yeah.... what he said... in all seriousness, he's spot on with the post.

this troubles me... I've never heard CMA being so rational, glad I'm not at the crash pad, I'd be locking my door.

 

You usually do, which explains those strange noises coming from behind it.

 

Don't forget about the moose and bear attacks that are common in ANC

 

It's been mentioned before, but with the number of guys that look like they're going to be commuting to ANC, good luck with that, seriously. I live in ANC and commuted to MEM for a couple of years while I was in the back of the 72. Prior to the nuggets being hired, the seats were normally wide open; now, not so much.

If all this comes to pass, the reverse flow of nuggets back to MEM will probably mitigate the problem to some extent. All I know is that I talk to a lot of guys that sweat that commute every time they come up. Even ANC-SEA isn't easy, especially during the summer.

I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's definitely not as brainless as it used to be.

If I end up excessed back to MEM, I'm going to have some hard decisions to make, based largely on how feasible that commute is.

Just my $.02.

edit: Also, what he said \/\/\/\/\/

 

Not sure if this is what you're figuring or not, but.....

If you're counting on using the deviation $$$ from ONE deadhead you have that month - to cover your whole month of commuting tickets....think again.

Holding a single DH line (front or back) doesn't mean you can get where you need to get to/from with the deviation bank you'll have for that DH.

Lots of times the deviation ticket costs same or more than the scheduled DH (bank) just to position to/from the trip. (very few, less than 10? back-end DH's by the way in the whole bid pack)

Not to mention - the only DH's in ANC are for RFO (with rare exceptions). Regular FO trips only have mid-trip DH's that are nearly impossible to deviate on - that's just a side note.

Example - DH from ANC to CDG via ORD is a common ANC DH (for an RFO). Usually, the first leg is either on AA or AS to ORD with a bank = only $400 or so - then you still have to get to CDG from where ever you're starting from - not many jumpseats to CDG (for example) - so basically, you have a $400 deviation bank which will buy you about one 1-way ticket to ANC for that month (if that)

Then, as you say, you're still stuck with getting yourself home from ANC at the end of that trip, and then if you're lucky (senior enough) only have to get up and back one more time during the month.

Typically, you'll be doing at least 3 trips per month if not 4 and only one of these will have a small deviation bank that you might be able to take advantage of. Plus, as others have said 2 to 3 (sometimes 4) days between short (10 - 20 CH +/-) trips for the month.

Of course, it all depends on where you live and where you're starting/ending your deviation DH from.

All that to say this - if you're thinking that holding an ANC FO line with one (front or back-end) DH will cover all your commuting expenses for the month - think again.

It ain't like buying a deviation ticket from somewhere stateside to somewhere stateside to either be in position or get home at the end.

(and only about the top 40 - 50% guys hold those 2 departure lines anyway)

As always, individual mileage may vary......

 

I love these post. I commuted to ANC for about a year. It was so painful, I moved to ANC. Now I'm being excessed back. Timing is everything.

 

I am considering moving, but my real boss hasn't made up her mind yet!

 

What is the parking like for a crash pad car up there? Free parking at the ramp?

Does anyone use the Q at Elmendorf or Ft Rich, or the campground?

You can always get a small camper and live in the WalMart parking lot.
We could build a small FDX community there, hang out, have a fish fry, throw moose dung and the shoppers, the possibilities are endless.

I did two tours in Kodiak and loved it, my wife would move there in a heartbeat. But that brings up a whole new commute problem.

 

1. Parking---yes, free at Fedex. Need an "alaskaized" car in winter however, or you may be looking at a dead car on each commute.

2. Yes. Used Elmendorf only. Space A --- Have to check each day. DV quarters (if you are/were O-6 and above -- call protocol) are almost always available (for any o-6's reading this; they've never been full any time I've tried to use them)

 

I am going to stay in ANC and move into the FO seat. I will be in the top ten guys. It will work for me because I will suck up the few lines with deadheads. If this does not apply to you (being in the top 10 in your seat) standby for a lot of headaches. I have been doing ANC for a long time as a commuter and everything Maltese says is on the money. With all of these Memphites trying to commute up there good luck. Most of you have no idea what you are getting into. You will figure it out in about the first month when you are trying to get to ANC 3 or 4 times on a Sunday or Monday when there are no company jumpseats. I bought a place up there just for this reason. You spend a lot of days sitting on your @$$ in ANC on your own dime.