What would make more sense is that if the flight time duty limits change airlines could eliminate the "3rd man" by having an "acclimated" crew base for the longer west bound flights to the US and with the shorter east bound times non augmented two man 10 hour legs become the norm.

If there is any truth to this rumor I would bet it's because the ATA is looking at ways to increase our productivity once again using the change in the FARs that are supposed to make us safer. ALPA national needs to get its act together and take a strong stand on this issue.

-vpr