What to say (asked to briefly speak for a business school class)?

[C150J]

Hi guys -

When I was in college I took a graduate-level "Airline Management" course,which was comprised of case studies concerning the airline industry. Topics ranged from in-flight hospitality to costs associated with multiple airframes (SWA vs. AA). I was asked to say a few words in class this week, and I was wondering what I should stress. Here are my thoughts:

*This is a non-aviation school* I should also note that Paul Foley's daughter is TAing the class...

Problems that face the industry:
- GA user fees and how they'll effect pilot training.
- Regional RFPs
- The slow progression to a just salary.

What else would you guys mention? Basically, this is a top-ten school and a lot of these people might be our bosses one day. I want to give them the right impression. Of course, I will be speaking as a professional pilot and not for my airline (as I know that's an ALPA no-no).

Thanks!
J.

[jtrain609]

"Mangement is the problem, they're inept and don't have a clue about what I do. If you become my boss at sometime, actually listen to what I have to say instead of just trying to cut my pay while increasing yours. Any questions?"

[Texasspilot]

Originally Posted by jtrain609

"Mangement is the problem, they're inept and don't have a clue about what I do. If you become my boss at sometime, actually listen to what I have to say instead of just trying to cut my pay while increasing yours. Any questions?"

LOL
because were tired of it and we will begin old school hoffa style union tactics....



Is there a specific general topic your covering you're suppost to go over.
i.e. problems facing the airlines in the near future?
old problems no new fixes?

or just a general problems currently faced by airlines?

[C150J]

Originally Posted by Texasspilot

LOL
because were tired of it and we will begin old school hoffa style union tactics....



Is there a specific general topic your covering you're suppost to go over.
i.e. problems facing the airlines in the near future?
old problems no new fixes?

or just a general problems currently faced by airlines?

The course does an excellent job of laying out the traditional problems (one of our former professors engineered deregulation and he comes in to speak), but does not really get into any pilot issues. I think it's important for these people to see that we're still professionals, and the responsibility we carry every day. Many are misinformed and think we're overpaid and underworked, so I really want to hit that point hard.

I plan on bringing in payscales, talking about training, and showing the career progression.

[Cav]

Use the Mesaba fiasco as a case study...that's what I would do. Kidding. I think you're approaching it from the right angle. I don't think I would really get into GA user fees too heavily. It broadens the scope a bit much. But you are correct you do have to be careful about who you are speaking for. I won't even write an editorial to a newspaper anymore.

[jtrain609]

I had a conversation with a girl that was starting as a freshman at Emory as a pre-law major. The conversation went something like this...

Her: "Pilots are paid too much"
Me: "WTF are you talking about? You're working at the front desk at an FBO!"
Her: "My Mom is a ticket agent for X mainline, and I know the president. He says they get paid too much."
Me: "So you're pre-law, right?"
Her: "Yup"
Me: "Would you ever graduate from law school and accept a position that pays $11,000 a year just because you law practicing law?"
Her: "Of course not, nobody in their right mind would do that."
Me: "What do you think I get paid?"
Her: "Well I'm paying $40 an hour for you guys"
Me: "I make $11,000 a year, I have an undergraduate degree in a pre-law major ALREADY and I invested another $40,000 into my training."
Her: "...oh..."

She didn't have a clue, she thought I was pocketing the whole $40 an hour that my employer was collecting on behalf of me.

[bdhill1979]

Did you see "The Office" last week?

[C150J]

Originally Posted by bdhill1979

Did you see "The Office" last week?

AHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!

"SATISFIED?"

Best part though was Dwight - "YOU'RE WELCOME."

[bdhill1979]

Michael in front of that business school class was hilarious.

[C150J]

Originally Posted by bdhill1979

Michael in front of that business school class was hilarious.

Maybe I'll throw an 100-Grand bar at one of the students.

[Doug Taylor]

Most people really don't have a clue. Heck, a good percentage of us on the website really haven't a clue when it comes to compensation either, but yet again, that's why we're here.

Unfortuantely, many folks think the struggle is too hard or beneath them! GRR.

[amorris311]

the struggle that you talk about seems to me like it will be the best part. then again i have not been there so i dont know.

[Doug Taylor]

Originally Posted by amorris311

the struggle that you talk about seems to me like it will be the best part. then again i have not been there so i dont know.

You'll get there! You're very well networked.

On that note, people think they can affect change by preaching to the choir amongst themselves, but the only way we're going to make a difference is by reaching out to the 'newbies' some sites are supposedly tired of.

I'm not. It's where the action is.