Originally Posted by
iaflyer
I don't know how a virtual pilot base would work, but here at DAL, the virtual FAs bases make it seem like a bad idea. The FAs based in Florida say that there are no reserves: if you get sick or whatever, you have to find your own replacement. The limited size of the bases make them very senior, with almost no movement. Also, FAs can fly any airplane that transits the base, while we cannot. Thus, it limits marketing's ability to change aircraft month-to-month. So, there are costs to closing a base if they decided the aircraft isn't serving that city enough to have a virtual base (costs like training, moving, etc).
Personally, I don't see virtual pilot bases as useful to us or the company. Our contract requires certain time off in base that you don't have to have on a overnight. Second, we already have "Regional" chief pilot offices, so there isn't the cost of a full base anymore.
I agree with the above, and I don't think virtual bases would be good overall, and certainly not good for me. However, they might be the lesser of two evils for those that commute, and for the company, if laws are changed to account for time spent commuting. The company won't want to build rotations that pay us to rest before a flight. And commuters won't want the time and expense of demonstrating some sort of non-travelling rest.
The sheer number of commuters means their interests cannot be overlooked. If the law changes, there will be changes on our side. I don't foresee massive moves towards a base, so I assume some other solution will be implemented. The only solution that comes readily to mind is to reduce or eliminate commutes to the extent possible.
Perhaps there will be simpler options affecting HOW one commutes, such as requiring a short period of rest in base before the flight proportional to the length of the commute, better facilities to rest when arriving in base. Changing break patterns in augmented crews, etc.
Pandora's box was opened with a push for new flight/duty time requirements. Not everything that results will be pleasant for us.