Never??? On FO side and Capt side? Every day? Dang bring on the hiring. ;)

Higher ALV requires PBS to build a line that must meet the ALV window. So if a pilot has CQ or vacation on his pre-month schedule PBS uses the credit for CQ or Vacation and then it must build a schedule to meet the ALV.

With higher ALV and low credit CQ or Vacation, most pilots end up with more days of flying on their line. The company has the ability to limit the number of minimum credit lines. ALPA does not oppose this.
To drop a trip there has to be reserves available, above the required number, on all days you wish to drop.

Many categories are understaffed and with higher ALV it's nearly impossible to drop trips.

Also we have seen a large increase of longer trips in our bid packages again with no ALPA opposition.

ALV = Average Line Value

The higher the ALV the more we are all required to fly. More flying per pilot means less pilots required or less hiring required.

Notice I said required. There are always opportunities to pick up trips if you choose. The ALV/TLV is an indicator of staffing level.

And it will get worse every day for the next 10 years plus.

IMO we will be so short staffed within 24 months, there will be no drops on any aircraft. And they will never catch up.

It's pretty apparent that they have no intention of catching up. Much easier to short staff the company, run pilots to the max, and beg for relief come contract time. That's why I always raise an eye brow everytime someone starts getting giddy about retirements. They have a plan to deal with retirements over the next decade and it won't be to the benefit of our seniority percentages. Too many guys think flying 90 hrs a month equates to a pay raise.

They are running most categories at or near the manning formula. There was no change in the formula in the TA and I hope no change unless a increase in the next TA. It's not going to get worse.

You can drop a trip in the next window instantly if the reserves available table shows manning above the required. If not the trip becomes a qualified trip in open time and a pilot may take it off your line if he wants and is legal for the trip. In addition you can place the trip on the swap board for any pilot to pick up as long as they are FAR legal. They can exceed the pickup limit in that case.
There is a common misconception with the reserves required/available matrix. Many pilots believe that it reflects desired manning in a category. It actually has nothing to do with desired or required manning. It is a contractual formula to decide if a pilot can swap or drop a trip and serves no other function.

I hear ya! Waiting to get res next month in order to get required days off for the privlage of having vacation.

Vacation and CQ days should be worth 5:15, period!

NO CONESSIONS!

You 737-900 guys have balls of steel. I think I'd crap my pants on that take off roll. Saw one today just get off the ground prior to reaching the numbers on the opposite side. I know it's all calculated, but whoa.

Sounds like a 727 with -7 engines:eek: or a J powered 747F:eek::eek: