On July 1, 2005 US Airways senior director of flight operations Lyle Hogg wrote the following letter:
Captain Lyle Hogg
Senior Director
Flight Operations
July 1, 2005
To All MidAtlantic Pilots:
As we move forward with the sale of our EMB 170 aircraft to Republic Airways, we will begin transitioning pilots to Republic Airways shortly. An initial pilot training class is being planned July 18, 2005 and will be offered in seniority order to all MidAtlantic pilots per Letter of Agreement # 91. The first class will be comprised of 10 Captains and 10 First Officers. This first group will complete approximately two weeks of indoctrination training followed by either two or three simulator sessions. Once training is complete, you will participate in proving run flights with the FAA in advance of Republic Airways completing their FAA certification. After this phase, most will have the opportunity to qualify for a Check Airman position.
Further information concerning Republic Airways is attached as well as placed on the ALPA website and theHub. We will begin calling pilots July 5, 2005 and will be closing the first class by July 8, 2005. Captains accepting employment at Republic Airways will receive Captain's pay in accordance with their MidAtlantic longevity. First Officer's pay will be at Republic Airway's First Officer top-of-scale pay.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your exemplary service to US Airways and to MidAtlantic Airways in particular. Your "can do" attitude was an integral part of the successful start up of a new division with a new aircraft type. We know your job has not been an easy one and we appreciate all your efforts in making MidAtlantic a successful division for our Company.
In the coming days, more information should become available concerning the transition to Republic Airways. As soon as we know more, we will share that information with you.
Stay tuned and thanks again for your continued efforts.
ALPA code-a-phone update - July 1, 2005
On July 1 ALPA MEC chairman Captain Bill Pollock said, "We have just learned that MDA pilots have received a communication from management indicating that MDA pilots will be called upon to make a decision about training to take place at Republic Airlines scheduled to commence on the 18th of July. It is our understanding that management has established July 8th as a date for decisions to be made by MDA pilots. The MEC is investigating this correspondence and any implications. Additionally, the MEC’s position is that no pilot should consider making a career decision with less than complete and detailed information. We will vigorously oppose any move to force a training decision with less than full information. As a reminder, the MEC has filed a grievance regarding the proposed MDA transaction. It is the Association’s position that the proposed transaction is an MDA affiliate event that represents a change in control of MDA with the rights described in LOA 91."
Regards,
USA320Pilot