Originally Posted by
Andy
Well, as I previously stated, LCAL flew those transatlantic routes unaugmented. They'd deadhead a pilot eastbound (their contract paid deadheading less than on duty) and fly augmented back to EWR. So this isn't new ground.
Personally, I'd prefer to be the flying pilot rather than the Bunkie and I think most others feel the same way. I just don't see unaugmented transatlantic flights making the 787 go junior in EWR.
The contract only paid DH less than flying for a couple of years as part of the concessionairy contract. When the pay snapped back to 100%, CAL continued the DH East/IRO West for years (DH at blended rate was higher than the flying FO If it was a 757 trans-Atlantic trip) which allowed more soft time for senior FO’s who liked the DH stuff. Having worked a ton of these as well as having flown completely unaugmented Ireland/U.K/Portugal trips I’ll say it is rough when delayed and or weather plagued. Having the third set of eyes is a big help. Heck, California to Hawaii is nothing compared to North Atlantic un-augmented flying. I do Hawaii flying in a freaking 737 each month for pete’s sake.