Is there any limit to how long scheduling can keep you in the field with trip revisions? The only reference i could find in the contract was "every effort will be made to return the pilot to his original pairing". I just had an 8 day trip turn into a 12 day trip, and while the overage pay is great, it was a major disruption to the home life. I was just wondering if there actually was any limit without me calling up and saying enough. your non-sarcastic replies are appreciated.

 

Chapter 12, section A of the contract addresses this.

8. If a pilot’s trip is extended into time originally scheduled free from duty at base, such extension shall be limited to the following, unless the pilot consents to a longer extension:
a. the Company may extend a pilot:
i. on a domestic trip up to 48 hours into time previously scheduled free from duty at base; or
ii. on an international trip up to 96 hours into time previously scheduled free from duty at base.

So, the company is limited to extending a trip without your consent to 2 extra days domestic, and 4 extra days international.

 

When Mt Redoubt was erupting this section became a major player for CRS. I got yanked around and revised 6x on my last trip in March and then on my first trip in April same thing started to happen. I specifically bid a schedule to be off for Easter, bought airline tickets and made reservation to take the kids to see the grandparents. Sure enough in the middle of my trip I got a revision that extended me 94 hours (just under the 96 limit for international trip) threw Easter and getting home the following Tuesday!

I had to call my ACP explain my situation. After looking at my schedule and seeing that I had been extended on my previous trip and had "stepped up to the plate" to help the company out he did me a solid and had scheduling rework my pairing so I had Easter off.

The extra cash is nice but sometimes you have to give it up and spend some quality time with the family. Point being...it never hurts to ask your ACP for help, every situation is different...you just might get it off!