Originally Posted by
flycrj200
Less duty time does not equate to less flight time and less pay. It means that the airlines have to be a little smarter comin. g up with more efficient schedule. A revamp of the duty time might result in a reduced duty period, more flight time, and more pay.
Exactly. They don't have to schedule efficiently, so they don't. You're working for free during those 5 hour mid-sequence "productivity breaks." The airline execs would want you on the hook 24/7 if they could. Unfortunately they almost do thanks to the cozy relationship with the FAA.
If you doubt it, the Whitlow ruling restricted duty times for domestic reserve crews, yet if you are an international reserve you are available 24 hours a day for 6 days in a row. Same level of safety? Not hardly, thanks to the FAA.