Flying extra by a lot of folks? I'm not sure that is the case. I rarely flew a full line due to ANG or other obligations the last 4 years. Now that I'm not flying Eagles, I've got a ton of make-up time in my bank but there isn't much to choose from. Most of my buddies are dropping trips--not picking up extra stuff. Reserves appear to be living the life of Riley...B reserve anyway.

I think the optimizer is doing some of that. I also think volume is down. That volume drop starting last fall is what (I hear) has spooked the bean-counters into the current slow-down.

I like hiring--I like moving up as much as anyone. However, the ability for guys to work a little extra historically has made this place a bit more furlough resistant and allowed some guys to grab extra coin. It also allows slackers like me the ability to drop trips without being denied. It also allows us the ability to exert some leverage during negotiations (like the MD11 FOs did last time). I think its good for everyone that guys scoop up the open time--except for those 38 poolies. I think they've got a 12-18 month wait based on how things went last time the tap was turned off.

Nightfreight,

Buckled down?

You must be confused...We're discussing FDX here. You know, the place that owns the best vacation policy in the business. Just so we can sell 40% back each year. In negotiations or not.

Where carry over is senior. Negotiations or not.

Where open time disappears within days of coming out. Negotiations or not.

You must be talking about some other group that "buckled down".

Sorry guys. I'm going to go nap, now.

fdx727pilot, just curious, what is the source for the additional 17 widebodies by the end of the calender year?

We're scheduled to lose 5 more 10s, 4 to ACF. Those 4 will be replaced by MDs coming off the lines. Are we getting that many more Buses by the end of the year?

Also, for additional info, in addition to the last of the 100s mentioned, we'll be losing a couple of 200s this year also.

Thanks.

"No hiring for 10-12 months, and not because of the NPRM"
Our new contract included significant changes that were implemented in the March bid month. One thing that has been a windfall for the company is the new policy regarding recurrent training. If your training splits a string of R-days, the whole string is dropped, and you are forced to do make up to protect your pay. I think this item alone has caused a significant reduction in the required manning levels for FedEx.

I dont think that has any effect on manning whatsoever. I could be wrong but I just dont understand the logic behind your statement. A trip that is left in open time will be flown by a reserve anyway ...right??

Hadn't heard about any 200 retirements, as we won't get any 75s till next year. Maybe I'll hear some good info when I go for my Rec GS in couple weeks. The other info is from the Conversion/Aquisition document on the MX intranet. I checked back and the one I have is from late April, so 3 of these were delivered since then. I show 9 MD10 being delivered, with the 5 DCs either going to conversion or returned to lessor. I also show 11 Busses, 5 new 300s and the rest coverted pax 300s and 310s.

I think there must be something wrong with my calculator. I just went to the company's copy of the CBA to see what date the rest of our "signing bonus" would be paid. And, noticed the NBCAP total doesn't add up on my calculator. This is what it has:


Bonus per Pilot
--------- DOS---6/1/2007----Total
WBCAP $14,000 - $16,000 -- $30,000
NBCAP $12,000-- $14,000 -- $26,500

Of course, being a WB Capt, I'm not supposed to really care about the "junior varsity", anyway. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

https://pilot.fedex.com/contract/cba...gn_bonus.shtml

Bid first fly to get a little practice......pouring coffee isnt that difficult anyway

[count 'em...] 5 (five) whole flights. I have to spend an hour a day just going through my flows in order to remember what I'm supposed to do!
Did you try putting in for "training on a day off "then....

Thanks. You're correct. After checking again, many more Buses are in the pipeline than I thought. Based on the latest update, the actual WB fleet increase from this point on for the year is showing to be thirteen. Many more than I thought.

And, rechecking my information, actually three 200s are scheduled to be retired by the end of the year, and one early in next year. Can't recall why - don't think the 757 is a factor in their cases, though.

r/