High Life 001a PCN Home Page | Ret Pilot Page | PCN ...



High Life 012   PCN Home |  Post to PCN | G-Group | Calendar | HL Archive | Sign Up    10/26/2009 

PCN Services – High Life Newsletter, Event, Death, Illness, News Notices and PCN Calendar

Large Web Community for World’s Largest Airline

A merger on Aug 1, 2009 of RSP and Delta Retired Pilots Communication Network 

High Life

For all Delta people who have truly touched the High Life/

Dear PCN,

Group Section

Mark’s Remarks:

• Traveling laptop - This Fall season is a busy one and I am doing some traveling, including this upcoming week (10/27-11/3). Notices may be delayed just a bit.

• Welcome to the group – I have just about completed the manual adding of the remainder of our data base. We are also still getting a steady flow of new members. Thank you and welcome.

• Important deadline (for some)– Benefits annual enrollment ends 11:59 PM EST Nov 17th.

Mark’s Tidbits:

Entire Net gets email by mistake – Sorry Larry, from the Death Mgr address no less. Rest assured any assumption about Larry’s demise are greatly exaggerated and he is still very much alive. The wrong button got push in replying to him specifically and instead flashed the net. I am still learning how to “fly” this google group thing. I kindly ask you to help a bit by not to replying to an email sent from the group. When you do it is received inside the group’s manager section. While I have asked this “no reply” request for a while I still get them. My apologizes for the error. I hope to not have that happen again.

Want to make sure you get everything from PCN?

Email addresses you need to set as “friendly” fire:

2 from gmail:

marksztanyo@ pcn.calendar@

& “any” @ like :

misc@ signup@ death@ illness@ mark@

News Section

Delta News (Recent stories of interest): Yahoo, AJC

Delta Hires Consultant in Push for Japan Air

By Joseph Woelfel 10/26/09 - 01:07 AM EDT

Stock quotes in this article:

ATLANTA (TheStreet) -- Delta Air Lines(DAL Quote) has hired a consultant to lobby Japanese politicians, analysts and opinion leaders as it seeks a tie-up with Japan Airlines, Bloomberg reports, citing two people familiar with the situation. The world's largest carrier hired Fleishman Hillard this month to promote the airline to the Japanese public, Bloomberg reports.

Japan Air, also known as JAL, is undergoing a restructuring and has resumed talks with Delta and AMR's(AMR Quote) American Airlines about a potential investment and a global partnership.

Read More:

+++++++++++++++++++++

OCTOBER 26, 2009, 3:25 P.M. ET

Pilots Say Laptops Contributed to Distraction

By ANDY PASZTOR

The pilots of Northwest Flight 188 have told federal investigators that a bathroom break, chatting with a flight attendant in the cockpit and then taking out their laptops to discuss work schedules created distractions that led to more than an hour of radio silence with air-traffic controllers, according to people familiar with the statements.

This still image from video courtesy of ABC News shows Northwest Airlines First Officer Richard I. Cole in Salem, Oregon.

The sequence of events laid out by the pilots in interviews with the National Transportation Safety Board on Sunday, these people said, refutes the notion that the pilots nodded off at the controls. Instead, the pilots' statements highlight how a combination of seemingly mundane human factors can combine to create major distractions and mental lapses by cockpit crews. In this case, the jetliner stayed on autopilot and cruised past its destination airport by more than 100 miles.

Read more:

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Delta reports $161 million 3Q loss

Delta Air Lines reports $161 million third-quarter loss; 2010 capacity to decline 3 percent

• By Harry R. Weber, AP Airlines Writer

• On 2:34 pm EDT, Thursday October 22, 2009

ATLANTA (AP) -- Delta Air Lines Inc. will cut system capacity 3 percent next year and plans to shed more jobs, as it reported a quarterly loss Thursday bigger than a year ago. Executives were hesitant to say when the world's largest airline will grow again amid an economic recovery that is only starting to take shape.

Volume and revenue from corporate customers remain down by double digit percentages, but the margins at Delta have been improving in recent months.

Leisure travelers are starting to take to the air again, but they are paying smaller average fares, hitting the airline's bottom line.

"They continue to be under pressure -- budgetary pressure and pressure on the economic front," Delta President Ed Bastian said of customers during a conference call with analysts and reporters.

