Wheels Up Operators (Gama, DPJ, TMC)
 

Figured now that they have put out notice, at least to us at Gama, that they are wanting to begin to bring all three WUP operators (Gama, TMC, Delta Private Jets) together with the same QOL/compensation/work rules/etc that it was time for a combined thread. Discuss away.

What has DPJ and TMC pilots received about how we are dealing with COVID-19? I heard KD talk on the all WUP phone call and read his email yesterday. We at Gama haven't received anything else. No guidelines, no changes to cleaning procedures, nothing. So far seems like a lot of talk, and no real action.

I'm definitely not looking to debate the validity of whether COVID is a cause for concern medically or not. Clearly the industry and the public have made it cause for concern. I've received dozens of emails from all sorts of companies talking about their response. The FAA has put out guidance encouraging crews to eat in on the road and avoid going out if possible. Their guidance also states to not use public transit. I would consider Uber/Lyfts/shuttles as public transit. Textron has put out guidance on approved cleaning products that will kill the virus. I'm finding it progressively harder to believe they are taking this seriously for the crews without making any changes.

I’ve heard private flying demand has gone up for obvious reasons at many 135 operations however I have to laugh at those idiot passengers. Wealth can’t keep you safe. Crews can clean the aircraft and it could be the cleanest plane in the sky but those passengers forget a few very important pieces of the puzzle. FBO/line guys who may help load/unload bags could be infected. Their transportation drivers/limos could be infected and my favorite the pilots. It’s funny many passengers don’t realize most of pilots who crew the planes they travel on travel to work on the airlines often connecting in major cities/virus hot beds. Yet they push on not knowing any of this thinking they are elite and safe bahaha.

Maybe so, but if you can afford it you'd sooner take your chances with a couple of pilots who have paid sick leave if they feel ill over a tube full of 200 other people coughing and sneezing all over you. Plus you don't have to stand in line in close proximity to other passengers while going though security.
Nothing's guaranteed but most of the clientele we fly got to where they are by making smart decisions and managing risk. Flying private vs the airlines in these kind of situations is a good example.

Thank you for your insightful contribution to the thread on what WUP operators are doing. It doesn’t really concern me if those in the back get the whole picture. I care that they are there and keeping me from losing my job.

I do care about mitigating the risk for the crews. By continuing to go to work we are exposing ourselves to more risk of picking something up and getting sick or taking it back to our families. There is only so much we can do to mitigate our risk on the road. I know I'm taking additional steps out of an abundance of caution. At some point the company needs to step up and make some actual changes to things outside the control of the crew to assist in mitigating those risks (transportation, cleaning, etc.). They preach that we are on the front lines. The problem is if your front line staff gets sick, or has to quarantine because their family gets sick, you don't have a business anymore.

Maybe WU needs to start working on a COA to temporarily base aircraft at the primary airports where crews who live in the local area can staff the aircraft directly. Obviously, XYZ client is going to have to suck it up if they want their private flight.

Rest-assured quasi-SHTF is right around the corner. I hope that it lasts only a few weeks. Couple of months, tops.

you sound nice.

......s/he speaks the truth.

Spoiler alert, this is NOT a dating website.

I have friends at NetJets who have been receiving regular communications from management. Latest one states they are avoiding airline travel for on/off tour. Meanwhile, crickets over here aside from that one KD email...

Back to your regularly scheduled program.....
 

Hey All,

This is some good info on the Corona Virus. I hope that they keep you all informed and safe. I think that this Important enough to have its own separate thread..

So, back to what hdgbug was saying about the amalgamation of the pay, benefits, and QOL of Wheels Up operators, when is that supposed to happen and would you all have single carrier status? You all would be the 800 lb. gorilla in Part 135!

That’s exciting news..