Any "Latest & Greatest" about Delta?
05-10-2010, 12:01 PM
Doesn't Get Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,598
Departure time is door closing, not wheels up. The historical definition of availability under normal circumstances is being at the aircraft (not airport or door closed) 2 hours after initial contact attempt. From "When Scheduling Calls":
A pilot on short call is required to be within the general area of his base and promptly available for trip coverage. Since each base has its own particular traffic problems, the term “promptly available” has never been defined in terms of time or distance, and is based upon normal circumstances that can be expected throughout the day or night. Actual realistic response time may vary from base to base and with weather and time of day. It is not possible for a pilot to anticipate and account for abnormal conditions beyond his control, which may extend response time beyond that normally required. Therefore, an NYC pilot encountering a snowstorm or an LAX pilot caught in rush-hour traffic might each require in excess of three hours to sign in and be well within the definition of “promptly available."
Note: For NYC-based pilots, short-call availability may be measured from the pilot’s closest co-terminal (EWR, LGA, JFK), without regard to the actual co-terminal to which he is required to report. For LAX-based pilots, short-call availability is measured from LAX.
If a pilot anticipates an unusual response time, he should inform Crew Scheduling for their planning purposes. Any discussion of “reasonable” should occur only between the pilot, the Chief Pilot, and, possibly, an ALPA representative.
A pilot on short call is required to be within the general area of his base and promptly available for trip coverage. Since each base has its own particular traffic problems, the term “promptly available” has never been defined in terms of time or distance, and is based upon normal circumstances that can be expected throughout the day or night. Actual realistic response time may vary from base to base and with weather and time of day. It is not possible for a pilot to anticipate and account for abnormal conditions beyond his control, which may extend response time beyond that normally required. Therefore, an NYC pilot encountering a snowstorm or an LAX pilot caught in rush-hour traffic might each require in excess of three hours to sign in and be well within the definition of “promptly available."
Note: For NYC-based pilots, short-call availability may be measured from the pilot’s closest co-terminal (EWR, LGA, JFK), without regard to the actual co-terminal to which he is required to report. For LAX-based pilots, short-call availability is measured from LAX.
If a pilot anticipates an unusual response time, he should inform Crew Scheduling for their planning purposes. Any discussion of “reasonable” should occur only between the pilot, the Chief Pilot, and, possibly, an ALPA representative.
05-10-2010, 12:22 PM
Sho me da money!
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: B25, Left
Posts: 947
I am not sure if I qualify as an expert on anything but, I maybe as far as reserve. I have never had a problem or even had any sort of a hint at a problem with short call and reserve. I live 90 minutes from LAX without traffic. Called for SC 4 times in 3 years and only once was it a true short call. Even then they stated please do the best you can.
I think many are getting wrapped around the axle about nothing. Be professional polite and realistic and you wont have a problem. Only time I heard of issues is with guys sitting short call in LAS or RNO or PHX while reserve in LAX. That is just not being professional, realistic and when they do call you may not be all that polite...... Bottom line everyone in scheduling has been nothing but professional polite and understanding.....
I think many are getting wrapped around the axle about nothing. Be professional polite and realistic and you wont have a problem. Only time I heard of issues is with guys sitting short call in LAS or RNO or PHX while reserve in LAX. That is just not being professional, realistic and when they do call you may not be all that polite...... Bottom line everyone in scheduling has been nothing but professional polite and understanding.....
05-10-2010, 12:48 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Position: C560XL/XLS/XLS+
Posts: 1,278
I am not sure if I qualify as an expert on anything but, I maybe as far as reserve. I have never had a problem or even had any sort of a hint at a problem with short call and reserve. I live 90 minutes from LAX without traffic. Called for SC 4 times in 3 years and only once was it a true short call. Even then they stated please do the best you can.
I think many are getting wrapped around the axle about nothing. Be professional polite and realistic and you wont have a problem. Only time I heard of issues is with guys sitting short call in LAS or RNO or PHX while reserve in LAX. That is just not being professional, realistic and when they do call you may not be all that polite...... Bottom line everyone in scheduling has been nothing but professional polite and understanding.....
I think many are getting wrapped around the axle about nothing. Be professional polite and realistic and you wont have a problem. Only time I heard of issues is with guys sitting short call in LAS or RNO or PHX while reserve in LAX. That is just not being professional, realistic and when they do call you may not be all that polite...... Bottom line everyone in scheduling has been nothing but professional polite and understanding.....
05-10-2010, 12:50 PM
Da Hudge
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Poodle Whisperer
Posts: 17,473
I've always thought it was two hours to sign in. If it was two hours to be at the aircraft then we would really need to be at sign in around an hour after notification. I need two hours to sign in because it takes me about 1:45 to drive to the airport. I always tell them I'll sign in in two hours and they have never said anything about being at the aircraft. I do my best to get there promptly, but I don't think we are expected to sign in less than two hours from notification. When they tell me they need me in an hour I tell them I can't do if you really need someone call the next guy or I'll see you in two hours. Sometimes they call the next guy, sometimes they delay the flight.
When they try to tell me that it's "2 hours to launch," I always take the opportunity to educate them that it's """"2 hours""""" to sign in. That is a gentleman's understanding of that ONLY. I live 50 minutes away and even if I was sitting in my uniform, it would still take me an hour and a half to guaranteed sign-in (thanks, employee bus!).
Many time's it's a few minutes less, but I give them reasonable.
When they start getting their panties in a wad, I can quickly become like them trying to drag a cat and throw him in a bathtub. I'm not their rag doll, and you can't rush safety.
I'm courteous with them and professional, but the fact is it is not their place to lecture you on anything. They are not your boss- the CP is your boss.
Not to mention, when they get on the 2 hours to launch thing, if they start really pushing it- just ask them for a chapter and verse quote. (it doesn't exist
) That typically quiets them very quick if you get one with an ego.
05-10-2010, 12:53 PM
Works Every Weekend
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: 737 ATL
Posts: 3,506
Regarding the NMB rule change:
I know this is not a popular view among hard core unionists, but having a flight attendant union on the property would be nothing but bad news for Delta pilots.
I know this is not a popular view among hard core unionists, but having a flight attendant union on the property would be nothing but bad news for Delta pilots.
05-10-2010, 01:03 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: 767-400
Posts: 797
BUT REMEBER... The FA's are very highly educated, have a skill, very difficult to attain, and have put 1000's of hours into their training to safely do their job w/o killing anyone... 
05-10-2010, 01:10 PM
Happy to be here
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: A-320A
Posts: 18,563
Check;
Like many have said, it is their decision.
Like many have said, it is their decision.
05-10-2010, 01:39 PM
Moderator
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: B757/767
Posts: 13,088
Regardless, this will hopefully get people more involved in the voting/education of the issues. No longer will someone too irresponsible to vote count as a 'No' vote.
05-10-2010, 02:19 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: 767-400
Posts: 797
So is only a simple majority now needed to de-certifie the union?
05-10-2010, 02:27 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2009
Posts: 841
What is going on with the "new" MD-90's, are they still in GSO and what is the status of the JFK terminal situation?
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