Originally Posted by
ACessential
Maybe I do need to learn the Flica swap/drop system better or how to bid better on PBS. I have had the 4 day off thing screw me a few times already. Also in regards to reserve, ask the Captains who commute to reserve if they like how the system works. Most have them have told me they would rather be able to bid for reserve periods. They only help out FOs right now with commutable RAP periods because they are fat on FOs. I live at base so its not a huge concern but I would still like to have some control on to my reserve period.
To me starting on a latest rap period on day 1 and ending on the earliest rap period on the last day is a potential recipe for fatigue. I would rather see a consistent rap period every day. Maybe thats just me I guess.
Not trying to turn the thread into a ***** fest at all. There is always room for improvement. I will agree the 9E FOs here at Compass generally seem happier than at 9E. I think a lot of us are still bitter over the whole 9E debacle. Some of us were there for over 5 years without even getting close to upgrade and now starting over on 1st year pay at another regional. But we all made that choice and were not forced into it, we wouldn’t be at Compass if we didn’t think it was a better opportunity. Anyways I'll stop posting now because apparently 6 months at an airline doesn’t earn you enough stripes to voice opinion on an internet forum.
I agree. Spend some time learning the systems that will affect your daily life. FLICA is great when you can swap/drop/trade. Allows you to take a crappy scheduled and make it somewhat better. Especially if you live in base. You claim that we are fairly well staffed on FOs, if this is true, swapping is easy.
Sure the system can be your worst enemy some days; however, more often than not it works to your benefit. It might behoove you to look and read into your contract a little bit. Know what you can and can't do. Also, know how people are willing to work with you. Example: Reqeusting RAP periods. I have yet to talk to any 9E pilots who once understanding our RSV system don't see many pros in it. It's great, before coming back on your RSV shoot screwscheduling an email..... REQUEST WHEN YOU WANT YOUR RAP! More often than not they will work with you. Learn how to read the silos, and then you can see how it looks for getting what you want. GENIUS! I wasn't as lucky as you are, I had to commute for reserve so I had time to figure all this stuff out.
Lastly... we get it you came from 9E, things tool a turn for the worse there. I would recommend biting your tongue for the most of it. A lot of people ended up here from another airline. Some even were at a place that shut doors, and they were CAs there. Try going from that to Compass. It makes 5 year FO to first year FO look not so bad (I did it, it's rough yes.) Obviously we are here because we think it is a better opportunity. Let go of the past airline and let it be that. It is hard to do, but it needs to be done. Makes everything much easier!
Good luck and learn to work the system.