Originally Posted by
DashTrash
I made a huge mistake last April. The day before a reserve day, the crew desk called and I answered. They gave me a 8am show the next day (first day of a reserve stretch). I was obligated because they made contact with me. If I had let the call go to voicemail, and called after 18:00, they could not have given me the trip. They can't start you before 10:00 on the first day of reserve following a day off.
A couple of misconceptions here. I think these are right, without contract reference. But here goes.
1. You are required to be phone available at 0001 on any long call days. Unless you have an assignment, you have to be available. If you have an assignment, don't answer unless you want to. Yes you still have to check your schedule between 1800 and midnight the day prior.
2. With the above, it doesn't mean they can start you before 1000 on day 1 That is a requirement for FAR 117 rest and our contract. Of course you can volunteer for a start prior, but they can't make you.
3. I don't believe since you answered, you are on the hook. That is a common misconception. Just because you answer doesn't mean they can violate the contract. Along with this, leaving a voice mail does not constitute contact. They must talk to you or you acknowledge the assignment in CCS
4. As a reminder, once you finish duty after a trip meaning block in plus 15 minutes, you are back on long call, and again, must be phone available. Again, it doesn't mean they can give you an illegal assignment, jus that you must be available for contact. This includes any commuter flights home.
Yes, reserve could be better.