Originally Posted by
indytestdude
Dear CAL and UAL Pilots,
UAL currently uses 18 non-ALPA pilots to do all MX flying. As part of the new contract these non-ALPA positions need to be eliminated. Not as big as Scope, but they are taking your jobs!
Indy,
I would rather keep the test pilot cadre. Just limit them to actual maintenance check flights. Strict contract limits restricting positioning/ferry flights should work.
Having a select group of pilots familiar with the various profiles and knowing the maintenance counterparts, is much better (and safer) than using our seniority list for these test flights.
I would suggest trying the opposite approach. Adding them to ALPA and/or giving line seniority number. This way pilots could transfer both ways (like current UAL PI system). It might work out nice. Plenty of guys who were PMCF and/or TPS qualified at CAL and UAL who may want to have the chance for a change of pace. Not to mention test guys that would like to take a turn flying the line.
Just another perspective.
SP