Read More:

++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, October 23, 2009, 1:09pm CDT  |  Modified: Friday, October 23, 2009, 3:08pm

Investigation into NWA pilots continues

Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal

Investigations into why a pair of Northwest Airlines pilots overshot Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport by about 150 miles continued Friday, as black boxes from the aircraft were sent to Washington, D.C. for review.

The pilots have been removed from active flying duty, after they lost contact with air traffic controllers for more than an hour during a flight from San Diego to Minneapolis on Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the matter.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc., which owns Northwest, also is conducting an internal investigation.

Read More:

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, October 22, 2009, 3:19pm EDT

Delta CEO blasts labor board

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by J. Scott Trubey Staff Writer

Delta Air Lines Inc. CEO Richard Anderson blasted the labor board that oversees airline union elections Thursday claiming they were injecting politics into the voting process at the world’s largest carrier.

During the Atlanta-based airline’s third-quarter conference call, Anderson criticized the National Mediation Board for delaying votes on union representation among certain Delta work groups, including flight attendants.

Union votes at Delta (NYSE: DAL), which was largely non-union when it merged last year with heavily unionized Northwest Airlines, are caught up in a bid by the AFL-CIO and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA to change the way union votes are conducted for companies, like airlines, subject to the Railway Labor Act of 1926.

Currently, under the laws that govern airline and railroad union votes, a majority of a work group must vote in favor of a union to organize. A vote not cast is essentially a ‘no.’ The AFL-CIO and the AFA-CWA have asked federal mediators to count the majority of votes cast as a mandate to organize.

Read More:

Other Airline News (Recent stories of interest):

OCTOBER 27, 2009

New Circle Draws Continental Closer to United

more in Business »

BY MIKE ESTERL

Eighteen months ago, Continental Airlines Inc. walked away from merger talks with UAL Corp.'s United Airlines that would have created the world's biggest air carrier.

On Tuesday, Houston-based Continental embarks on the next-closest thing as it joins forces with United and 23 other airlines in the Star Alliance, the world's largest network of independent carriers.

Continental's switch from the rival SkyTeam alliance is the biggest such defection since carriers began teaming up more than a decade ago to expand their reach by sharing flights, frequent-flier programs and airport lounges.

Finance Section (section containing items with financial consequence to our group):

FINANCE: CLAIMS/PBGC/HCTC/INSURANCE/PLANNING/TAX/ESTATE 

Remaining financial items for retirees to watch:

After Aug 2007 these are retirement items remaining with financial consequence. 

1. PBGC 2nd look re-calc at qualified annuity benefits - completed 8/24/07

2. PBGC make up lump payment for underpayments since termination:  most reported received 1/31/08

3. Final claim distribution by DAL through BSI - pending (now likely in '10 according to Kight)

4. Class Action suit against DAL concerning 5 yr look-back worth in excess of $100 million - withdrawn

5. Final PBGC re-calc "determination" of qualified annuity (likely after claim stock sale) - pending

6. Pension reinstatement/contribution request by DP3 representing the retired pilots. very long shot....pending

7. Roth IRA creation as per Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 - deadline June 22nd, 2009

8. Expiration of HCTC 80% premium subsidy will expire on December 31, 2010.

Insurance (issues about health, life or disability that are of interest):

(Annual Open Enrollment window is open now and ends at midnight ET on Nov. 17th)

LIFETIME COBRA ONE TIME OFFER TO GET BACK IN --- GOOD DEAL?

By Mark

WHHOOOOAAAAA PARTNER!!!

There are a lot of offers that you hear about that are a once in a lifetime deal. “Choose now or forever lose your chance!” Sound familiar? Well, before your jump, it may pay to look first!

Many of us opted out of the Delta medical plans because after we lost so much retiree income, it was simply too expensive. Because of our opt out prior to Ch 11, we later found out that we were boxed out and weren’t eligible to opt back in to be eligible under the plan for with the HCTC subsidy. Fortunately, that HCTC subsidy is also available for “state qualified plans”, that many of us are in.

Well, a window has opened to opt back in and it is in fact a one time chance. However, the Delta Pilots Med Plan (DPMP) was expensive then and it still is now. The Delta Family Care Med Plan (DFCMP) is also on the high side (see the comparison below) And even with the HCTC, it may be too expensive to choose. Also, one more side note; there has been a considerable up-ticking trend premium line for both the DPMP and the DFCMP.

