I've always tried to leave my crashpad roughly half an hour early ... what if there's traffic (or a car accident blocking the road?), what if I get a flat tire, what happens if that 35 degree rain turns into freezing rain on the highway? I hate to be rushed (I think many errors in the plane are caused by folks rushing), and I can read the aircraft log, release and weather MUCH more carefully online than standing in the dark cold jet. I try to leave for the plane a few minutes early so that if the load crew is ready a few minutes early ... that I'm ready also.

I'm also a pretty big supporter of the fuel sense idea. Making the company a few extra bucks is good for my long term job security.

I've considered all of the above part of being a professional aviator. That said, I no longer believe the company appreciates my extra efforts (as evidenced by their lack of response to the union concerning furlough mitigation and other issues. Don't even get me started about WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, expat packages are for people with special skills, etc.). I too have started a "if it's not in the contract (or at least the FOM, AFM), then I'm not doing it" personal campaign.

I'm disappointed that management doesn't show more respect for us line folks (and please, I'm not talking about more thanks for the great job over peak FCIF's). Seems like a really short sighted perspective to me. What are those guys thinking?