maybe a long time ago, but not now. GS are hard to predict as they need to either mis-estimate their SC reserve coverage, or run out before they kick in. Also WS from line holders get called first.
Point is that even though a lot will go out in the summer, they are not a sure thing.

Nu;
Not saying one is better than the other. They are different and the merits of each system need to be considered. I have been told they did that.
Also GS flying only going to in base pilots is not true. May guys will commute in for them. I have seen GS trips assigned well before 12 hrs prior to report. The norm, no, but it happens. Most of the GS flying is last minute and even at 1.5 pay over 80, pilots that live close would be the only pilots that could make the trip.

Also as our VP's have stated we are not a commuter airline, so I guess you could deduce that this is just one more reason to move! (I keed I keed)

 

You bet they will even if they tell you they will leave it, or reschedule it.

I had that happen a few months ago. Went to the downtown hotel. Called crew accommodations to see if they would be willing to let me ride with another crew or resked my transport. Sure no problem. Take care of all of the details, confirm with the van company, scheduling, and Crew Accommodations
Get up the next morning and go down stairs, no van. Call van company, it was canceled. Call sked, they have no clue, call Accommodations, and they admit they cnxed it. Transportation is your problem. Argued a few times and sure enough they said they would reinstate it, but it never happened. Paid 40 bucks to get to the airport and came home. Never again.

 

330, like the puppy! Sniff sniff

 

Thanks! 19 mos. old Viszla. Crazy SOB!

 

You know, I was kind of looking at this discussion as if it were some sort of philosophical issue, but your post kind of brings it home. But then again, I was failing to appreciate how this is all simply... just about money. Taking this further, I am now wondering if people want the "HIT" flying because they're not yet comfy with the GS (as Keenster was saying), or whether they like it as some sort of happy trough of overtime flying on which to feast.

What I like about our system is that people that want to pick up overtime, i.e. help the company out while they help themselves (nothing wrong with that, of course) don't get rewarded for keeping the staffing low in advance. Now, these people have to make decisions with the WS/GS system. If they really need/want/plan on/lust after after that flying, they have to commit to a WS, at straight rates. That, of course, removes a potential GS from the pot, and makes GSWC very unlikely. If they don't go sort of "greedy early", and they sit tight, then they and everyone else around them, has the potential for true premium pay with a GS, IA, or even a GSWC at the last minute. The fact everyone gets a shot at a GS, in seniority order, is icing on the cake: it stops the problem we used to have on the South side, with senior people hogging the extra flying.

When that happens, and the company needs us because they are not staffing enough, they cough up 2X pay. When we do the opposite, and try to help them keep the staffing nice and tight, we don't get rewarded with premium flying. The habit is not fed. The incentives reward having a normal schedule, and stepping up only when the company hurts, at a fair premium rate.

What's not to like?

If this is a philosophical discussion (and I don't think it is), then it's a philosophical discussion that pits those who routinely want more flying, and don't like the straight rates, vs. those that want to pick up the occasional flying at premium rates. I'm in the second camp. Seems a little more "pilot-oriented", and "union-like". Sounds a little more, dare I say it... "militant".

***Just to be clear, when I say "this discussion", I'm not specifically referring to what Nu and Keenster are saying, but to the general, recurring discussion about the "HIT" flying vs. GS that's been going and going for some period of time.

 

Charlie sends his regards to pups o' others! sniff sniff lick lick!

 

Charlie sends his regards to pups o' others! sniff sniff lick lick![/quote]
Might want to remove the Facebook link...We can see ALL your stuff LOL

 

Whoopsadaisy. Didn't realize that one... note to self!

Hope ya'll liked seeing me in a dress.

Or nooooot. Those who missed it may never know.

 

Only on Planet Delta would being junior manned be considered as "spreading the wealth". More like "getting the shaft".

I have no desire to be forced to work on my day off. Another step backward from the NWA PWA.

Nu

 

At DL you're never forced to work on your day off (unless it's the extremely rare situation of getting a regular trip into your x-days...). It's only offered.