Originally Posted by
KDENPilot
Why is that unrealistic? The 12 hours off we get between reserve periods is when we're supposed to rest, isn't it? If you're expecting a call around midnight, then why not plan on going to bed around 4pm, and when you get the call you've had 8 hours rest. If you don't get called, then find something to do around the house/crashpad, go grocery shopping, watch tv, etc during the night. I do stuff like that all the time. Even on my days off, it's typical for me to stay up all night until mid-morning or so, then sleep during the afternoon/evening. If I have to do something during the day, then I adjust as necessary, but I NEVER plan anything when I'm on reserve. Come on, I get a minimum of 13 days off a month, it's not like I can't plan my personal life around that, and I'm a commuter.
You're either pulling our legs or you live in some kind of vampire world! I think you are missing the bigger point: YES, it is our responsibility to come to work rested, sometimes that is tough to do no matter how hard you try. The company has taken away a tool that we used to make ourselves more rested (read:safer) and more ready to operate. There is no reason for that, all they need to do is assign the standbys earlier. Yes, it is still our responsibility to either be rested or pull the plug and not fly, however it would be nice if the company could help us out. Good for the goose, good for the gander....