We're getting launched from DBX this evening. We're going to MAD, get 22 hrs off and then launch for MEM Tues night. I actually get back one day early. I'm very happy about that. I got extended on my last trip. The extra money can be nice once in a while, but I left home on the 9th and I'm ready to get back to mama and the kids. Good Luck to all stuck out there. I know the airlines are pushing hard to reopen the airspace. Should happen soon

 

Ok, better picture of this Thanks to you guys giving us some info. about your situations........................... Just heard this morning news that there is more intense pressure from the European Airlines to get relief, and allow flights. You can't believe all that the news reports but my impression is that the $$$ are starting to question the motives of closing the airspace. There is talk about the changing positions of the volcanic ash clouds due to the jetstream winds and now talk that this ash cloud will come close to U.S. airspace but they don't believe it will go over the U.S. (?)
More talk about this volcano continuing to spew more ash and more frequent eruptions. I would expect that BBC news is giving you guys better information than what we get over this way (?)
Good luck to all of you trying to get home, I am sure this is no walk in the park ................................

 

As trashhauler says, there are two MD-11s listed to go through MAD in the next 24hrs. News on the TV here states that the volcano has stopped erupting and that UK airspace may progessively open tomorrow from 0600Z/20 (Scotland) with the southern UK open at 1800Z/20 (covering STN). Here's hoping.

 

MAD might be the Euro answer that OAK was during Redoubt?

I heard that the corporate jet launched this a.m. with a slew of replacement pilots - headed for MAD (via TOJ??)

Trashhauler might be treated to a ride home (on time?) on that same jet once it gets there with his/her replacement? or fly one of ours home?

Here's an interesting link - all hotel standby crews worldwide for 20 Apr 10:

https://pilot.fedex.com/vips-bin/vip...T?HOTL?20Apr10

Please no copy/pastes as there are names/employee # when you get to it

Just shows you the magnitude of the situation.

Good luck to everyone trying to get home on time - keep the get-home-itis under control.

Remember......volcanic ash cloud = BAD to fly through!! Be safe out there!

 

trasherhauler, if you're operating the 5034 then it has just been re-routed DXB-CDG not MAD. Things are changing all the time here with Euro Control so I guess they are planning CDG to be open by 0800Z/20!

 

I am, jinxed myself Leave for CDG in the morning. GOCC dosen't know what they are going to do with us after that. Stnby to Stnby!

 

I heard 70 crew members from a good source

 

Word from ramp supervisors last night is we have 18 MD11s worth of European bound cargo sitting on the Memphis ramp. They were downloading cans off dolleys with forklifts so we would have enough dolleys for the monday night sort. That should generate some x-pairings!

Looks like airspace is opening up:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8630455.stm

 

I guess if things are back to normal by then our usual STN MD-11 weekend layover aircraft and the CDG spare may be doing extra sections then!

 

Get home soon!

Look at the pay on some of those pairings AFW listed. I don't know how accurate but one guy is over 132. The twins are raking it in too.

Dude, where's the laundry?