Airline Pilot Central Forums - Any "Latest & Greatest" about Delta?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoop (Post 1559939)

I don't see what the big deal on this is. With a minimum 10 hour layover we should normally get 8 1/2 to 9 hours at the Hotel. If you get delayed - call crew tracking and have the time adjusted.

As long as the FAA sees 8 hours behind the door as legal we are good to go. If you need more time - take it! It would be nice if ALPA pushed the 8 hour issue, but I guess they are satisfied with 8 hours behind the door which by the way, we should abbreviate to 8 HBTD. :D.

Perhaps we should push for a clarification of the 8 hour by the FAA if there is some doubt about it. Seems DALPA thinks the FAA is good with it.

We have two separate issues here:

1. Compliance with the regulations FARs, FOM etc. Well if DAL and the FAA are both satisfied with 8 HBTD then thats fine with me.
2. Showing up for a flight well rested. If 8 hours ain't enough - take more time. Call crew tracking and have your time adjusted.

I certainly hope the guys who are not satisfied with 8 hours take the time they need. I personally am fine with 8 hours as I normally sleep about 7 hours but everyone is different.

And for crying out loud - if you have a minimum time layover forget about ironing the shirt!

Scoop

First of all, SHOW ME where the FAA is satisfied with 8 HBTD. That's NOT what they've said. It's NOT what the regulation says. Both the FAR and the FAA clarification are clear. An 8 hour uninterrupted sleep opportunity is required. Since it's physically impossible to have an opportunity to sleep 8 hours when you are in the room for 8 hours exactly, then the mininum HBTD is something GREATER than 8 hours. How much greater is for each of us to determine based on whatever gives you the opportunity for 8 hours of sleep.

ALPA is screwing this up big time and setting somebody up for an FAR violation. That's why it's a big deal.

You are correct on one thing, though. The 10 hour minimum layover should easily provide 9+ hours behind the door under normal circumstances. Of course, we all know that circumstances are not always normal. That's when the 8 hour thing will become an issue.

But feel free to violate away. And good luck with the "ALPA told me to do it" defense. Me personally... I'm going to comply with the FAR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Drank (Post 1559985)

Hypothetical situation:

I'm flying with Capt Longsleeves and we get to the hotel 8 hours and 10 minutes prior to scheduled pickup.

Being the law-abiding citizen I am, I insist on 9 hours behind the door to SSSS&Shampoo.

The stalwart captain insists on making the scheduled van to "keep the operation running."

I guess I'd call and work my own deal with crew tracking, and then fill out an ASAP/call pro stan the next day. Thoughts?

Yep. You definitely answered your own question. Don't let anyone (including ALPA or "Capt Longsleeves") talk you into violating an FAR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1559732)

Exactly, no matter what fleet you're on, as long as you're above standard deduction, its net positive to utilize either pro diem or flightline.

OK, I am going to test the "no stupid questions" theory and since new hires are here and increasing, here goes:

1. How exactly does their data (pro diem or flightline) get utilized on a tax return? My assumption is that we are not adequately reimbursed for on-the-job expenses.

2. Is there other accounting/record keeping that needs to be done on my part to show actual expenses vs. reimbursement?

Public or PM answers would be appreciated.

Greatly appreciated,
FTS

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredFTS (Post 1560012)

I just got my report from pro diem. Delta paid me about $6K in per diem and pro diem said I should have gotten $12K based upon my layovers so I get to write off the difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredFTS (Post 1560012)

The tax services in question provide you with your maximum perdiem vs reimbursement difference. So, for perdiem purposes, you don't need to keep records for unreimbursed employee expenses, if you uses one of the tax services.

For everything else, keep records - job travel, union dues, job education, professional/safety gear etc.

Basically, your receipts plus what you get from flightline, prodiem, etc get added together to give you your unreimbursed employee expense line value.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Drank (Post 1559985)

Tell the Capt. that unless you get your needed (and FAA mandated) 8 hours of sleep, you will NOT sign the release tomorrow morning...;)

Heyas,

I get the crew meal thing. We had them for years and years at NWA. Here's the cycle:

1) Marketing/Crew Resources builds trips with no time for food.

2) Crews get hungry. They take the time to obtain proper nutrition.

3) Management gets cranked about the delays, and offers meals to crews.

4) Meals start off OK/reliable, then rapidly get crappy and/or undelivered as soon as the delays trickle down.

5) Crew meals bargained away because they mostly suck, and only the most hardy/cheap bothered with them.

The "low fat" breakfasts were my personal favorite. 3 cheerios in a giant bowl, some weird ultra-pasteurized milk type substance from France, a gross sweet roll, and "fruit" that looked like it was imported from the Valley of the Undead. And since the aircraft was catered the night before, all of the above has been baking in IAH summer heat since 9 last night. Bleah.

So, I've seen 3 or 4 iterations of this cycle since 1998.

I agree that proper nutrition is absolutely essential. What I'm not sure of is if crew meals are the answer.

Nu

Quote:

Originally Posted by scambo1 (Post 1560027)

Thanks scambo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredFTS (Post 1560012)

Take a close look at your IRS Form 2106; Employee Business Expense.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2106.pdf

On that form you'll enter both your actual amount (from your expense report) and the amount DAL reimbursed you. You get to deduct the difference, along with your uniforms, new headset, new sunglasses, etc.

And don't forget your HAT! ;^)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Drank (Post 1559985)

My plan would be to set the alarm for eight hours after I arrive in the room, and be downstairs sometime after the alarm goes off.