Originally Posted by
gatorbird
According to our (newly anointed) VP of Flt Ops, the desperate need for pilots is not currently driven by "extreme growth", it is due to his belief in a realistic staffing model.
Our "recently escorted out of the building" Senior Crew Planning Director used a former NWA VP's view at pilot staffing- that is, razor thin staffing, throw it in open time and let the pilots pick it up. Problem is, no one is picking it up. So this "desperate need" of pilots is actually being driven by an attempt by management to actually staff the airline somewhat properly.
Which leads us to the mandatory recall (and decision to deny further LOAs). Actually, the intent on the recall is to issue 4 different vacancy bids from Jan-Apr and allow the returning furloughs to pick a date of return within that time frame. Our contract is very clear: with an acceptable reason, an LOA will be granted for 6 months, and may be extended beyond 6 months with the consent of the VP Flt Ops. If the mandatory went out at the end of October...what's 6 months beyond that date?
Gator,
Thanks for the posts. But there a few things wrong. The company will not grant a LOA with a good reason, the contract states that they "may", not "will". All furloughed pilots received a letter stating that there would be absolutely no LOA's.
Also as for the training. I believe it to be a little short on what we need. We do not get the full training cycle. We get what is called curriculum B.
"
Dequalified 12 but less than 36 months ‐ must complete requalification curriculum B to requalify."
This is an extremely short ground school and 3 sims followed by a PC. This comes straight out of the FOM.