Originally Posted by
gloopy
5am might not bear the full brunt of NYC traffic, but for most pilots who live/pad responsibly in Queens (or wherever is a quick shot to JFK/LGA where a majority of trips are in) still often have to get up at 2am or so to be sure they make that 5am EWR report.
They can base the entire airline out of EWR if they want to. But its asinine to include it in a "co-base" of JFK and LGA while including that transportation in "rest". Travel time for the large majority of pilots based there is dramatically longer (rush hour or not) than the other two that comprise the majority of their base's flying. EWR is simply indefensible other than pointing out that they do it because they can because we let and because a small number of pilots based there like it. Obviously. So let's make every airport within 3 hours of an existing base a co-base. At least as long as someone benefits. Right?
Perhaps we can treat it like a VB, which would be fair. Or if we keep it in NYC at least provide free transportation to and from LGA/JFK (and include it in duty time).
Don't disagree with most of your points but the basis of my comment was simply based on MikeF16 saying a 5 am sign-in at EWR was the equivalent of him having to drive to Chattanooga. I simply pointed out that if you get in your car (or Uber...or taxi), you can be at EWR in 30 minutes or less at that time of the AM. No question that NYC is an a$$-pain and that is why it is junior and why a vast majority of new hires do a touch and go thru the domicile. And I agree, EWR lends itself to being a virtual base with its fluctuating schedule and equipment.
Just to add to the discussion, what about LAX based pilots? I believe they have to cover LAX, SNA and ONT and those 3 are much farther apart than JFK, LGA and EWR and that left coast traffic can put the NY-NJ area to shame.