2cylinderdriver

While you could debate the whit if's forever on the check in from the air phone, bottom line is: Did he meet the letter of the law (CBA). YES, end of story, no need to "ask" for permission since he was within 100 NM of the location, period. There is no clause that says you can't be in the air.

If a divert had occurred then he would have had to make the decision on how to handle it SHOULD they have brought him outside of the 100 NM ring.

Gunter

I'm glad you made it, JJ.

I'm also glad they didn't switch equipment and put you on a plane without an airphone or delay the plane enough that you couldn't do your check-in.

Busboy

Something came out some time ago by FCIF, or E-mail, or Straight in approach, or crew notification or maybe it was ACARS...But, checking in from an enroute airplane was deemed inappropriate and not allowable.

Jetjok

First of all I've gotta say that I was a commuter for 18 years at FedEx and missed only one check-in, on a day flight out of BDL into MEM, during a snow storm, when the Captain almost taxied off the taxiway and had to have the jet tugged back out to centerline. We arrived into MEM about 45 minutes late, but by then I had called CRS and they had removed me from the flight. Later that day, I had a long discussion (actually a lecture) with/from my ACP. He realized it wasn't my fault, and so he sort of took it easy on me, but I did get a letter in my file. Anyway, in the '90's we weren't subjected to the current 8 hour prior check-in call. But as is usual, a few guys either forgot that they had to fly, or for whatever reason, didn't show up, and the Company had to scramble to get a full operating crew. That's why we now have those rules.... to protect the freight.

I'm not saying my checking in during a commercial flight was right, and I don't recommend it, but it worked for me, and saved me a night in my own bed. As well, it was within the rules, which stated "within 100 Nautical Miles of the operating ramp."

I don't think that the Company really wants to supervise us pilots. What they want is that we show up, ready, willing and ABLE, to fly our trips, and do so in a professional manner, such that the freight gets to where it's supposed to, on schedule, and that the jet can be used again. Because of issues of the past, they have put in place fail-safe procedures that protects the business interests. At least that's the way I see it.

JJ

Cooter

That's all well and good, but WHEN it comes out in a contract (you know, that document WE have to abide by and the company doesn't), I'll consider it the LAW. Until then, I'm with JJ. I've done the same thing once--cost me $18 although I didn't try to expense it. Given the odds of an air divert at that point, I'll risk the letter in my file rather than come in a day earlier. Afterall, being in a car within 100 miles doesn't guarantee you will be in position either for a host of reasons I won't get into.

Besides, it's exciting livin' life on the edge.

Busboy

Ahh yes...Very exciting. You know, for years we didn't have ANY check-in requirements. The company just expected us to be there. But now, due to a few guys living the exciting life on the edge...We all get to go through the deviation check-in procedure.

Jetjok

I mentioned the fact that we never did have a check-in policy, and due to a few guys not showing up, the policy was put in place. However, I'd suggest that it was never the guys who used their imaginations to find ways of getting to or from work. Instead, it was those guys who just "forgot" or for whatever reason, didn't show up for work. Not guys trying to get to work.

JJ

Jetjok

Cliffy is THE man!

Cooter

I have missed one check-in, my first month out of new-hire IOE. Talk about an eye-opening mistake for a new guy. "Daddy, there's a message on the phone from the scheduler saying you missed a trip." YIKES!!!
I misunderstood the check-in procedures when deviating. Many, many years since with a clean record! I've taken some low-key risks but nothing against the CBA or that would get me fired--and certainly nothing like the idiot that did his final check-in for Paris from the states--and got nailed.

I guess you're not into BASE-jumping either?

FXDX

Forgive me for asking, but I am not a commuter. Is there any contractual issue with jump seating into the planet in the morning and then flying a pm out and back that afternoon?

Hypothetically speaking, show for the jump seat at 0800 (all times central), arrive at 1030. Show for O/B at 1415, back into the planet at 0021, duty over at 0051. Total time from J/S show to end of duty would be 16+51.

If I read the above posts correctly, there isn't anything prohibiting such a commute contractually or legally, keeping in mind that you would have to book it under personal and you wouldn't be protected if the jump seat flight was late/canceled or diverted.

Thanks.