Originally Posted by
CargoCan
I don't recommend keeping scheduling informed if you are commuting within the NHNF limits.
I had a trip last winter and my jumpseat was getting delayed due to snow in the northeast. As we blocked out, our ETA in Memphis left me with over 30 minutes to check-in (time for the crew bus to make a few 180's). Weather was no factor in Memphis. I called scheduling to update them on my status. The response was, "You're where? Oh, I'm going to have to probably remove you from that trip." I explained that we already blocked out, were first for take-off, and had an ETA with time to spare. Her answer, "I'll watch it, but I may remove you." We land and I called scheduling to tell them that we're on the ground in Memphis. Her responsed, "You're where? Oh okay, thanks for keeping me informed. Click." I checked in at the machine with 10 minutes to spare.
Lessons learned:
1. NHNF doesn't require you to notify crew scheduling.
2. They won't remove you until you fail to check-in.
3. Crew scheduling doesn't care (until you fail to check-in at show time).
Here is some language on NHNF: While I agree that you should not be calling them just to say hi, you should comply with the CBA. If you are on the jet and have pushed back, calling them is not an option. I would say you need to make one call, if able, when you think it will be a problem to show on time.
c. A pilot positioning to Memphis on a Company jumpseat
shall take proactive steps to be aware of any circumstance
which could prevent his timely report to work (e.g., potential
maintenance, weather or FAA delays, reroutes). A pilot shall
notify CRS at the first indication that a bump, cancellation,
reroute or delay of his inbound jumpseat may prevent him
from checking in by his scheduled showtime.