Originally Posted by
Dash8widget
I'm sorry, but you have this backwards - the nine hour response window is just a means to ensure the pilot is able to meet the NLT 3 hour requirement. The NLT 3 hours is the contractual requirement - NOT the nine hours.
From the Scheduling Reference Handbook:
"This effectively means a long-call pilot could turn off his phone for as long as nine hours, provided he then checks his messages and/or schedule in order to comply with the above requirements for acknowledgement."
In other words, as long a pilot checks his schedule every nine hours, he will be ABLE to comply with the NLT 3 requirement. It does not mean that there is actually a 9 hour window. The ONLY requirement is the NLT 3 hours - period.
Now, would an arbitrator agree with the reasonableness of waiting right up to the 3 hour limit? I have no idea, but I'd hope so since it's the only contractual limit actually we have.
Dash,
You are missing the point. Most Pilots don't care about the ability to respond as late as 3 hours prior to report. What is important to most reserve pilots - me included is QOL and not being on a short tether.
What would rather have?
A 4 hour response and maintain the ability to acknowledge NLT 3 hours prior to report - what you saying is the "ends" of our contractual wording.
Or have a 19 hour notice, even if it requires acknowledging 10 hours prior to report.
It is not the NLT 3 hours wording that is important, it is the amount of notice, and the length of the response "leash" currently 9 hours that we need to protect.
Scoop