I'm not trying to solicit the standard 5-10 sarcastic one-liners about our fearless leader DW and his lack of foresight, but does anybody know if the union and/or management have figured out how they will deal with the seniority issues involving over 60 bidding. ( I know, how will DW know until the Co tells him so?) Some examples: All international, including Canada and Mexico.
a)Junior Capt is awarded line 101 and the next day, #1 F/O,senior to him, has that as his first choice
b)Over 60 Capt is awarded a line with 5 departures, over 60 F/O is awarded a line with 5 departures also and one of those pairings matches up with the over 60 Capt. CIC window, SUB, drop?
c) Over 60 F/O has a one departure line and his Capt goes sick, an over 60 Capt is the next guy in line on reserve. Leveled?
d) same situaton but the over 60 Capt on reserve is sick, if they couldn't give him the trip for legality, can they still dock his sick bank? Who will keep them honest on this?
e)will over 60 F/Os be allowed to bid the SFS, and later CAN weeklong hotel standby's knowing they will only be allowed to fly with some (and in the case of SFS for the next few months, none) of the Capts passing through?

I know there are a lot of opinions but does anybody know if any decisions have been made in regard to this? Any other situations with a potential for a SNAFU? If they have a Blue Ribbon Panel forming in Maui for a week, can RT1200, MD11FR8Dog, MaydayMark, FDXLAG and I be on it? Can we bring along advisors from ALA, VCP or Barretto? Some serious questions here folks!

 

I can't make any panels as I'm still in CO for another week of making turns!

 

Sorry ... I'm on vacation in Aruba with the wife-ing device. I can make it next week though.

Mark

 

How close are we to this happening with the current crew force? (...i.e. not after the bid closes, but right now)

We must have a handful of Capt's who are over 60 already, but how old is our oldest FO?

I know one who's 58 1/2.

Have any FOs gone over 60 already?

Just wondering how much time the company/union has to respond to this issue?

 

Just picture the worst case scenario; mgmt will make the issue dissappear in the manner least costly to the company. There are no provisions in the CBA to address this. The FedEx professionals have most certainly looked at it already. I'll bet our union will take a quick look to decide what's best for the over-53-crowd and maneuver based on what's best for them. What's new?

 

Yes, I know of at least one with another on the cusp.

 

Here's another. Can 2 over 60 guys fly to ANC across Canada? And if they can, and have to land in Canada with a mechanical, can they take off together? The schedulers are going to go nuts over all this stuff and just wait till the 777 becomes the geriatric jet, part deaux!

 

The FAA website has provided guidance about two over sixty pilots flying from CONUS to Alaska and it is "ok" -- see http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviat...a/age65_qa.pdf

Now, if there is an emergency and they land in Canada, it would be acceptable --emergency authority will prevail. I would believe that it would be against the law for them to take-off (FAA and ICAO), but wouldn't be surprised if some type of special waiver could be executed (with an empty airplane) to reposition.

As for the other questions -- whatever is the most cost effective for the company. In the future if over 60 F/O's are blocked from bidding lines and/or trips with the over 60 Captains, would NOT be surprised.

 

I suspect you are right but how ironic, as DW was shoving in the knife (with a twist), in regards to the retreads, it was all about protecting "seniority". Now, if you are right, "seniority" won't be important any more, it will be "cost effective". Can't wait to see the famous DW spin. "It was the right thing to scr*w you!".....er....I mean "the right thing to do".

 

agree... but has there been any indication at all how the company is planning to straighten this all out?