I heard the rumor the switch to Flag/Domestic Regs occurs on January 1. The 777 and the instant communication with the 727 still need to be proven to the FAA.

What will the new international pairings look like with the duty regs?

 

Got the following from GOC dispatch management type at RGS last week:

1. Flag Ops switch will occur in Jan even though we should be ready in Nov. Don't want to disrupt peak.

2. When the switch does occur, the MD will require at least 80 additional crews due to Flag Ops time restrictions. Not sure where those crews are coming from as in whether or not those bodies are already built into our current MD manning.

SD

 

Well,

They could get them from the pool

Whale

 

We need more guys in ANC to cover our current flying, at least on the FO side.

Someone needs to develop a 'bot' that lets me drop a trip or move an R-day.

 

The first 777 gets to Memphis today. With BG and PC at the controls, if it survives that it will start over flying ANC soon and as we get more I bet you'll see the gradual decline of ANC flying.

 

Hi!

So, I take it that FedEx is switching for -121 supplemental to Flag/Domestic?

If so, I assume this was done via negotiations with the union?

The FAA did not FORCE them to do this?
The company did not do this on their own???

Thanx!

cliff
NBO

 

Negotiate what?

 

FedEx should have been forced by the FAA years ago to fall under Flag/Domestic rules but it has always been in the best interest of FedEx to stay under the Supplemental rules. FedEx has been a "scheduled" carrier since the mid 80's.

Two things have driven the move to Flag/Domestic.

• "potential" fuel savings for not always having to list an alternate
• need to be Flag carrier to get "ultra" long range ops approved for B777. (this is a moving target to say the least with the FAA)

As far as whether any "negotiations" went on, I will leave that one to the experts. Not sure what would need to be agreed on though. I think this change will be welcomed by most, it is about time our dispatchers become required equipment. We have always had flight followers with certificates but their certs will be now be on the hook. FDX will finally have a operation that runs like a real airline regarding this area. Although, to date, I believe our Dispatchers are actually managed by a division OUTSIDE of the airline!

Can't bring on the change fast enough for me.

 

You are correct regarding our dispatchers/flight followers. They were screwed over in the early 90's by a Sr. Manager, and the Sr. VP of AOD (Ted W.). A weekend reorg was put in place on a Monday morning. The combined departments of systems control and flight control were renamed Global Operations Control, and was assigned to CSSD (Central Service Support Division). CSSD manages all ground activities to include hub ops, and couriers. The Sr. VP at the time was Mary Alice Taylor (later fired for personal reason).

This debacle was orchestrated to block a perceived union organizing effort by the 58 dispatchers/flight followers that made up Flight Control. At the time Ted W. was Fred's fix-it guy who was dealing with ALPA 1, and was not interested in another potential problem.

This reorg created a unionization drive by TWU to organize GOC. The law judge established a class and craft call GOC Specialist. Two years, and several million dollars later only 5 votes were cast in favor of organizing.