Does Delta prohibit flying for hire on off days?. Contract work etc? What about non-flying forms of compensation?

Thanks

Delta doesn’t prohibit outside flying for hire, but you must tell them and get it approved first. Think non-compete. I don’t know where they draw the line but the process is described well in the FOM (?).

They make a point they will not help or be responsible for FAR 117 limits and you’d be wise not to have to cancel a delta trip for those.

They were very liberal during the height of COVID, but I’m sure they’ve tightened up lately.

I have seen outside flying requests go both ways. An ill informed chief pilot told me I needed to seek approval to instruct in a simulator while I was out on medical disability (he was wrong both in terms of the definition of "outside flying" and conflict of interest concerns. One need only read FOM 3.1.7 to see the language). So I applied to make the CP happy and not appear to be insubordinate. My friend flew a private 747 and gave me his letter of request to Delta that had been approved. I used it word for word, substituting the aircraft nomenclature and operator names. "Cannot be approved at this time" was the response. At the furthest stretch of the imagination, my instruction of BBJ crews could vaguely be construed to assist companies that might otherwise use Delta Private Jets, but they were going to buy that sim time regardless and would not trade their Boeing for some flight time in a Challenger or lessor aircraft. I was dumbfounded by the denial. Especially because my intent for simulator instructing was to remain aviation-current for the benefit of Delta when I got my medical back. ALPA told me to ignore the denial and they raised the b.s. flag with Delta. The individual that denied my request no longer serves in the same high-ranking position, so the atmosphere may be different now. But I'd say you're probably better off to make the request and see what happens, rather than proceed with unapproved outside flying. I know of three pilots with approved Part 91 gigs and one in a Part 135 operation.

All that said, I don't think outside flying makes a lot of sense unless you own the aircraft/business or are trying to get your "foot in the door" for retirement. I haven't found a gig where I can make more $$ per day than picking up a white slip at Delta (not to mention a greenslip). I suppose there may be a unicorn gig out there that could benefit you. Also consider the risks. Mishaps anywhere outside of Delta are much more likely due to operational nature and maintenance, etc. You have zero protections - you ain't in ALPA anymore if you twist some GA metal or are under scrutiny for any possible violation.

The company should be forced to compensate us to the absolute FAR limits for outside flying denials.

Who is the company to “own” our flying without compensating for it?

Thanks for all the replies, great info!

They’re your employer and they don’t want you doing any flying that competes with their bottom line, no matter how remotely. The rules were in place before you got hired, like the uniform and the hat.

while I agree with most of your statement, just because “that’s the way we have always done it” does not mean it should not be changed. (In this case, with the uniform jacket/hat 😆😆 )

Better be careful or we’re going to end up with another row of buttons.

Lol, what do you have against so many shiny buttons, isn’t 8-10 what you want in a jacket? 😜

I want a bunch of buttons on an extra flap that covers more buttons, as long as it’s held down by buttons and includes a strap to keep my hat from falling off during windy walkarounds. I also want the strap attached by buttons. Shiny gold ones.