OE trip drops
 

We need to codify this in the contract. Sometimes you get released the night prior (random times), sometimes they make you report, then release you, etc. The worst is when it’s a partial trip buy, and they make you report for original time, then release you so you can go home, only to have to come back next day. As a commuter, it would be better to fly the trip as is instead of doing that. This all seems to be at the scheduler’s discretion. The process is very frustrating.

To build on this, are we ever given a “formal” release by scheduling? I’ve shown up to the gate to have the captain tell me that I’m released from a turn only to have to wait 6 hours to pick up the last leg of the day. I’ve had legs disappear overnight. And I’ve had legs disappear day off. And I’ve never been contacted by anybody. Just noticed that the legs disappeared from my schedule.

I agree with the frustration but I think what comes from the negotiation may not be what we want. One for sure place to start is you are either released or you are not. None of this “well you are released today but we need you in 2 days.” It would be interesting to see what could be agreed to by both sides.

Be careful what you ask for…you crack open that Pandora’s box and there’s no telling where we end up. What senior FOs enjoy now is an incredibly good deal. On the other hand, make this a not-so-great deal and they won’t have any trouble getting those senior FOs to upgrade.

When I bid IOE trips, I noticed when really short staffed they always released you the evening prior. Otherwise, it was 50/50 with "we never received your paperwork for this trip". ALPA had no interest in fixing this issue, I asked them. I figure at some point soon they will just require all FO's to show for the trip, and then be released by the LCA. Also, 23.G .5 specifies exactly who can release FO's and it is not scheduling. It's the LCP, but they are told not to release FO's, and it is a scheduling responsibility.

It's been my experience that scheduling calls the night before to release you about 90% of the time. Sometimes, but not often, I've also gotten a call from the LCA releasing me. Only once was I required to go to the airpoet before being released and I *believe* that is a LCP vs LVP thing. If I don't get a call by 7 or 8pm base time the night before a trip with training on it, I have just called scheduling and been released with no problem. This has been my experience for full trip drops. Partial trip drops are a bit more inconsistent.
I guess I'll consider myself blessed!

The LCP vs LVP thing is a real thing. If a LVP does not show, they will get another CA (hypothetically) to fly the trip with the original FO.

two things. First, as stated in 23.G.5, an LCP “ may” release you. Not will release you.

Second point, 23.G.2 says “the company may remove a pilot from a rotation or portion thereof.” So, yes, scheduling can release you.

What’s the latest students have been placed on the trip? I have a trip with an LCA Monday with no student, thinking about swapping for a better trip.

I’ve had students placed on the trip on Friday morning for a Monday trip. So 3 days.