The rule is either you self release (HI3 & HI6), *OR* you wait 15 minutes - whichever comes first releases you.

So, it matters if they know you checked your schedule and mail to self release (whether it be via screenshot submitted in a grievance or the company "seeing" that you checked it). I have no clue which apps the company can and cannot see - but as mentioned before, screenshot it so that you are the one holding the evidence that you were properly released if you ignore a phone call before 15 mins have passed.

To me, it's easier to do on MobileFOS because it's one screenshot to show that both have been checked.

I'm not saying your wrong... it's hard to find all the details in the contract and know them well and it's possible I've missed it (and the 15 minute story that's told in the crew room has to come from somewhere)... but I've never seen this. Can you point me to where it is?

Don’t have the contract handy, but I’m fairly certain they don’t specify how you must check your HI3/HI6 for release. I believe it basically says check your HI3/HI6...period. If I wanna check via CCI, that’s what I’m gonna do.

12.E.6

Like a user above noted, regardless of how you checked the HI3/HI6 if you have proof of when you did with a screenshot you'd probably win a grievance if the company even decided to push that far.

Sorry but the "15 minute" rule is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Stop telling other people about it. It will get you in trouble.

The so called "15 minute" rule doesn't exist. It's simply a part 117 time line of when rest can start after a flight. It's not contractual or a valid way to be released from duty.

Also, how do you know if you don't have anymore flying if you haven't checked your hi3????

Also, let's say you block in a CS starts calling your phone and leave a voicemail for additional flying. After the call you check your hi3 and nothing is on there you are still released. NOTHING in our contract or FM1 says you have to have a cellphone while flying a trip.

THIS. Many moons ago I had tunnel vision with regards to making my commute. Apparently one of our super star CS’s issued me a turn back without notice. No “in range crew connect” and no phone call. I discovered my Missed Assignment after I got home from my commute. Lesson learned the hard way for me. As far as CS goes, I would have been happy to work the extra turn. A phone call or in range would have gotten the flight out on time. On that occasion , I felt like this guy was out to burn pilots for some reason. The MA was not removed due to me not checking.

Again, thank you all for the answers and its always good to make sure we understand this. I appreciate all the replies.

That's standard practice. I've received a phone call about being turned back 1 or 2 times in my 5 years of reserve. Them calling and notifying you is what is out of the ordinary. No in range was simply because it wasn't on your schedule yet.

The 15 minute rule "thing" is in FM1, under Crew Qualification and Responsibility, Flight Crew Reporting and Release, Paragraph F. The first sentence:

"Pilots will be released from duty 15 minutes after block in of a flight (30 minutes if required to clear customs), unless required to reposition an aircraft, in which case the release time will be extended as necessary to complete the repositioning."


The pilot contract is not the only document.

That is the second item if you search the FM1 pdf for "15 min".


I agree that relying on "the 15 minute rule" as referenced by "the internet forum" is a great way to get yourself into trouble.

At best, anything you read on internet forums is a pointer for you to research yourself if it is important to you, including this post - you shouldn't just trust my "ctrl+f" abilities, I'm falible and I'm some entity on an internet forum. If this subject is important to you, then follow up on your own until you are comfortable enough with your own knowledge to ignore a CS call after your last leg.


Until then, if you want to go home - HI3 + HI6 (follow up on this yourself).
If you want to fly more, call CS and say "Can I fly more please?" (follow up on this yourself - you have duty limits).

The 15 minute thing I've heard several times in the crew room suggests we are subject to being assigned additional flying in that 15 minutes.

What you just quoted doesn't say we are subject to being assigned more flying in that 15 minutes. Just that we are still considered on duty for 15 minutes after block in. There is even a note immediately following the quoted text in FM1 regarding what the 15 minutes is for.