bustinmins

There are a few simple solutions to the late hotel bus on a reduced rest overnight.

1. Call scheduling when the bus is 30 minutes late.

2. Request a late show in the morning for crew rest since you will not be in bed with enough time to get the rest needed to perform your schedule tomorrow.

3. If they balk at your request - STAND FIRM. Usually scheduling will back off if you hold your ground. If they threaten to transfer your call to your chief pilot - so be it. If anyone continues to push you to take the assignment or otherwise balk at your request then suggest they send another crew to fly your trip and request you crew be released for normal rest.

4. If all else fails and you fear that your job may be in danger, simply excuse yourself from the conversation and go to the hotel. When you wake up the next morning you should decide if you're fit for duty or fatigued. If you are fatigued, call scheduling and go back to bed. If you're fit for duty then go to work. Keep in mind, your endurance will be greatly reduced and you'll be less likely to complete a full day of regional flying. You may need to use the "F word" (Fatigued) later in the day.

Don't do this to spite your company but do what you can to get the job done. I am only suggesting that you not take uneccesary risks in doing so. Do Not Fly Fatigued!!!