Many, many years ago, I talked to my LEC rep about this issue. He was a fairly junior, reserve, F/O at the time, I was a mid line holder. He would typically bid a 'blind' move up and get a couple really nasty 4 day trips, which would result in an 85 hr. line, vs. 70 for straight reserve.

THEN...he would drop BOTH the 4 day trips by touching them with 5 days of "ALPA" work....from home. I only know this because I started checking his schedule, after my wife asked me, "Why are you always gone, and he's always at home...and you are wayyy senior to him?"

So one day when I ran into him I asked, "What's up with you and all the trip drops, and 85 hour lines?? How do you claim to represent me, if YOU never have to do MY job and at the same time, you are getting 85hrs. pay, while I'm working my ass off for only 75??"

He said, and I think this attitude is still too prevelant today with some reps, 20 years later:

"It's Win Win! Maybe you, or another pilot, can pick up one of those trips on a greenslip..."

Talk about losing touch with reality! This guy should have been making 70 a month sitting short call, instead he's making 85 and never flying.

If it were up to me, LEC reps would only get what ever the ALV is every month, and no $1,000 override for a lawn crew, every month.

AND there would be term limits for EVERYONE, Committee chairs especially. 1 term, go back and fly the line and suffer like every one you are supposed to "Represent" and they would all have to fly half a month, every month, and if they were junior, have to sit reserve as well....but that's just me.

Here's their answer, "If it's such a good deal, why didn't YOU run for office?"

And they have a point. It's not a job I would want, even with all the extra money and time at home. So I really can't complain about them and their evil ways, but that's never stopped me! I have had some very good friends who were LEC reps, and I know they spend a lot of time on the phone, late at night sometimes, and have to deal with a lot of "Personal Issues" our pilots bring to them.

Listening to their horror stories has pretty much confirmed that I don't want their job, and they can't be representing you in the CPO if they are out flying a 6 day trip. What irks me is that some guys get into an office and then Never Leave.

I think we should turn over all the office guys (Com. Chair especially) at least every 2 years. Until someone steps up to run against and replace them, it's not going to happen. The Committee Chairs are appointed, not elected, and they never leave. That needs to stop.

But since I don't want to do that line of work, I guess I am part of the problem. Once the kids are out of the house, I think I will run for office, that's 2 years off so my wife can still talk me out of it...