Browsing Tag: Pilots

jetblue_hanger

After a three-month effort to try and unionize the pilots of JetBlue, they did not have enough votes and the pilots remain union-less. Only 33% of the pilots voted for the union, where 50% was needed to approve the formation of a union. This might show a positive outlook of the JetBlue pilots that the main cooperation is able to hear and deal with their concerns now and in the future.

JetBlue, being able to remain union less since its inception in 2000 has allowed them to keep costs low and compete better against other airlines who have unions.

Although unions can surely help with securing competitive wages and benefits for employees, it seems that sometimes in the dire situations the airlines are in, they look out for more of their own interests and not the overall big picture of the airlines. If employees feel they can get what they want without having to form a union — that is probably a good thing!

Source: USA Today Image: matt.hintsa

Go Airlines

Go Airlines

Back in February two pilots of Go! Airlines Flight 1002 were accused of sleeping on the job. While flying. While missing the airport. While overshooting the airport by 30 miles. While air traffic control was trying to make contact with them for about 25 minutes. Not a good thing, at all.

The pilots have now admitted (after trying to cover it up) that they both fell asleep in the cockpit while autopilot was on. The pilot stated, “The warm Hawaiian sun was blaring in as we went eastbound. I just kind of closed my eyes for a minute, enjoying the sunshine, and dozed off,” he told investigators.

It is scary to think that one of the two pilots could fall asleep, but extremely scary to think that both could fall asleep. Well, at least they set the auto pilot before dozing off!

Source: USA Today Image: 808Talk