Sink r8

I don't have a problem with any logical improvement to any aspect of the system, even if I don't understand all the mechanics well enough to address each point above. I just think that, looking at the big picture, I don't want a system designed to reward pilots that will habitually rush for the open time. I prefer a system that penalizes the company for not staffing enough, and rewards us for exceptional (i.e. unusual) extra flying.

I do know that the company sets reserve required numbers. That's something to keep in mind.

I guess part of my perspective stems for the fact that I base my budget on 70 hours a month, in case I end up back on Reserve. I'm not indepently wealthy, just prudent. I have never lacked for opportunities to make extra coin when staffing was tight, whether it came down via a GS, up as an IA. I've also enjoyed a few months of Rolling Thunder. I was furloughed, and I don't want to see anyone else furloughed, and so the thought of people setting themselves up as flight [world's oldest profession], and trying to set up a system that facilitates their habit at the expense of staffing, makes me ill. I'm not accusing anyone that's arguing here in favor of one sytem or another of being a time-hog. But it is has been acknowledged by everyone here (I think) that the North system that included the HIT flying was staffed much, much tighter. I don't understand the HIT system to be able to tell you exactly how much it was responsible for the lower staffing level, but the bottom line is that there is a balance between individual flexibility in picking up open time, and having reasonable flying levels collectively. A lot of this discussion isn't about the average pilot, but about the outliers.

I think the purpose of open time trade access is to improve one's schedule, which inlcudes making the trips pay more. The purpose of premium pay is to penalize the company for undrestaffing, and to reward us for providing the (temporary) solution. I'm open to any improvement along those lines.

keenster

On the possibility of confusing things more, how does having a block category and a reserve catagory fit into the mix. If you were a block holder without a line you had the option of sitting home on available days for 68 hours or going to base for specified days for 75 hours. You also had the option of picking up open trips before other pilots if you were without trips. You never had to worry about getting a dreaded reserve line but on the other hand, you did not have the option to be on reserve if you were a block holder. Not sure if this would result in more jobs or less jobs or if this would be a better option. Something to ponder.

Sink r8

Good question. What you describe was a stop-gap for when the total number of lines was a little short, correct?

My guess would be that the total number of pilots required (Block + Reserve, vs. Total in category) doesn't change from month to month under either system. So I don't think that option affects staffing much. Not that it isn't attractive, but I suspect it doesn't skew staffing. It's the other peripheral contractual constraints that set how many people are needed in category that affect staffing, I suppose. And what has hurt staffing the most, for both sides I think, was PBS.

This issue is one more reason to focus on the Reserve system. I agree that there should be more options, and I also think we should be rewarded more for better availability (SC) with more money or more days off. One reason staffing is tight is that Reserves are basically unscheduled lineholders nowadays. They used to be available, in sufficient numbers, to cover contingencies. Now they're just migrant workers, working the same job, harder, but for less money.

forgot to bid

It looks as if Spring is here in ATL, 70F and thunderstorms Tuesday through Friday. Now if you want to see what happens with GS's you've got to see them during thunderstorm season which is far far more difficult to deal with imo then snow.

satchip

So how is this different from reserve? Sounds like long call for 68 hours or short call for 75. The only difference I see is the ability to pick up open time.

Racer X

Anyone know when the next AE/Displacement bid is supposed to be posted?

Wasn't it going to be Mar/Apr?

satchip

SD said May on the roadshows.

hockeypilot44

We need to raise our pay. That way our pilots will be able to afford to live on 70 hours/month. That's what we all want anyway. We want to get paid more for less work. Pilots are trying to get as much time in as possible to compensate for our low hourly rates. 3rd year salary on the Airbus is $78,582. That's on almost $94/hour. $80,000 is not a lot of money when trying to support a family of four. We need to make more money. We need to recoup some of the losses from the bankruptcy. There are Southwest first officers making double what our first officers make on the same equipment. I see something seriously wrong with this picture as we are the biggest airline in the world.

DAL330drvr

The Block/Reserve category system, takes the flexibility away from being able to bid reserve one month and a line the following, which most guys do, specially during the important holidays, because it's the only way to hold them off. The other issue with it, is that with this AE system, you could be stuck in a category for a long time.

We need to go back to the fNWA monthly APA system, it allows the company to adjust staffing better, and it will at least allow base transfers when things are not moving. IMO, a win-win for both.

80ktsClamp

Absolutely agreed. I like the combined block reserve thing, but the APA system would be beautiful to have.

I would think that would give the company more flexibility too...