The ERJ reserves have it much better--they can just check their schedule online, and if no further assignment, they are released:

"A reserve pilot must either contact Crew Scheduling or check the Company’s computer system for an assignment at the end of the debrief of his trip. An assignment in the Company’s computer system or contact by Crew Scheduling at the end of his debrief will constitute notification of an assignment. If the reserve pilot does not have an assignment by the end of the debrief of his trip, he will be released to domicile rest or days off."

 

"If he is not given an assignment within one (1) hour, he will be
permitted to leave the airport and remain on-call and on duty, though
not earning per diem, or be released into domicile rest pursuant to
Section 12.D.3.a."

Nowhere does it say I'm obliged to call back. It does say something about an electronic process. I checked the computer before I left, so I complied with this.

I am hoping Captain Tony will chime in on this one- he's got plenty of experience with the abuses of scheduling too.

In regard to leaving the airport without checking in- completely insane. It tells you to call, ya gotta' do it. If not, you are subjecting yourself to disciplinary action and an occurrence. I'd rather save those for when I'm sick. Don't kid yourself either- they're keeping up with it, especially since we are "adequately staffed" this summer.

 

The preceding sentence is: "A short-call reserve pilot may, if he is not released, be required to remain at the airport for up to one (1) hour from his normal release time for the purpose of accepting further assignment."

The key phrase is "if he is not released." At the end of that hour you have still not been released; it is not automatic. They have to be given the opportunity to release you from duty for domicile rest, or only release you from the airport into your remaining short-call period. MOU 16 reaffirms the requirement to call for release unless released by electronic notification. Simply checking SkedPlus+ does not constitute electronic notification unless you are specifically acknowledging something in the self-notify menu.

 

The reserve language is much better under the ERJ contract. I sincerely hope that the language is even better in the TA. There is no reason for reserve QOL to be as awful as it is currently. Even Pinnacle pilots don't have their off days routinely moved around IIRC.

 

Correct- you are not released. You are still on call, and obligated to answer the phone. However, you are not required to remain at the airport.

 

I enjoy calling them after 1 hour and 1 minute to inform them I'm released and they can't do anything to me.

 

Burn. You sure showed them.

 

Nah. I was just perpetually bored on reserve

 

Yes, but if you call them back they may elect to release you completely to rest. They may do this to assign you an early show the next day or simply because they don't need you. Come to think of it they have released me to rest every time recently, even when I could still have been of use with a 2 hour callout.

 

Quick question,

For guys that are living in Phoenix, what is the best (read: easiest) base to commute to/from?