Yes, you can opt back in to the DFCMP which would be considered lifetime COBRA (until age 65) but a word of caution. Your monthly premium and co-pays could well be higher than with your state qualified plan. Proceed with caution and check out the premium cost first. We have heard that the state qualified plans in some states (such as GA) quote high premiums. The word here, is before the switch, do your homework.

Important note: If you have a pre-existing condition, opting back in may be a benefit because while the state qualified plans are “guarantee issue” for those with conditions, they have to cover you but the premiums are high. The DFCMP may be a benefit because of what amounts to a fixed group premium.

My personal state plan by Anthem in KY with HCTC subsidy example below:

Mark and wife’s side by side monthly premium comparison

for our Anthem HCTC middle of the road plan, with no pre-existing condition (age 56) & Standard Medical Option (not the more expensive DPMP):

DFCMP KY State Qual.

|Medical |567.06 x 2 |1134.12 |1040.13 |

|80% HCTC (on med only) | |(907.36) |(832.24) |

|My Monthly prem. | |226.84 |208.03 |

|Dental |38.33 x 2 |76.66 |42.00 |

|Vision | |Not selected |Not avail |

| My Total monthly | |$303.50/mo. |$250.03/mo. |

Note: This is a simple premium comparison between the DFCMP Std Opt and my KY State Qual. Plans and does not compare features of the plans or co-pays. Again, one must do their homework. Why not compare the DPMP? I didn’t only because the monthly premiums were considerably more.

Note 2: Your medical provider may not always accept the plan of choice, so put that on your checklist.

Plain facts:

• Lifetime COBRA – lasts until age 65 (anything after that is basically becomes a Medicare supplement)

• HCTC ‘til age 65 – then stops for retiree, but may continue for a younger spouse until she or he reaches 65. See also:

• HCTC subsidy – 80% from the IRS until Dec 2010, then likely reverts back to 65%.

• Qualifying plans for the HCTC? – COBRA, Lifetime COBRA plans (such as the DFCMP) or state qualified plans (such as Anthem-Blue)

Additional DP3 FACT Sheet on the HCTC:

Why did the company decide to allow this one time election? Well, it may benefit a number of pilot family’s with poor medical options now, but it also places more insured in the company’s pool, with a high premium subsidy. Our representatives from the DP3 did lobby for relief here. For that we are thankful. The company ultimately decided. Was it done as a matter of concern for our under-appreciated retired pilot community? You decide!

++++++++++++++++++++++

The NRLN has announced new Health Insurance Offerings:

for more see

++++++++++++++++++++++++

From HL 011: Sam Murray wrote - Email   ss_murray@

“My wife (age 62) would be dropped from DL and I would need to find other medical insurance

for her………..  Do any of you have experience with this?”  

Similar question from Gary:

Gary Curtis Email   garylcurtis@

Comments -- I have a question concerning medical benefits that someone may be able to clarify for me.  After turning 65 does Delta have something that we can use for a medicare suppliment?  My wife is two years younger than I am and I am concerned about her ability to continue with the Delta coverage after I am 65.  Do I have an option for me that will allow her to continue coverage?  The concern is that with her health issues I will not be able to find other coverage for her.  Also, I was one of the few retirees that was not eligible for COBRA.

Helpful Replies for both Sam and Gary: :

From: Denis Waldron

Date: 10/17/09 08:36:28

To: ss_murray@

Cc: Mark Sztanyo

Subject: HCTC coverage continues for a spouse in 2010 when primary insured goes on Medicare

 

  Saw your note on the PCN.  Your spouse should continue to get the HCTC

insurance when you go onto Medicare in January.  Read the top item here: 



From: George Leatherbury

Date: 10/17/09 09:47:44

To: ss_murray@

Cc: Mark Sztanyo

Subject: Insurance

Sam - Thank you for being an Honor Roll member of DP3.  The answer to your question posed on the PCN site is found on our DP3 website at     Go to that web address and click on the BLOG button on the upper right.  The answer about the HCTC for your wife will be that of the first BLOG question - since you reach age 65 in January, 2010 - the second paragraph of the answer (third paragraph over-all) will apply to her.   As you will turn 65 in January, you will no longer be eligible for the HCTC, but will begin Medicare. 

