Hey Ham, I didn't see a lot of guys bailing out of the FLEX jobs because the system was gutted. These guys are still making more than the average line pilot, they just aren't making it as easy. So, I don't think there is a problem filling FLEX jobs with line pilots.

The problem is the company doesn't know what to do with all the herpes that won't go away. If they make them all FE's then they only get to use them once or twice a decade because they can sit reserve, call in sick and use vacation to never actually see a 27 Panel. By making them FLEX they actually get some use out of them for the money spent keeping them around.

Let's hope the age 60 retroactive issue gets resolved one way or the other soon.

 

So you're saying that only the over 60 guys are sitting reserve, using their earned sick time (that the company won't pay them for otherwise), and their earned vacation to not work? Sort of sounds like a lot of guys I know, who live in domicile and are fairly senior. As you well know, that's been going on here since before you hit puberty.

As for over 60 guys (or any other guys, for that matter) being qualified on one jet and flexing on another, I had called FedEx ALPA about this issue and DM got back to me last night, saying that: "there's only one guy in this situation; the union knew about it; and besides it's allowable in the contract."

 

JJ, As usual when it comes to the over 60 issue you take the high road.

1. What I was saying is if you have 200 guys on the 727 panel and only need 100 alot of guys are getting paid to sit around. Putting them to work as a FLEX gets something in return for the pay they are getting.

2. FedEx didn't exist when I hit puberty.

3. The part about the union knowing of only one guy doesn't mean it is not going on. It only means they are willing to acknowledge the one they know about.

 

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!

 

....Ummmm.....

I'm betting on a solid nothing.

 

MaxKts,

I certainly understand the part about putting s/o's to work, rather than paying them to just sit around. But since that scam (the not working much for a normal monthly paycheck) has been around for a long time, and that coupled with the fact that it's happening in each and every seat, in each and every jet, to me it doesn't matter who's (over or under 60 guys) doing it. If the company wants to man their airline this way, it's nice that some guys are getting paid to do nothing. Wish it were me. Wait a minute.... it is me, as I'm on long term disability, just sitting here, getting paid.

As for the union acknowledging that they know of only ONE over 60 guy doing the flexy thing in ANC, this happens to coincide with that very same piece of information that I personally called SM (MD-11 ACP) about the other day. He confirmed that there's only one. Since I'm not paranoid, and I truly believe that everyone is NOT out to get me, I feel that I've been told the truth, and that there's only one s/o doing flex work in the Mad Dog. As you said, it's better to get some work out of him for his pay, although I look at it in a slightly different way. The way I see it, he's providing a valuable service by supporting and training guys on the MD-11, all for his lowly s/o's pay. Perhaps a BZ is in order.

 

Or ... he could be sitting at home drinking maitais, while enjoying his retirement and taking home the same pay? Hmmm ... I'll never understand these guys?

 

But, then, there's lots of stuff you'll never understand.

 

Hey Mayday,

It's really not important that you understand them. It's only important that they understand themselves, and what they elect to do with their lives is their business, not yours. I understand where someone would pass judgment, based on their own likes and dislikes, but that doesn't make it right. If a guy wants to work past what you consider a reasonable retirement age, that's for him to decide. Hopefully you can understand this. If not, then there's no hope for you at all in the context of this discussion. Best to you.

JJ

 

JJ,

I think it's a bit sad (pathetic actually) that these over 60 guys (that could be collecting a VERY GOOD retirement!) have no identity or self worth outside of their aviation life.

Geez ... get a hobby, golf, fishing, gardening, restoring an old car or airplane, take some college classes, volunteer at the local homeless shelter, coach a kids little league team ... you get the idea. There are TONS of ways to contribute to the community that might give you a sense of fulfillment and make you glad you have a really good retirement program.

But, I wouldn't expect someone with a different viewpoint to understand stuff like that? Best to you too ...


Mark

PS ... JJ, Please PM me your personal information. I'd like to take out a life insurance policy on you so that maybe I can retire BEFORE age 60. This working nonsense is really starting to interfere with my time off. Thanks