Thread: Transcon Turns
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Old 06-02-2005, 06:45 PM
  #14  
Realistic
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Meworry,
I think you're assuming that the monthly line averages would remain the same and that days off would be the only thing to increase. In an airline of our size a movement in monthly line averages for the top third to say 90 hours would result in fewer line holders for a given number of pilots. I say the top third because one would assume that at some seniority level, trans-con turns would run out.
No one would deny that a pilot who could concievably fly 90-95 hours with 20 days off would push very hard to move those averages up and a company faced with staffing problems would be inclined to oblige. Once the cat was out of the bag, it would be very hard to put it back in - and - you suddenly put the breaks on upgrades. That kind of flexibility would allow you to run LGB with 40 crews instead of 50.
Great way to fix a staffing shortage - bad way to fix the grumbling about pay disparity.
How about a trade? We rationalize premium pay into a fixed hourly rate in return for trans-con turns. The masses get a raise and the super senior get a sweet schedule.
Win - win.