Thanks Dutch! I appreciate your input and I agree with the pilot pool drying up. It is coming faster than the CEOs realize. However, I have to say, I have seen many a pilot out there that puts "I will do whatever it takes" to get to where I want to be. ie for layover or home. As long as we have folks that don't push the issue it will never change. I understand people have their own motives, but, the many should not suffer for the few's personal agendas.

One other thing to consider, do you really think that there would be a duty limit on heavy crews if there weren't already some kind of limit on basic crews. This whole thing is a scam by the companies so that they can abuse basic crews.

Just because your on a basic crew means the company can use you even longer than a heavy crew! I think not!!!

 

742drvr:

I totally agree. Who wants to be the guy to call "safety of flight" for fatigue. I know I would and probably will. It really depends on how comfortable you are with your company and the DO of your company. If you know him to be a stand up guy and you call it for fatigue, he will probably respect your decision.

But as a Basic Crew, that is the only choice we have. Nobody "should" ever fault a Captain for declaring his crew unfit to continue, but unless you believe 100% that it is the right decision, and there is no worries of future recourse, the decision should be a simple one. But unfortunately, this is seldom the case.

Realistically, the DO should call it and take the burden away from the Captain. The company should set the standard above the minimums defines by law. But unfortunately many companies have such a poor track record with their customers, they are unwilling to do such.

So this puts the burden squarely on your shoulders. If you are unfit for duty, you shouldn't be afraid to say so. The reaction should be that of admiration for being man enough to do so. If the reaction or expected reaction is less than this, time to find a new employer.

Good luck bro.