I agree with this. If you won't make a trip because your DH doesn't make it in on time, it's the Duty Officer one calls. The DO will remove you from the trip, make other arrangements, etc--not necessarily doing it personally, but authorizing/directing the correct department to do it. The DO also makes the determination if one is CBA protected or not. The DO can see one deviated the initial leg and didn't on the second leg. The DO can see you checked in at the airport properly and in time for the second leg. If all of this takes place properly and conforms to the CBA, there should be no problem and no letter.

If the DO determines one is not missing/late for the trip, all is good. If the DO determines there is an at-fault problem then the information is sent to the "duty" fleet captain which may or may not be your fleet captain. This fleet captain makes the determination whether or not to issue an advisory letter. If one is issued, you will receive an email and a FedEx paper advisory letter to your residence. You will sign to acknowledge the letter, not to admit guilt or provide details. But, if you think it's wrongfully issued, you may write a rebuttal. The advisory letter may be considered if you have a disciplinary action within one year. The advisory letter is no longer a factor after two years. And, it's the PAC who handles the processing of the advisory letters once issued by a fleet captain.

I can't certify all the above is absolutely, perfectly accurate, but I've been here long enough to be confident this is basically correct. I welcome any corrections to the process if anyone has first hand knowledge.

Now, if someone can post the sick note point system and process, I'd appreciate that. There are still a lot of holes in what I've been able to figure out. From what I've pieced together, it's a 12 point system. Each sick call creates a point value. A sick call over a block of reserve may be 6 points, a sick over training may be 6, with 2 hours of a trip--6, within 4 hours of a trip--4, outside of that 2 points (or are they using six hours from a trip?). When one hits 12 points, a sick note letter is generated. I understand points fall off after a year. Anyone have better knowledge on this? I would appreciate knowing as I really think the system blows as it is, is arbitrary, and is in violation of the CBA and against FAA "I'm SAFE" directives. I can't believe this wasn't settled in our recent CBA! I think the company loses more in goodwill than it saves in $$ by chilling the use of sick leave. In fact, since calling in sick generates a letter every time once you hit 12 points, I believe this will cause increased sick useage over holidays. That's because one of the reasons one didn't call in sick over Christmas, etc was the desire to avoid the need for a note. With all sick calls, once a "bad boy", requiring a note, this slight impediment is gone!