Originally Posted by
notEnuf
The idea that a limit to manipulating a schedule is a good thing and necessary is completely wrong. WS are limited not allowing additional time. If a swap is the only way to get the schedule you want/need those limited instances are acceptable to me. I don't think many pilots are exceeding the limit by this technique with the intent to work more.
My opinion is there is no need for a fix. I think learning to use your seniority effectively is an art. Changing the rules to limit flexibility is not the way to go. I would say trip breaking is the answer, scheduling does it all the time, why shouldn't pilots be allowed?
I have flown with a number of Caprains that use both the pot and the technique of swapping a small (1 or 2 day) for a larger (4 or 5 day) trying to get to 100 hours every month. Right or wrong is another discussion, but to say people are ‘manipulating’ the system in order to get above ALV+15 is naive.