Did anyone read the email from Patrick Burns stating that Delta has one of the best systems to deal with FDP extension denials. He said some other airlines take vacation away from pilots for calling fatigued. He also said some take sick pay away..Does anyone know of any other major airlines that do this? I personally think Delta had a terrible way to deal with FDP extensions. They assumed you would extend when the FDP reg was set up being just the opposite.

 

They should look at Republics system. Each fatigue call is seemed either operational or personal. Even the personal ones are pay protected and never used to deciplined or add to occurences. You could call in fatigued and say you were up late played video games and rocking out to Mily Cyrus and you would still be pay protected.

 

Out of the 3 airlines I have worked for DAL is definitely the worst about 117.

 

Delta is the best at everything they do. Just let them tell you how great we are.

This fatigue system we have here is far worse than the regional that I came from. But hey, my “last job” also gave me a pin code and we e-signed the release on the ACARS with our own unique PIN.

When Delta incorporates this technology in 2035 it will be “industry leading innovation.”

But yeah, our fatigue system here is not up to par.

 

Third airline here as well... Delta is by far the worst with 117.

 

Pat Burns is either dillusional or ill informed.

 

I think far too many people who primarily work between 8L/26R and Virginia Ave in Atlanta think Delta is the the best company ever. If all one sees are the metrics (statistics, which are a type of lie), feel-good posters/memes in the hallways, and self-championing articles on DeltaNet everyday, can you really blame one for having that mindset?
Those people don’t see how effed-up it can be on the line on a daily basis. Those of us who do see it are amazed it all does come together more often than not, and sometimes even in spite of itself.
The froggy side of me is inclined to fill out FCRs when I see the jacked up stuff on the line. But the sensible side of me usually prevails, because I know most FCRs—even the “request response” FCRs—just get ignored and the reporter runs the risk of getting labeled an antagonist.
To be fair, I have used the F word twice within the past 12 months, and both times the duty pilot was great and I was pay protected.
But I should have used the F word many more times before I did the first time. Lesson has been learned. We run at red line far too frequently. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of our “industry leading FRMS program,” or whatever it is called. Yeah, it is onerous, but it is better than the alternative.
Y’all be safe out there!

 

... and know the PWA. Referencing extensions for FRMS flights specifically, our PWA actually gives us way more protection (to include pay protection with NO QUESTIONS ASKED) than 117. Pay attention to the rotation limits and don't feel pressure to walk if they want to extend your duty longer than what is printed on your rotation as the PWA max. Too many folks don't know how that works and simply allow extension to FAR limits... and scheduling sure isn't going to tell you how quickly you run out of PWA-restricted extension. I don't know what price was paid during negotiations NOT to let us live simply under 117 for FRMS extensions, but I'm sure it was significant. And it's probably part of each FRMS package submitted by Delta. Delta gets it done because they've hired mission accomplishers (who wouldn't?), but please at least be aware of your PWA obligations. That 3-hour departure delay could easily get you paid for the trip prior to departure, and even net a hefty GS for a pilot covering you after you walk. Or maybe it's a GSWC because Delta made the business decision to run lean and they don't have a body to GS the delayed FRMS flight. Don't feel obligated to go outside the PWA to solve Delta's pickle... that you didn't create.

 

Classic groupthink. The fact that they were surprised the FAA didn't agree with their interpretation of FDP extension language is evidence.

 

Reference my comments above, it is interesting to look at the FRMS example given on page 11 of the bid packs. They specifically highlight the max FDP as 20:30. With the symbols showing that number on the rotation, they partially occlude the PWA max, which is way lower and the same as scheduled (16:46). If a delay drives the anticipated FDP to 19:00 (well under the stated 20:30 Max FDP or 22:30 with extension), that whole crew can walk... pay protected, and no paperwork required. Scheduling won't tell you that, but it's right in front of those who look.

Take your rest seriously. You're on the hook if you screw it up on the other end almost a full day later!