Yeah, that's what I've been doing. I do have the seniority but sometimes it doesn't work.

I'm just not happy with how it works out. I just do not like dropping MLOA on a trip becasue I lose those hours and they could have gone to a junior pilot to build a line.

I understand.

I would call the guys at navtech or our PBS guys to see what they say. I have always assumed that if you submit MLOA prior to the PBS run (cutoff) it will be credited on your line.

I will do some checking. I would post something on the sked section or call our Sked Chair.

When you say credited, what exactly do you mean?

Maybe I'm still not making myself clear.

This month, I put in 4 days of MLOA before the schedules were built.

PBS pre-awarded me with 10:40 of flying time (the days I took leave).

For example, say that bid window was 72:00 to 77:00 hours. The maximum line I would get from DAL is (77:00 - 10:40) --- 66:20.

Had I not put in for MLOA or had DAL / PBS not pre-awarded me time, then I would have a line between 72:00 and 77:00 hours.

Am I doing this right or am I goofing this up? This is why I decided to air my dirty laundry here (scambo1) because I know there are some smart people here who can make sense of this.

You're young... I hate you.

I feel the love from Tsquare.

No I am not young. Young is 80 or Super of Johnso. Those twits will be here long after I am gone.

I hear Tim Tebow is free and has some extra cash...:D

Credit with our pay is what I mean. As toy state they have given you 10:40 of time towards your ALV for four days. That "credit" time goes towards your total line aware.

Without having the MLOA submitted you would have had the computer look at the entire month.

Not sure exactly how it works either. Back in January I submitted my MLOA for Feb. I had military obligations from Feb 1-10 and 18-28. That said, I still had 8 days available right in the middle. Both of these MLOA range dates were known to Delta and in the system prior to the run of the Feb bid award.

What did I get? A REG line right in the middle WITH NO TRIPS. Basically, I got nothing. I put in a white slip and only got 6.26 hrs for the month. I figured that they'd show credit for my MLOA then award reserve for the days in the middle since they wouldn't be able to build me a line. Instead I get a little over 6 hours of pay for the month. Does this sound right?

Ranger

It sounds like MLOA that is presubmited works kind of like vacation only you you don't get any actual pay for it. The company uses some predetermined value for each MLOA day and "credits" that towards your month.

ranger3484, its sounds like those MLOA's put you in the regular line ALV of +/- 7.5 hours and it awarded you a regular line with no trips because the "value" of your MLOA put you in the regular line window.

Denny

Just a little more perspective on early retirement. I took the PIRP package and said goodbye back in September. Before I left, I talked with as many retirees from Delta as I could. A lot of them had left just before BK and were on the young side to retire.

Without exception, every pilot I spoke with said that he didn't miss the flying one bit (and these were guys that loved the job). As a matter of fact, most said that they had wished they had left sooner. Their health, demeanor and general mental outlook was all much better a few months after they hung it up. It is amazing how much this job takes it out of you. I guess you get used to feeling tired and beat up all the time.

The first few months, you seem to check your portfolio a bit more than normal, but soon you loosen up a bit when it becomes apparent that you will be okay on the money side of things.

As for me, I couldn't be happier sitting on the sidelines. When a line of storms rolls through NYC, its nice to not have to worry about it at all. Let it rain.

My advice to anyone on the fence is to go as soon as you have the money. You won't look back, I promise.

Flying for Delta was a lot of fun and the guys there were all great. Life after flying the line is a lot more fun though.