Alright, this thread is going down a bad path here really quickly, but I guess as long as it's still open for discussion I'll throw my .02 in. Look I agree that picking up open time when there are pilots out on furlough is a bad gig. But honestly, it's not our fault that our managements choose to furlough guys and then still have open time left to pick up. Frankly if they have open time they furloughed too many people, definitely. But calling the pilots that pick up their phones on their days off bad people is a little uncalled for. If the pilots that don't pick up on their days off don't fly the open time, scheduling is simply going to extend someone that is already flying, and they're going to get the extra flight time and cash. We can't all refuse to fly open time, we'd start getting missed trips and end up getting fired. Don't get me wrong, I can't stand the fact that we have overqualified pilots on the streets right now, but I also don't want to join them voluntarily by getting fired for refusing a trip.

On a second note, why on earth did you bring the general aviation guys into this? You do realize that not everyone that flies a 152 is a private pilot with 50 hours right? You realize that there are people who own planes like that with 10000+ hours of flight time and 4000+PIC in a 747 right? That was a bit harsh and uncalled for. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion (hence why it's a PUBLIC forum). It may not be as educated as others' opinions may be, but it's still perfectly alright for it to be acknowledged.

I do agree with you though... naming out pilots on a public forum is grounds for disaster.

At another carrier, pilots were flat-out told by both company and union leaders (via in-person conversation) that not picking up open would lead to any recalls. This carrier's CBA includes language that MANDATES a certain percentage of open time. In fact, it is the union's contention that the company is paying more in labor costs when a 4th year FO picks up a 4-day than doling it out to a 1st year RSV (to include insurance and benefits). I don't know what other CBAs look like, but it certainly wouldn't hurt taking a look to see how open time is negotiated.

It it's just unassigned flying as a result of furloughs, then I see why there's frustration. However, if you negotiated a contract that forces coordinators to leave flying off lines, then you're just punishing yourself more.

many regional airlines staff according to the number of block hours flown. Not x # of pilots for x # of planes but 10,000 block hours = 800 pilots.... The metrics are already set.

I disagree with picking up open time with furloughed pilots out there but if you really look at the big picture there is little to no effect on the furloughed guys. Being emotional about an issue doesnt make it the case.

I personally dont pick up open time right now but i dont hold anything against those that do. That is their own personal decision and one that they have to defend.

CAPTAIN INSANO, I was all ears about your views until you had to disrespect the 152 drivers stating that they have no idea what goes on at that "level" of aviation.
The ego, ego, ego. So now because you are where you are you think that everyone else on their way to an airline career is beneath you? If I may ask, did you go straight where you are from the get go or did you spend time working to where you are right now. Your statements insulted those that are in general aviation, but what is so funny is that you insulted yourself the most. Your own words have killed your post and concerns. Take it easy my friend for we are all aviators regardless of what we fly. If you have the nerve to make such a remark, I wonder what a 30year heavy metal captain would say, and I am sure you definitely are not a 30year heavy metal captain. So you would not have any idea. I'm out!

I'd rather drive a 152 than a 767, any day....

lol ill trade you...

I'd rather drive a 152 than a 767, any day....

im curious as to the reason y my dads on the 75 76 and he says its turned into a job after doing it for 20 years. and imnot sure what he meant by that

I think this just fortifies my post earlier ... Thanks ugflyer :)

captain insano

Those are some pretty strong words bro. I have to say that I do agree with you on some points but on others..... I'm at USair express carrier and haven't picked up open time since we layed off pilots, that has to do with the furloughs but also not giving up days off. Although I would love to think that if no one picks up open time those guys would get recalled but thats hard to imagine when rsv pilots, including myself are only flying 25 hrs/month. My situation is pretty simple, my 72 guarantee covers the rent and some other bills so i'm cool with that for now. BUT not everyone is in that position. People have kids, college loans they are still paying on and other misc
expenses. You say that "you knew the pay when you got hired here". When i was interviewing they told me that I'd be a captain by now lol, not a rsv FO so you can't blame people for that. And as stated previously there will always be open time, not picking it up won't get people recalled, the flying will just get assigned to someone on rsv like me who will end up doing for per diem. Also you pick on the FO's? how about the captains. I fly with a ton of guys that are getting time and a 1/2 and we have down grades. If youre gonna be on here bashing your fellow pilots maybe you should try to be a little fair. My buddy has to get his car inspected in a few weeks and his pay does not allow 400 dollars for new tires without which his car won't pass. What should he do? pick up 1 trip or park his car?

With all that said. I hope thing turn around here soon and everywhere else so that we can get these guys back to work as soon as possible

Picking up open time during while a furlough is in effect is like slapping your fellow pilot in the face. Let the company live with the bed they made. They can assign reserves, extend pilots already flying or attempt to junior man. Anything with your CBA. If anything the union of they had a pair, would be trying to negotiate a reduction in hours per line to try and get some guys or gals back off the street. If you want to talk the talk about sticking together as a union group, then WALK the freaking WALK and take shared sacrifice to better the whole group.

rant over.

Merry Christmas