Originally Posted by
Gunfighter
Staffing models would get interesting when you start accounting for rest requirements including the pre trip DH. FRMS gets even more inefficient, just ask any ATL 777 pilot who flew SYD before the LAX base opened. Any ideas on how LC reserve could be implemented? The time to push for a change is when we are fat on pilot staffing and can absorb the initial inefficiency. It's a concept with merit and might even gain consideration when we realize much of the "base" function can be replaced with technology.
I'm not on a WB so I don't know the logistics of FRMS. However, I do know in the past management was willing to eat a lot of inefficiencies related to WB crew and aircraft movement. 777 to FL, 3 man crews DHing the 3rd all over Asia and back, A350 doing domestic out of MSP (330 base) etc. If a cost arguement could be made, especially now with EDP and other costs overshadowing DH costs it could be done. The A350 FRMS is a one off problem relative to the rest of the airline. Yes, it needs to be dealt with but shouldn't be a show stopper.