If put in the system with no margin for weather or operational delays ... meaning massive, rolling, cancellations if things go bad. In reality, there is weather and operational effluvia, meaning the crew rest rules are effectively neutral.

 

I'm not sure where this picture was taken, but he's clearly gambling...

 

This is what Jim Graham said in the March 2nd weekly update:

"Hi everybody, this is Jim Graham with the weekly Flight Operations Update for Friday, March 2nd.* Delta recently announced a voluntary retirement program. We have been asked by some on the line why, unlike the previous two voluntary programs in 2009 and 2011, this program is not being offered to pilots. I want you to know that when the company contemplates any voluntary program, we always consider including all employee groups, including the pilots. Of course one of the primary considerations for including any front-line employees in such a program is the possible negative impact on the operation. Crew Resources and Pilot Scheduling did a thorough analysis of the operational impact should pilots participate in the program. We took a hard look at both the Network plan and our staffing plan going forward. While it is true that we are currently carrying a small surplus of pilots, our staffing plan must take into account unanticipated pilot retirements and the addition of the new 737-900. The result of our analysis was that reducing pilot staffing further at this time would have the potential to negatively impact the operation.* Retirements drive extensive re-training and backfill requirements.* These unique training requirements for Flight Operations and pilots would simply not allow for pilot participation in the current program.* In the end, it was not the right operational decision, nor a decision that would be in the best interest of the entire pilot group at this time. "

For some reason the number "200" comes to mind, but I can't find anything to back it up. "1000" overstaffed doesn't seem like a "small surplus", though.

 

"May shop around?" People are not only shopping, but are "buying."

 

Bar;
Thanks for a new "word of the day." I'm smarter for being here.

ef·flu·vi·um
n. pl. ef·flu·vi·a or ef·flu·vi·ums 1. A usually invisible emanation or exhalation, as of vapor or gas.
2. a. A byproduct or residue; waste.
b. The odorous fumes given off by waste or decaying matter.

3. An impalpable emanation; an aura.

 

And here I thought effluvium was what stuck to my putty knife when I clean out my shorts after a 3-day.

 

As my boss used to say, "Dude, you've been educated far beyond your intelligence." With that encouragement, I became a pilot.

 

Right on stagnation, wrong on furloughs. I do believe if the economy did not go TU we would be in a different part of the cycle, but alas, it ain't so.

I am the reason you are staying? Why? God help us

 

It's what the cpo was stating we were over last fall for the winter months. I asked for clarification on above PBS min staffing or above the number the generally keep as extra so the wheels do not come off and they did not know.

Fwiw, given where asm's and block hrs are going, I see this summer being tight even though we are probably overstaffed by upper single digits. (total and my guess is 3% above where the staffing would trigger hiring) My guess is we will hit that magic number in next summer block plan if we add back to Europe and definitely if we add a jet.

 

Oh I agree with that. I laughed when I heard that. My guess is with duty limits and rolling duty limits, reserve sc limited et al, we probably need 300 or so.

Taking care of the limits they hit via reroute is a mess and that is why reserves need rotation guarantee.