Originally Posted by gopher3

I have been junior with far worse manning then we have now. I always managed to be able to use the contract to get time off. We just had a long thread about doing just that. I would also submit that feeling you have a right to work less during your employer’s busiest time is perhaps a unrealistic expectation. You are kind of getting into the whole concept of having a job.
I have also noticed that if you look at the schedules of the guys who complain the most you often find they work the least.

Originally Posted by Han Solo

I'm 99% certain that the company updated their reserve release policy to release all unused pilots at 1200 the day prior to both an XX and ** day, but I can't find it written. Does this include SC pilots who are still in the middle of their SC obligation? If so, can somebody please point out the memo or contractual reference?

Asking because I asked to be released at noon the other day and the scheduler seemed surprised I was calling since I wasn't supposed to be done for another 4 hours. He still released me but I'd rather have contractual language than scheduler whims to determine when I'm released.

Originally Posted by Han Solo

I'm 99% certain that the company updated their reserve release policy to release all unused pilots at 1200 the day prior to both an XX and ** day, but I can't find it written. Does this include SC pilots who are still in the middle of their SC obligation? If so, can somebody please point out the memo or contractual reference?

Asking because I asked to be released at noon the other day and the scheduler seemed surprised I was calling since I wasn't supposed to be done for another 4 hours. He still released me but I'd rather have contractual language than scheduler whims to determine when I'm released.

Originally Posted by notEnuf

That would be news to me but if there’s a reference please share. My understanding is still ask going into X days and automatically released going in to hard days (* or VA etc.)

Originally Posted by sailingfun

I don’t know if the issues are weather or staffing however it sounds like you do. Can you give us some statistics on delays and cancellations caused by a lack of crews? I have however been involved in three of the IROPS in the NE in July and can tell you it’s been 10 years since I have seen the kind of ATC delays that the system is experiencing. The total number of summer flights is at levels well above previous levels. The ATC system can’t handle it. The difference I see at Delta however is a much more rapid recovery than other airlines even a smaller and far simpler operation like jet blue. We are dramatically better than AMR at JFK.
Personally I doubt more crews would solve the issues since most of it is ATC driven. I suppose we could staff for the worst weather delays possible and require the company to always have enough reserves so every pilot would only have to work when they feel like it. Not sure how long Delta would last doing that but at least to the end of my career.

Originally Posted by TED74

The only data I have is that we’re setting records for green slip duty periods. That would seem to be tied to manning if not caused by it. I know NYC construction is causing havoc; did we plus up our manning for this foreseeable hurdle to an efficient operation? I am not aware of any changes, other than NYC below wing personnel posting artificial (early) departure times without notifying the pilots. Nothing like a D-8 ACARS ding at D-18 to fluster and confuse the flight crew...

Originally Posted by TED74

The only data I have is that we’re setting records for green slip duty periods. That would seem to be tied to manning if not caused by it. I know NYC construction is causing havoc; did we plus up our manning for this foreseeable hurdle to an efficient operation? I am not aware of any changes, other than NYC below wing personnel posting artificial (early) departure times without notifying the pilots. Nothing like a D-8 ACARS ding at D-18 to fluster and confuse the flight crew...

Originally Posted by Bait

Found it—Weekly Update Dec 5 2018:


Reserve Pilot Change
On Monday, December 10, 2018 we will be loading a change to Reserve Pilots going into a Soft Non-Fly Day.
Reserve pilots on long call will be released either at 12:00pm base local OR following the end of SC or rotation (whichever is later). This release will be indicated by designated rest on your schedule.
CNO will notify pilots on long call and short call as early as 0800 base local. CNO will notify pilots on a rotation upon block-in prior to release.
The goal is to streamline the process between Hard Non-Fly Days and Soft Non-Fly Days. To give Reserve Pilots the ability to be automatically released into their off day, placed on rest and be available to pick-up trips on off days if they choose to.

Looks like the noon release didn’t apply to short call. There was a separate change announced bringing “most” short calls down to 9 hours. Good work getting released anyway!

Originally Posted by Bait

Found it—Weekly Update Dec 5 2018:


Reserve Pilot Change
On Monday, December 10, 2018 we will be loading a change to Reserve Pilots going into a Soft Non-Fly Day.
Reserve pilots on long call will be released either at 12:00pm base local OR following the end of SC or rotation (whichever is later). This release will be indicated by designated rest on your schedule.
CNO will notify pilots on long call and short call as early as 0800 base local. CNO will notify pilots on a rotation upon block-in prior to release. The goal is to streamline the process between Hard Non-Fly Days and Soft Non-Fly Days. To give Reserve Pilots the ability to be automatically released into their off day, placed on rest and be available to pick-up trips on off days if they choose to.

Looks like the noon release didn’t apply to short call. There was a separate change announced bringing “most” short calls down to 9 hours. Good work getting released anyway!

Originally Posted by sailingfun

I would agree that in June we set a record however we have 14,500 pilots. I bet if you looked back to years like 2002/03 when we had 7000 pilots the percentage was far higher. I rarely see a GSWC and IA’s are not common. No vacations are being canceled ect...
The other issue is the volume of traffic in the NE is at very high levels. Even on perfect weather days it’s now the norm to have a ground delay into JFK. One thunderstorm in the area and the ATC system collapses.