Yeah for sure don't flush in JFK.

The company ought to have used the word 'may' in this new policy. But they didn't. And they know bloody well what 'should' means in this context. Who knows if they'll enforce it or not. I just don't want people to miss the fact that for the first time, you've been given a job that doesn't involve flying that the company expects you to perform, with no input or agreement by our union.

Whether you comply or not, and whether the company does anything about that is between you and them. The company feels its important enough to issue a bulletin and a couple of letters, and you can expect the FAs and ACS got the same message. And in my book, if it says should, then I'd better have a good excuse for why I'm not complying.

Some good press:

Delta Earns Business Travel News Top Rating for 2012 - Yahoo! Finance

ATLANTA, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate travel managers again rated Delta Air Lines No. 1 in this year's Business Travel News Annual Airline Survey. The airline ranked first among all carriers in key categories including: Value of Relationships with Account Managers and Sales Representatives; Distribution Channels; Complaint/Problem Resolution; Quality of Customer Service; and Networks, Airline Partnerships and Frequencies.

Delta also earned the distinction of being the first carrier in the survey's 15-year history to be rated No. 1 in all 10 categories.

I sure hope they don't waste a dime of my dues money on the issue.

Vice Chairman’s Perspective—Art ****
Why would someone run for office and then not vote for himself? That is a question asked of me since the vote for the office of MEC chairman. It is valid, and you are owed an explanation as to my mindset during my run and subsequent vote. Some have asked why not withdraw from the election prior to the vote? In March 2010, I ran for Negotiating Committee chairman. During that election, I did withdraw, allowing for a 21-0 unanimous vote for Parri ****. In context of the times, it was just a year after the Delta and NWA MECs merged, and there was a need for unity. By withdrawing, some expressed the move was a class act, since the SEA reps would have given me two votes. However, just a few months later, my “class act” had been changed to withdrawing as to not lose the election. Based on my past experience, I was not going to withdraw from this election.



As many of you know, my campaign was based upon the need for change and evolution of building upon the success we have made together. Many of you who spoke have expressed dissatisfaction with ALPA and were looking for someone who would be able to listen to our pilot group and communicate accordingly. The need for real listening is essential to being successful, as you must hear what common concerns are and where you can find matching support on the issues at hand, build consensus, and move forward.



With the support of six voting representatives and possible support from two voting swing voters, my need was to find two more MEC voters seeking change. I e-mailed the MEC right before the travel day for the ALPA BOD and Delta MEC meetings back in October. Additionally, a platform of issues and ideas was e-mailed to the MEC and called and spoke with several MEC members or left voicemail messages. At the meeting, conversations took place with those members willing to speak with me about my concepts, thoughts, and ideas expressed to the entire MEC.



I spent a great deal of time writing thoughts and speaking with MEC members during the meeting. Late Wednesday night, it was clear to me that I could not find two more votes needed to convince the two swing voters to join the six committed votes I had. After being up for 38 hours, I spoke with one of my supporters and told him that I could not get any traction and decided that in the morning I would vote for the other candidate who was supporting change on the Delta MEC Chairman’s position, Kingsley ****. I went to sleep. On Thursday morning around 8:40, I informed Pat ***** and Ron ***** of my decision to vote for Kingsley ****. Had I pressed for a vote the first round results might have been: Art–6, Tim–8, and King–5. The other candidate who was speaking of change (Roberts) would be eliminated, and I know I would have lost in the second round.

Per the Delta policy manual:



“To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of votes cast for nominated candidates by the MEC members present or represented by proxy (not counting abstentions). An MEC member may request a recess for a reasonable period at any time a vote is not actually in progress.

4. If no candidate receives a majority prior to re-voting, the slate of candidates will be reduced as follows:

a. If there is no election after a vote, the slate of candidates will be reduced by eliminating either:

1) All candidates receiving zero votes, or;

2) If no candidate receives zero votes, the one candidate receiving the fewest votes.

The slate of candidates will not be reduced if two or more candidates tie for the fewest votes.

b. Voting by the MEC will continue in this manner until a candidate is elected.”



It was important to see the MEC evolve and put more distance from our merger integration and issues that might have caused friction. The need to further come together was vital as well as some of the ideas expressed during the campaign to survive. As an agent advocating change, my responsibility was to seek another candidate who was committed to moving forward. Therefore, since I would not prevail, I supported Kingsley **** and will work with him to make this MEC better. In voting the way I did, I want to vote for someone and not against an individual. I would like to thank Captain Tim *** for his years of dedicated service on behalf of the Delta pilots. I would also like to thank Council 54 chairman, Pat ****, for the nomination and his support in my run for office. It was an enlightening experience for me to partake in. The final thank-you is for all of you who supported the ideas and concepts presented and expressed your opinions to your elected LEC officers.

The rest of the C54 update is available on their DALPA web page.

Why is that?

Yep, the bulliten specifically states that the FO shall taxi the plane if the WDR is done on the go.

You are correct on the crew duties chart for the airbus- all FOs are allowed to taxi the aircraft at any time.

I'll have to research the other fleets, but it is my understanding that FOs are allowed to taxi on the straightaways... otherwise we wouldnt be allowed to take off! Also, that line in the bulliten points further to my conclusion as well.

That is correct, at least on the 73s.

I completely agree sailing.

Please tell me you at least agree the bulliten should be worded better.

I absolutely agree with the concept, but the wording is very poor.

Of course you don't. That would create more work for you and your FPL-collecting buddies in the MEC.

We certainly wouldn't want that.

Plus, there are far more important things than advocating for Delta pilots you can waste our dues money on. Speaking of...when's the next DALPA junket at the Westin? What was the cost for the last one, anyway?