Originally Posted by FLMD11CAPT

Lets look at this from a demonstrated and historical perspective. We are scheduled to receive 4 777's between now and mid 2010. That is most likely to be the scope of the "announced" upcoming 777 bid. So.....4 777's at 20 crews (40) pilots/AC gives 160 crew members. Given that at least the 1st 18 mos. of revenue flying will include max. training bumps (Instr Quals, IOE, etc.) the 1st bid is likely to go very senior. Accounting for the max days off/Month the system form will provide (hard time @ 16hrs/leg = 2 trips/Mo. to get BLG) the most senior ND's will bid this. I say let them, and when it comes time for the "qualified crew force" to to fly revenue trips........ooops, 2 crew (4) ND's cannot fly Int'l!!!!!!!! Oh by the way, by this time our best effort during arbitration will have long been handed down (win or lose). Seems like a win/win for us. They can't meet the schedule due to aging 777 manning, we have a definitive pay rate (like it or not), and the leverage of "rescuing" an un-mannable AC for revenue operation. As always it boils down to an informed, disciplined bid by the rest of us. Comprende? ............P.S. Fr8H you like being the naysayer......always have.