Currently the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 will expire at the end of 2010.  At that time (unless it is extended) your wife will revert to paying 51% of whichever Delta plan she chooses.  She will be eligible for Delta coverage until she reaches age 65. 

Should you have any questions about this or anything else, please use the    website to e-mail us.  Go to the website and click on "Contact" - on the far left side and then click "Contact DP3" on the drop-down menu.  My direct e-mail address is below, should you have trouble with the above instructions.

Again, thank you for being an Honor Roll member of DP3,

George Leatherbury 

DP3 Trustee

767er, Retired

gleatherbury@

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From HL 001 Jim wrote for medical insurance over charge:

“I was wondering if you have any contact info for someone in HR like Kight?   Thanks again, Jim Ortman”

Jim’s follow on report:

Mark,

I got good results with Kight.  I emailed him at 7:30AM and got a response within two hours.  He said he would handle it and within another three hours I got a call from MYDELTA saying a check had been scheduled for me.  I looked online and the billing had actually been corrected.  Thanks again for your info, Jim

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: rfklauer

Date: 10/20/2009 10:37:15 AM

To: mark@

Subject: Cobra

 

Mark, 

I have become very frustrated trying to get info regarding Cobra. I personally receiving a check from the PBGC and I am on Medicare; therefore, I assume I am not eligible for COBRA. 

However; my wife does not receive a check from the PBGC and she is not on Medicare. Is she or is she not eligible for COBRA.  

A simple question that I posed to the ESC. They said they did not know the answer and transferred me to COBRA who also said they did not know.  

King of reminds one of the days when the FAA inspector entered the cockpit stating he was there to help.

Any answers?

Robert F Klauer

Editor: Frustrated with COBRA? The devil you say! The “Lifetime” COBRA lasts until your life just gets started at age 65. Now, you probably understand why I call it bankruptcy COBRA because the lifetime feature is a misnomer. If you are receiving Medicare I am assuming you have crossed over that golden age. If so, you are, of course, no longer eligible for COBRA anyway. So now let’s consider your wife. Review this link at DP3 which indicates your spouse’s eligibility for the HCTC:

Pension:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Commercial Section

Investment (Many legitimate firms have helped our group. They are encouraged to contact PCN to add articles here):

Section reserved for future content.

Travel & Non-Revving (share a quick reco):

Response from Carol:

...appears that throughs are taking precedence over local boards....I have a few folks rolling this around....still pondering and still checking.... CF

 

  From Dee:

Just passing on a note I received from a DAL/WAL employee.  This was the same policy NWA had except we had to travel with the Buddy Passer.  Ithink this also applies to East Coast pass riders since there are thru

flight European trips originating on the West Coast with a stop in CVG,JFK, DTW,MSP, and ATL.

Gooday, Don

 

 

    This needs to be addressed by ALL West Coast employee's as it     touches yet again our employee travel benefits. Please feel free to forward this email to all you feel need to see it so that employees can send in their complaints. S-4's should never be allowed to bump off active Delta employee's and their families!

    Thanks!

 It appears that the LAX-SYD flight has now become a through flight from ATL. All west coast employees are now boarded behind ATL S-4 passes on yet another popular vacation destination.  I think this is a very flawed and biased treatment of employee benefits.  Needless to say there are a lot of upset employees on the west coast.

In your previous response there was some discussion of revenue passenger issues.  This is not what concerns me (or many others).  This issue only deals with fair and equitable employee pass benefits.  It is inherently unfair, and I'm sure not the intent of Delta, to provide non-rev  pass riders on an 1-year employee's S-4 pass with better benefits than a 33 year employee on a S-2 vacation pass.  However, that is currently the situation to many popular vacation destinations, particularly for all west coast employees.

In the past it was understandable that a through-flight non-rev employee would have boarding rights over a local boarding employee.  In those days we didn't have TravelNet and had very little knowledge of our chances to make a connection flight (e.g. ATL-LAX-HNL). However, now through the use of TravelNet it is very clear what the risk are to all employees.    

While I understand there may be some potential operational challenges of the connecting flight, there are much greater operational issues generated by putting very junior employee and S-4 pass riders on a flight to a destination which provided them little chance of making the return flight home.  As an example, in the summer the HNL gate is constantly swamped with junior pass riders who used their "super seniority" under this policy to get to Hawaii but now are subjected to local boarding with their normal seniority and can't get home.  It is not uncommon for junior employees andS-4's to be stuck for days.

Additionally, as it relates to operational issues, non-revs are commonly "bumped" for revenue passengers.  Through flight should be no different than a connecting flight as it relates to non-revs. The use of automation through TravelNet exacerbates most of the gate problems and current bag policy in not an issue.

 

    I feel this policy (HRPM, Section 1014) should be changed as it relates to non-revs.  Revenue passenger through flights should have no bearing on employee benefits.  All flight, as it relates to non-rev pass benefits, should be treated as connecting flights.  This would also includes LAX employees on through flights to Paris.  We should all have the same opportunities, fair and equitable, to enjoy our pass benefits.

 

    Thank you again for taking my input during these very busy times.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Life Section

Cares and Concerns:

Death

As a follow from the recently reported passing of Capt Claude E. 'Bense' Benseman, Claude’s wife Geri is very much alive and would appreciate the help as mention in the 2nd email below. Also, here is a link to an online obit for Claude:

....good news!  I am wrong regard the passing of Claude's wife! 

Wife Geraldine M. 'Geri' Benseman is very much alive and well! 

Roger will forward more info on arrangements etc when they it become known.

Thank you!

Carol

From: Diana Valencia < stillrejoicing@ >

Subject: deceased Delta Captain

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009, 9:35 PM

                       Dear people,

                                                 I am trying to help my sister in her bereavement. Her husband passed away Oct. 22nd. His name is Claude Benseman. He was a retired Captain with over 25 years of service.

                                    I do not know what year he retired? I'm sure Delta would want to know one of their best men has landed for the last time.

Geri  Benseman (wife)

611- 4th Street

Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania 17064      717-964-2392                                                                                                  

 Diana Valencia  (Geri's sister)

Misc Posts:

Tim Clifford Email   timandbrianna@

Comments --- Hey all you old "RD's".  I mean the ones flying Flt. Engineer in the 60's and 70's on the DC-6, DC-7, 880, DC-8 or 747.  I'm looking for a set of Engineer wings from that era.  The ones with the round, blue shield and wings.  Got one to give, sell, or trade for?  Let me know at this e-mail address, and I'll contact you.

Thanks chums, "Little" Timmy Clifford

+++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Richard DiPietro

Date: 10/21/2009 7:14:06 AM

To: misc@

Subject: Question

Can you tell me the name of the pilot who flew Delta's inaugural

flight from Atlanta to Rome, Italy on June 1, 1999?

Thank you in advance.

Rick DiPietro

Editor: Thanks Rick for recently joining the PCN. I’ll ask someone on the net to give you some help.

+++++++++++++++++++++

From: Bruce Cullen

Date: 10/19/2009 3:19:58 PM

To: misc@

Subject: Info & request

 

Hi Mark,

I'm a retired DAL pilot out in LA. I am on your PCN list after being a long time recipient of Dave Roberts' emails. I was based in CVG for a couple years back in the 80's when the pilot base first opened.

I am enclosing a link for a video, actually 3 videos in one clip. I received it from a very old friend, Wally Murray, who has lived in the Cincinnati area for decades. We go all the way back to when we first met as next door neighbors in the 1960's. His wife, Amy, is running for the Cincinnati City Council. This was not a request from them but rather my own idea to send the link to you. If it passes muster, is there any way to include it in one of your posts, since we have many members both active & retired in the greater CVG area? Btw, other than having been long time Delta flyers, they have no connection to Delta, as both were long time P&G employees. I am certain that, if elected, Amy will do an outstanding job for the citizens of Cincinnati.

Thanks very much for any consideration. The link follows.

Bruce Cullen

Retired LAX 767-400 Jan, 2003  

 



Editor: While the PCN will not endorse candidates, we will publish as newsworthy, items about members of our community running for public office. Thanks Bruce for the link.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: captanpaul@

Date: 10/23/2009 12:08:59 PM

To: marksztanyo@

Subject: Survivor and disability coverage

Mark, 

I'm getting some conflicting information about the status of the old Delta D&S benefits.  Someone said that the company has effective reduced this to a great degree. 

