(Paul Thompson) Earlier today, we reported that the pilots of Nevada-based budget carrier Allegiant Air took their beef with the carrier to the public by posting an open letter to passengers voicing their concern about carrier’s stance on safety standards and treatment of employees. Now, the pilots say they’re prepared to go on strike Thursday, a move that has the potential to ground 250 flights. Bloomberg reports that more than 500 pilots plan to walk off the job tomorrow because the airline has failed to comply with a court order to reverse a controversial scheduling system and restore other employee benefits. Daniel Wells, president of the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 says the strike will commence at 3 a.m.