Originally Posted by
SONORA PASS
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
************************************************** *******
The Engineering/ Test Pilots fly the Double engine Changes Ferry flights with systems out or Degraded and Daignostic Test flights and system check flights into Overhaul. The Line pilots COULD fly the flights and Maintenence wouldn't mind that either Especially If they were GUARANTEED they would GO!! I've had Line Capt's at United Refuse to fly ferry flights for some inane reasons like the Auopilot was Inop or the Stby Horizon was inop. (If everything was all "PEACHY" then I wouldn't NEED a Ferry flight Now would I??) As if they were doing Us a "favor" in flying them. Contrary to popular belief on this board, Line pilots get FIRST refusal for Ferry,Verification or confirmation flights (At United) as I'm required to ask them for first refusal. I couldn't even get a line Capt to give me a few touch and Go's recently the second capt I asked almost started Drooling to do it. It's NOT like they Can't. Most of them did it in the Military. What the heck is different now?? It's my opinion they should be assigned for a week at a time to be available for ferry flights at the LEAST semi-annually.. And if the Can't or Won't then they shouldn't be FLYING at ALL!! We shouldn't even Need Engineering test pilots. Yet we Do.. Why??