I retire in May 2004 and was 54  at retirement.   If I pass away (not in my plans) what would my spouse get approximately.  All children are grown and gone so it would just be my wife. 

Paul 

PS  tried to long on and establish that new mailing list for the PNC group but apparently didn't do it correctly.  Any suggestions?

Editor: Glad to hear that you aren’t planning on checking out any time soon! All kidding aside the estate issue is a serious one and also good to hear that you are concerned about the family. Besides, your life insurance, and besides the $10,000 policy that Delta has on all retired pilots, your wife will likely not get any continuation from the PBGC. However, that of course is not the end of the story. The D&S Plan picks up and pays out to survivors from the D&S Trust. As I mentioned in the last HL 011, your wife will likely see more monthly than you together are currently receiving. That is the typical scenario. Why? Because, the annuity that the trust pays out reverts to a full formulation (not the magic and mirrors approach the PBGC took what we should have got at time of retirement) see below for a sample of what she could be eligible for.

Retired Insurance --Survivor Benefits: (Review your life insurance needs while keeping the following in mind)

• Delta Pilots Disability & Survivorship Plan (Trust Fund) (Yes, "Your surviving spouse and eligible family members will receive survivor annuity benefits, up to a total of 25%-35% of your final average earnings (from the Delta Pilots D & S Trust)     Sample Survivor Benefit Calculation available from ESC (if you are persistent) for a specific retiree.  This gives you an idea of how D&S survivor benefit is calculated.

[pic]  WHAT DO WE HAVE? - D & S Trust assembled document: Click Here

• DPMA? (None. Any and all benefits terminate upon your retirement)

• Delta paid life insurance? Your designated beneficiary will receive life insurance proceeds paid from a Basic LI policy DAL holds on employees and retirees.(amount is $50,000 if you die in first year after retirement, declining $10,000/year to minimum of $10,000)."

Please click on a page I created for the RSP for a little more:

also

Human Interest:

Delta Flight Attendant Serves Up Journals for American Troops

Hi Mark,

In spite of Delta's bad news last week there was some very good news.  ABC Evening News with Charles Gibson each Friday selects one person in the entire USA as their PERSON OF THE WEEK.  This past Friday it was Delta Flight Attendant Robin Schmidt and she deserves to have her story sent to your NET.  This was probably five or six minutes of video near the end of the news program.

See for "The Rest of the Story" and it's a shame that it was overshadowed by the bad news earlier in the week.  Delta people deserve good publicity when they earn it and she obviously did.

Thanks,

Dave Roberts

Editor: I saw the report and was proud of our KY Robin. She is making a difference.

Good Read (Please share a quick reco about a good book you just read):

Event Announcements (Click here for PCN Org & Groups Page):

November Local Meetings:

+++++++++++++++++++

RE: 5th Annual Festival of Trees (See announcement below)

The calendar may say October, but here in the hangar it’s time for the holiday decorating season to begin. The Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum is preparing for its 5th Annual Festival of Trees. Trees and wreaths are available for decorating by various Delta divisions, Employee Network groups, clubs and other organizations and will be auctioned off to benefit the Museum. Each year brings new and more creative entries and we hope that your group will help make this our best year yet!

There will be 12 pre-lit trees and 8 wreaths available, so sign up soon because participation will be on a first come, first served basis. Attached you will find additional information including a contract that will need to be completed to reserve your tree or wreath. Contracts should be returned to me by Friday, November 13th. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Thank you for helping to keep the history of Delta alive and well by supporting the Museum!

Greg

Greg Romanoski

Development Manager

Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum, Inc.

1060 Delta Blvd.

Bldg. B, Dept. 914

Atlanta, GA  30354-1989

Office:  (404) 715-7886

Fax:  (404) 715-2037

greg.romanoski@



October 26, 2009

To: Division & Group Leaders

From: The Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum

Re: Festival of Trees 2009

The Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum is once again asking for your participation in bringing the holiday spirit to the hangars by involving divisional employees and members of employee network groups in a fun and meaningful way. The Museum is presenting its 5th annual Festival of Trees in Hangar 2, where decorated holiday trees and wreaths will compete for the best design. The wreaths, pre-lit trees, and risers will be provided by the Museum and will be available for decoration November 18th – 25th. The trees will remain in Hangar 2 for Delta family and friends to enjoy during the Museum’s exciting holiday events, which include:

Festival of Trees Judging

On Tuesday, December 1st at 11am the Museum will announce the Festival of Trees winners for Best Tree and Best Wreath. The winning department for Best Tree will receive one gift certificate at the Delta Heritage Museum Store in the amount of $200.00. The winning department for Best Wreath will receive one gift certificate at the Delta Heritage Museum Store in the amount of $100.00.

