I’m getting bought off for an OE trip. I remember reading something that said we have to still commute in. I am remembering this wrong?

Unless you hear from a scheduler or the LCA, you are not released. Scheduling normally calls the night before but not always. Sometimes they have ulterior motives like no reserves to wait. They figure if you're a commuter and make the trip your're more likely to pick something up. It's worth making a call to scheduling before you commute or head to the airport. Also in normal times I'd check with the LCA just before sign in. If you sign in, you have to be released to 10 hours of rest before the next (GS 3X pay) trip. How do you know this, you ask. It cost me $8000.

First off, thanks for the reply. I am familiar with all this but thought I had read they had a policy change to 100% reporting. I’m probably wrong, I remember a Sky hub post.

I actually found the post. From the 320 Chiefs Line check pilot march 27. Says FOs will not be released ahead of showtime. So that’s nice. Nothing like commuting in to commute home. Stupid.

Anytime I can post a relative experience to try to help, I do. Not that you need the advice or anyone for that matter but there are lurkers that may benefit from my mistakes. Now more than ever we need everyone to be educated. :) Sucks there's not a better option like auto release once the student checks in or 12 hours prior to report.

Totally agree. Hopefully I didn’t come across negative, appreciated the reply. Unfortunately, I think the policy has been tweaked.

Just finished the world's longest OE, ever, on the 350 - no fault of my own, but it took nearly three months. So I'm somewhat in-touch with current practices regarding pilots paired with a LCÅ. Indeed, pilots are 100% showing up for the trip and then being released by the LCA (I'm told and have observed). Scheduler tells the LCA at least the day prior they can cut you loose, but only in person around check-in time. Bummer in a way, but on my first OE the released F/O scored a same-day green slip by the time we finished flight planning and briefing. That's right, triple pay to the extent the two trips were similar. You said "bought off" which does not sound right for normal OE. Was the LCA already on your trip? I just had a trip bought for me in order to extend consolidation, and it was noted as "TOE," so it really amounted to the same thing as an OE, even though I'm already qualified. That F/O was bought off and in fact was asked by the scheduler if it was okay. He was done, and the trip only showed on his iCrew schedule for the purpose of paying him; he was removed 100% and free to PCS anything he cared to on the same days. So that is actually a nice deal. I'd say if you still show up under "Pilot Names" under the iCrew/Preflight menu, plan on checking-in with a good chance of being released. If not, plot your next move for financial enhancement, if you care to. Good luck!

I have been always called the night before. When was this changed?

FWIW. I just got bought off within the last couple of weeks. Contacted the captain the day before. He had scheduling release me the night before. Though I did call a scheduler earlier in the day and they told me to report. That’s when I contacted the captain just to be sure.

First world problems I guess. 2 positive space seats burned but I can’t blame them for making me show up for something I’m getting paid for. Just seems silly and wasteful.