FlybyKnite

Just to muddy water a little, since some may be forced to split hairs --> "trip is scheduled to end at 1331". Would the trip end time be scheduled Block-In time or scheduled End-of-Duty Day time (block-in + 30min)?? I always used Duty Time just to be on the safe side.

PurpleTail

26.J says block in +30, so end of duty period.

FlybyKnite

Doh!! You mean the answer was in the contract Shame on me for posting without doing my homework .

BrownGirls YUM

On a related subject, has anyone ever had any success in obtaining ACP approval to do a final deviation check-in at a distance greater than 100 miles with the stated intention being to jumpseat in on a FedEx jet and then operate a single leg?

FLMD11CAPT

Yes, I have. The key seems to be to have a viable plan to present to your ACP that gets you in place w/legal rest. I am sure it will vary from ACP to ACP.

2cylinderdriver

Never heard of that, doubtful that would fly. The only relief I have heard of is maybe a guy driving and he lives say 150 miles away. If you are jumping in with little to no turn time, like a normal IND hub turn they would have to use draft or a standby (provided they have one in your seat) to cover you in the event you do not make it.

All supposition on the later, but I would put a few pennies on it...never hurts to ask though!

Jetjok

As much as we'd like to think that all FedEx flights operate on time, plenty of times the flight lands (especially into Memphis) late, due to runway, arrival changes, etc, etc. With that in mind, I can't imagine that an ACP would give permission for a check-in outside 100 miles. The reason is that there is no benefit to the company, and indeed, they can only lose. It's your job to check-in within the published parameters, and so what would be in it for them, to allow you to check in early? But, as 2Cylinderdriver said, "it never hurts to ask."

A few years ago I was deadheading from Boston to San Francisco. The flight was scheduled to land 12 minutes after my 100 mile (final) check-in time, and so when the jet started down from cruise altitude, I used my company credit card and an airphone and called VIPS and did my final check-in. My thought process was that we were now within the specified 100 NM distance from the airport. Anyway, the company wouldn't pay the $10 charge I incurred for the use of the airphone, even though I explained that it was being used for company business. Their explanation: VIPS has an 800 number, and is therefore free. Oh well, I'm sure they somehow paid for that call.

JJ

Gunter

1) If you live or will be driving in from 130 miles away, it makes great sense. No benefit to the company? Are you bucking for a management job?

2) One of the most aggressive ways to check in I've ever heard of. This is the one I can't believe people do or would ever be approved of. Can you say diverted flight? No room for error at all.

Jetjok

1) If they approve a distance of 130 miles, why not 150, or 200 miles. No wait, why not 300 miles, after all it's only a few more hours. Has anyone been given the ok, when driving, for a further than required final check-in?

2) Yes, it was aggressive, and yes, I've heard of diverting, but my logic was that a) once we started down, we were going to the destination airport, and b) even if we diverted to another Bay Area airport, it was just a cab ride to the hotel. My problem was that because of the check-in time, coupled with having to leave the East Coast and commute to the West Coast, if I actually wanted to be in position, in the hotel (in SFO), then I would have had to leave the day before, which I was unwilling to do. You know, sometimes you just gotta live on the hairy edge, and say what the hell. Besides, if everything turned to Brown, there was always the OAK standby crew, and I hadn't been in front of the SCP for a very long time.

JJ

Gunter

If guys can commute in on the FDX jumpseat for several hours before a duty period, a 2 hour drive is easy and offers no additional risk to the ACP. A 3 hr drive wouldn't either.

If you had asked permission I don't think any ACP would have approved the "hairy edge" check in you describe. If you disagree, call one and let us know what they say.