Holiday Open House and Silent Auction Bidding

On Tuesday, December 1st from 11am to 2pm view our forest of trees and wreaths and enjoy refreshments at the Holiday Open House. (The Spirit of Delta will be open for tours during this event.) The silent auction for the Festival of Trees will also begin at 11am and continue through Wednesday, December 17th. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Museum. Trees and wreaths may be picked up by the winning bidders December 17th – 23rd.

Key dates for the Festival of Trees:

• November 13– Turn in your forms by this date to reserve your tree or wreath.

• November 18-25 – Tree decorating days.

• December 1– Festival of Trees winners announced, 11am. Holiday Open House, 11am-2pm. Silent Auction begins.

• December 17 – Silent auction ends.

• December 17-23 – Trees and wreaths removed from Museum by auction winners.

We hope that you will participate in the Festival of Trees this year and enjoy our holiday celebrations. Thank you again for helping the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum remain an active part of Delta’s past, present and future.

-Greg Romanoski

Development Manager

++++++++++++++++++++++++

2009's Hangar Party & Capt Bruce Cave Memorial

Saturday, November 14th, at 11:00 AM

This year we wish to add something extra prior to the start of our annual hangar party.......and that is a special memorial service at 11:00 in remembrance of our good buddy Capt. Bruce Cave. 

A gathering of friends feels like the right time not only to remember Bruce but also to honor the memories of those friends that have gone on before us.  As you know Capt. Cave passed away in August and our gathering affords us the opportunity to honor Bruce with a special memorial service, something informal but from the heart.  

Although Bruce's passing prompts our actions to hold this service, we have not forgotten the loss of Jan's husband and our host Capt. Don Thompson who passed away in March, our dear friend Betty Gates Karr who left us in April,  and another good friend Capt. Brad Onion who died in a plane mishap in May. 

We offer this memorial service in their memories.

 

The memorial service is planned for 11:00, with lunch and visiting to follow at noon.  Plans are the same...that is side dishes appreciated, coffee/plateware/utensils all provided.  

Your attendance at 11:00 will be greatly appreciated especially by Bruce's wife Claudette, Jan, and myself. 

But, if for any reason you feel uncomfortable with a memorial service, then please join us at noon.   

One request, if you could please RSVP, that would be greatly appreciated this year.  

E-mail myself carol.n.frank@ or Jan at MEANWHILEBAR@ 

As always, your support and participation is genuinely appreciated!!

Thank you and see you there!

Carol

[pic]

[pic]

2009's Hangar Party is now scheduled!  Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 14th.  Brisket BBQ and WAL memories hosted by Jan (Capt. Don) Thompson at their "Wally Bird" hangar near Cottonwood, Arizona, on

Saturday, November 14th, at Noon

Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M. 

Please bring a sidedish or dessert to share.  Plastic/paperware will be provided.  Jan will have the coffee pot on but please bring any other beverages that you care to drink.  Bring your best airline story and/or pictures and memorabilia to share!!   

Here's how to get there: 

I 17 North, exit left Cottonwood/Camp Verde

Left on 89A 

Left at the first red light (Walgreens is on the corner of where you will turn)

Left on Mingus (which is about four red lights, Maverick gas station will be on your right)

Stay on Mingus until you see the airport entrance. Drive in to the airport, Thompson's hangar is the third one on the right, it is marked Hangar D. They will have the door up.

If you get lost, here is Jan's cell # 928 301-4361 and my cell # 480-510-5076.

 

We are going to have a blast so I hope that you can join us!  Questions?  Give us a call or e-mail me.  Many thanks to Don (yes, Don is smiling down!) & Jan for being our hosts, and do spread the word as all are welcome!  Thank you!

