satchip

Wow Ferd, talk about culture clash. When we start intermixing ER crews there are still some things to be worked out yet. In the briefing we determine who gets the legs. Sometimes captain takes one and the two FOs either flip or see who needs landing the most. We don't split up T/O and landing usually.*

PF gets middle break so he is rested for landing. RP gets first and PM gets second.

*I have been the recipient of a split due to needing a landing and CAT III approach for my leg.

Waves

I’m assuming those MD-11/717 cockpit mods originated from McDonnell Douglas, so the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) rights would of course now belong to Boeing. As acl has pointed out numerous times, remember unlike the earlier “nice to have” upgrades, these changes have a greater impetus due to NextGen RNP improvements.
Although Boeing would rather have everyone buy new aircraft, it would be in poor form for them to not support viable upgrades to their aircraft already out there. Secondly, these mods would not necessarily have to be performed by Boeing. As an A&P mechanic I can assure you there are dozens of “Mod Squads” just chomping at the bit to get a job like this. There are even similar STC’s being done on even older aircraft. Side note: One of the companies flying out of the airport where I have a hangar just spent $400,000 on a similar cockpit upgrade mod to a King Air.
Having said all that, if past performance is any indication of the future, then you are correct, we will never see these mods. Look how long it took to get the MadDog heater blankets. Also look at the fuel pump mods for the Boeing fleet. When I was on the 757/767, the fuel pump issues changed our procedures so often that it became a joke. Every time we would start a trip, we would say, “Well let’s see, what are we doing with the fuel pumps this week?” You didn’t hear me say this, but we finally just started doing what WE thought was the best method of compliance because we couldn’t keep up with the daily changes.
I heard the same thing on the 717. It wasn’t feasible for Boeing to continue production of the 717 when they were still pumping out the 737. I have not flown the 700 yet, but the 800 is very aerodynamically clean and has tons of power. According to the CAL pilots, they hate the 900 because it is way underpowered. SouthWest influenced the design of the so called “Next Generation” 737 and totally ruined it. It is truly a 1960’s airframe with some nice upgrades. I flew the MD-90 for several years, and it is an OK aircraft. Quiet cockpit, descent brakes, fair power, OK APU, etc. I’m totally on board with getting more of them if the price is right. I will probably never fly it again, but it sure would open up a lot of slots by getting 44 more of them. That would be a great one for one replacement of the DC-9’s as they get shelved.

buzzpat

Johnso, if you use your APD you can get up to 4 days off. I've never used it to drop reserve but I wouldn't waste it on only 1 day off. Get the max.

johnso29

Do we take a hit in pay with the APD? I know we do with the PD, but reserves are already below min coverage so that's not an option.

Check Essential

We're dancing around this event but if this thing keeps erupting....

Delta Air Lines is in some deep financial trouble.

johnso29

I think everybody will be.

acl65pilot

If we have to cancel summer flying to Europe, I do not have a desire to look at our financial reports.

Ferd149

Interesting. Love all the ways to skin the same cat. Unless the fleet comes out and says, "this is the way" I'll bet it will just be left up to the capt. Indecision is the key to flexibility and flexibility is the key to airpower

We never had much of a problem with landings, as there was a domestic leg in and out of BOS or JFK (then back and forth to AMS) so the real crew got their landings ok. You would have to ask a DTW guy if that was a problem since they did DTW to AMS. As the JAFA, I always had a DH (ie to and from BOS) starting and ending the trip. But, I've never had a problem with landings since I mix up domestic and international......and on the asia stuff I get lots of landings too.

Who sits where? The capt always sits in his seat whenever he is in the cockpit. The first FO slides over to the left for middle break and then goes back when the capt (off middle break) comes back up. Junior FO from first break sits right the entire time.

Ferd

buzzpat

Yep. No pay. Its just a get out of jail card if you really need it.

Check Essential

Some Southwest or jetBlue guy will be along momentarily to correct you.