who was female, had been an Eastern scab.

[NuevaLuna]

The number of scabs at AirTran is under 100 out of 1500+ pilots. There is probably a similar percentage at most other majors. Most of our pilots are a pleasure to fly with but, just like anywhere, we have a few a**holes too. Overall, AirTran is a good place to be right now. BTW, the Captain on Valujet 592 is not on the scab list I have.

[dingo222]

I was going to say, the number of ex eastern pilots left in circulation has to be a small number. Air tran will be my #1 choice for my next move for a variety of reasons

[NuevaLuna]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

Joe Leonard founder and CEO of the ValuJet now Air Tran was a right hand man for Frank Lorenzo at Eastern. When he started ValuJet he hired a bunch of old Eastern scabs that way he knew he could have his way with the work rules. At the beginning almost all the pilots were scabs from my understanding that number is down to under 100 left on their seniority list that were scabs.

Actually, Valujet was started by Lewis Jordan, not Joe Leonard. Leonard came to AirTran in '99, two years after the merger.

[surreal1221]

One has to also understand, that the video that the FI person put together is based off of forum discussions and slander that is just well. . . part of the FI environment. I wouldn't trust much that comes out of those videos, except for the pay one.

[GatorFC]

Originally Posted by NuevaLuna

...BTW, the Captain on Valujet 592 is not on the scab list I have.

Oh, Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I thought I had read somewhere that she had crossed Eastern's picket line. My bad.

[Seggy]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

One has to also understand, that the video that the FI person put together is based off of forum discussions and slander that is just well. . . part of the FI environment. I wouldn't trust much that comes out of those videos, except for the pay one.

You have not had to 'do da Colgan yet' or had the pleasure of enjoying a few frostys with a Trans States Crew on an overnight. We had a fun discussion on what they think of GoJets.

[surreal1221]

GoJets. . . yes, problems. . .and yes, doing the Colgan - I have yet to enjoy. But I wouldn't hold everything that that video states to 100% truth, all I'm saying.

In the end, I'd like to see ASA get a contract, and for them to have someone to park them too.

[NuevaLuna]

Originally Posted by GatorFC

Oh, Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I thought I had read somewhere that she had crossed Eastern's picket line. My bad.

She might have gotten married and changed her name so she may have been a scab but her last name at the time of the crash doesn't match any on the master scab list. Anyway, that accident would've had the same result no matter who was in the left seat (except maybe Doug, he's a superhero Delta pilot).

[Seggy]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

GoJets. . . yes, problems. . .and yes, doing the Colgan - I have yet to enjoy. But I wouldn't hold everything that that video states to 100% truth, all I'm saying.

In the end, I'd like to see ASA get a contract, and for them to have someone to park them too.

I kid I kid, of course it is not 100% true.

But, "doing da Colgan" is fun fun fun!

[Maximillian_Jenius]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

In the end, I'd like to see ASA get a contract, and for them to have someone to park them too.

Agreed,they're my number one choice!!!

[timeoff]

Wasn't Valuejet big on the PFT thing? I read you had to bring a check for $10k to day one of training.

[Old Pete]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

Joe Leonard founder and CEO of the ValuJet now Air Tran was a right hand man for Frank Lorenzo at Eastern. When he started ValuJet he hired a bunch of old Eastern scabs that way he knew he could have his way with the work rules. At the beginning almost all the pilots were scabs from my understanding that number is down to under 100 left on their seniority list that were scabs.

Not quite right, Lewis Jordan was the CEO of Valujet and Robert Priddy was the Founder. Lewis Jordan was very well liked by the employees by the way.

Joe Leonard joined Airtran airways in 1999, two years after the Valujet merger and formation of Airtran.

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by timeoff

Wasn't Valuejet big on the PFT thing? I read you had to bring a check for $10k to day one of training.

From what I understand, back in the day, that wasn't all that uncommon. For example, I know Comair used to have people pay for their training. Heck, up until this year or last year, you were more or less working for free until you passed your checkride at Pinnacle.

[Gonzo]

Originally Posted by NuevaLuna

BTW, the Captain on Valujet 592 is not on the scab list I have.

On page 37 of the Sep 05 list
Kubeck, Candalyn C EAL 89 65790, 5/89, Capt of ValuJet 592 (Everglades Crash), DEAD.

Originally Posted by NuevaLuna

Actually, Valujet was started by Lewis Jordan, not Joe Leonard. Leonard came to AirTran in '99, two years after the merger.

You are correct it was Jordan I was thinking of not Leonard. Nevertheless it still doesn't change the fact that Jordan, Leonard, Priddy, Kalil, and Corr were all friends and associates of Lorenzo's.

[typhoonpilot]

Originally Posted by timeoff

Wasn't Valuejet big on the PFT thing? I read you had to bring a check for $10k to day one of training.

Yes, this is true. When Valujet started they required $10K from every new hire, even those who were already type rated in the DC-9!! I would have seriously considered them at the time if they did not have that requirement as I was a DC-9 captain for a small charter airline in the west. One of my co-workers, who was from Atlanta, did pay the money so that he could stop commuting. In the end, a good move on his part, as he ended up with a good finish to his career.

Typhoonpilot

[NuevaLuna]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

On page 37 of the Sep 05 list
Kubeck, Candalyn C EAL 89 65790, 5/89, Capt of ValuJet 592 (Everglades Crash), DEAD.

My list is older than that and she is not on it. Interesting. I'll double check it though...

[jmc]

I was in class number 3 at Valujet in 1993 and class number 1 and 2 were nothing but Eastern scabs including Candy, she was a replacement scab. Valujet/Airtran is full of scabs. Valujet continued to hire scabs for the first 2 years of operation. I have no respect for any of these pilots.