AA has a "sick if needed" option for reserve pilots. If you are sick, call in and tell scheduling. If you are "needed" for reserve coverage, then you are charged sick leave. If you aren't needed, then no charge to sick leave. It's something we should look for in our next contract.

That sounds like a very pilot friendly policy, and also has some potential pro-safety elements as well as more advanced time for the company to pre-plan potential absences.

Fedex has a very similar policy. Definitely needs to be in the next contract.

Anyone know how it is determined if you're needed? Is there a formula? Is it just reserves available to reserves required? Just wondering how defend a discrepancy with the company if this policy was available.

That would be awesome. When your at the bottom of the list on reserve it is tough to call in sick knowing your chances of getting used are nil. However, if you don't you risk a trip to the CP office. If we had this deal that would solve the whole problem of the reserve roulette issue they have going on.

This type of plan is a definate benefit to the company. In exchange for offering this type of sick leave plan, which benefits the company, we should get a pay raise.

If scheduling gets to your name on the LC or SC list for a trip assignment, then you are "sick" and charged sick leave. If you are at the top of the list or for that matter, the only pilot on the list, but they never get to you for a trip assignment then you are not needed and don't take a hit on the sick leave.

Ok, gotcha. I like that. Thanks.

What do you guys think is more Junior, as in which one would a new hire move up the ranks fastest and hold a good schedule... MSP 88 or DTW 320? I would guess MSP 88 but I don't know.

As of now, MSP M88 in more junior.