Carol

480-345-2677

[pic]

Frank 'n' Carol Ann (Legge Wichterman) Faulkner

*Carol...DOE 03-24-69/ Ret. 11-01-02/ MSP-PHX-SLC-PHX

*Frank...DOE 07-21-58/ Ret. 04-01-01/ IDA-PIH-HNL-PHX

WA/DL retirees & DL Pioneers Arizona Sun Catchers Chapter

480-345-2677   carol.n.frank@  2698 W. Bentrup St., Chandler, AZ 85224-1004

+++++++++++++++++

Twentieth Annual

DFW 60th Bum Group

Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Marriott Hotel DFW Airport

State Hwy 114 and Freeport Pkwy

8440 Freeport Parkway

Irving, Texas 75063

972-871-4200

6:00 PM Cocktails - CASH BAR

HORS D OEUVRES

Domestic and Imported Cheeseboard

Rustico Black Peppercorn, Huntsman, Bruder Basil; Black Diamond Cheddar; English Stilton; Manchego & Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Grande; Sliced French Bread and Crackers

7:15 PM Dinner $50.00 per person

Door Prizes - Music by Maco

7:15PM DINNER MENU

Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls

Butter and Margarine

Angel Hair Pasta with Prosciutto and Lemon Pepper Cream Sauce

Marriott Tossed Salad

Iceburg, Romaine and Curly Endive, Tomato, Cucumber and Carrot with a choice of dressing with Ranch Dressing and Italian Dressing

Entrée Selections

( ) Seared Chicken Pan Jus Demi Seared Chicken

( ) Grilled Salmon with Papaya Mango Relish

( ) Roast Striploin with Sherry Mushroom Sauce

( ) Chef's Choice of Vegetarian Entree

Mashed Potatoes

Seasonal Fresh Vegetables

Our Pastry Chefs Fresh Baked Cakes, Pies and Viennese Pastries

Market Fresh Fruits Served with Passion Fruit Cream

Starbucks Coffee Service

HOTEL ROOMS

For those who wish to stay at the Marriott, we have 15 rooms available at a special rate of $99.00 plus tax.

Make your reservations early and tell them you are with the 60th Bum Group (1-800- 627-7468) or the easy way is to use this link and the codes are entered for you by Marriott.

[pic]

If you need to cancel a reservation, please do it through Jim Baird (214-357-8084) as we could have a wait list.

Reservation and Entrée Selection Form

Please try to RSVP by Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009.

Please return this form along with your check made out to the 60th Bum Group

($50.00 per person)

60th Bum Group Member (Please Print)

Name

________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail

________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________

Circle One: Chicken Salmon Roast Striploin Vegetarian

Spouse/Guest – Name

_______________________________________________________________________

Circle One: Chicken Salmon Roast Striploin Vegetarian

Cost: $50.00 per person. Paid: Check #______

Make checks to 60th Bum Group

Mail to:

Jim Baird

11029 Wonderland Trail

Dallas, Texas 7522

Good Deal/Bad Deal (Share a quick good deal or bad deal you have found – no commercials here!)

Hangar Flying (Share a bit of ole hangar flying with the net) :

Humor/Sobering or Fun (Share some “vulgarity free” humor with the net):

How I learned to mind my own business  (Thanks Lane)

 

I was walking past the mental hospital the other day and all the patients were outside shouting, '13...13...13.' 

 

The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on.

 

Somebody poked me in the eye with a stick! 

 

Then they all started shouting '14...14...14...'

_____________________________________________________________

Mark

Mark Sztanyo, PCN Dir

Pilot Communication Net

Contact the Net

 

Life on earth will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!

Serving the Delta community, and pilots (active and retired) and their families, including original Delta, and former: Northeast, Pan-Am, Western, NWA, Republic, North-Central, Southern Airways, Hughes- Airwest,  and all the Delta Connection carriers.

 

 ===================

Delta Pilots Pension Preservation Organization -  

Delta Museum & Fly-in information -               

 Delta Pioneers -  

Delta Golden Wings -  

Delta Retiree Connection -

 Delta Retirement Committee -  

   DAL Pilots DDPSA -

Delta Extra Net Portal - 

To assure receiving the High Life set spam filters to accept from @.

To Unsubscribe simply click and send with unsubscribe in subject line.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download