Originally Posted by
strfyr51
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Why?? Engineering pilots do quite a bit at UAL that Line pilots can't or Won't do.. How many Line pilots are going to ferry airplanes and accomplish the test functions like shutting down Hyd Systems to fly manual reversion, going into Overhaul (HMV) and 'C' check or fly the out of check Test flights? How many Line pilots have BEEN through the test flight school?? We had a Lightning strike A320 at LGA that needed to be flown to DEN to complete final repairs where Capt was Aghast that HE should be assigned flying a Type II ferry. I told the Capt. that We're REQUIRED to offer TYPE II flying to ALPA crews when there are no flight restrictions. Had he refused? The FODM could have released SAMC to use an Engineering Crew. So?? If what you're proposing is true? Then ALPA crews wouldn't be able to REFUSE flying test flights and out of major repair flights. Many times we can't get Line Pilots to even idle run engines for 5 minutes to assess leaks or help service engine oil without a call from the FODM. Line pilots Should be REQUIRED to fly test flights. To Assist maintenence when needed to give THEM a safe reliable airplane because it's in THEIR best interest to do so. But NOOO! You know and I know that's not the case so you're just Blowing SMOKE in saying so.
Were it My opinion? Were a line pilot to refuse a legally deferred airplane? They'd be going to the showers WITHOUT PAY. (and possibly without a JOB) So luckily? It's NOT by My OPINION ! Guarantee that Test flights and ferry flights will be flown without REFUSAL? OR? Take the requirement OUT of the ALPA contract!! You Can't have it Both Ways!
Dude, you need to chill. There are PLENTY (there, I used all caps like you do....pretty childish don't ya think?) of reasons why we don't fly that crap, don't do runups etc etc. How bout we don't get paid and are putting our licenses / jobs on the line for starters. I don't work for free. Plus, if we do runups, they just lay off more mechanics right?? The current system is just fine. Why rock the boat? Have you ever read how restrictive the FOM is regarding exactly what we can and cannot do when flying other than a perfectly airworthy airplane on a standard 121 flight plan?? There are plenty of valid reasons for the way things are, and many of them were written in blood.
Let maint pilots do maint flights. That's their job, that's what they are trained to do. We are not. And I might add, we're barely even compensated for the training we currently do, so let's not add to that burden.
This is an idiotic thread. The fight is with management outsourcing revenue flying to other carriers, not with the test pilots.
Not going to waste any more time on this.