Why? We have ACARS, and the few places that it doesn't work, we can use the the stations land line or cellphone, or if off the gate, use a radio patch through the station. Again, it should be on Spirit's dime and time. I don't think I've ever HAD to use my personal cell phone.

While there isn't any guidance about this on the KCM website about when it can and can't be used, I've read local union websites that say its only to be used while on duty, deadheading or commuting.

 

We are paid to show up :45 before departure, at the crew room, in base, to do our job. If we all did that, there would most certainly be a benefit for the company to get KCM and EFB's. But instead, we are sackless, and allow ourselves to work for free.

We go through security on our own time, rather than on the company's time. Yep - come to work early, check your e-mail, file jepps, check v-files, etc. Rather than depart late, we file the jepps in-flight, even though the MIA FSDO has gone after our pilots for doing that. Rather than depart late, we cut in front of all the paying passengers in the security line, because 45 minutes is not enough time to do everything that we are required to do before the first flight of a trip, let alone to do it and then clear a security line that is backed up around the terminal.

If we started taking delays because of the Jepp revisions and other paperwork we we had to file and review before going through security, we might get EFB's. If we started taking delays because we got held up in security, we might get KCM.

The company has no reason to get EFB's or KCM because we have shown them that there is no need to. Another Jepp revision, another long security line . . . BOHICA!

 

Definitely agree about your point on EFBs. Don't leave the crew room until your charts are up to date. I'm not putting myself out there for the FAA without up to date charts, nor am I showing up on my own time to do revisions. I however think your argument on the security lane is flawed. Everywhere I know of that we fly has crew/employee line jumping privileges or a separate crew and/or employee lane in place as required for operational necessity/expedience. It would be a tough argument to just start at the back of the passenger line where there is TSA/security sanctioned line jumping and/or a crew security lane just because you don't feel right about cutting off paying passengers. We do this all the time and its sanctioned for operational necessity (the jetway, hotel, etc.). Should there be somewhere where there is no line jumping allowed and no crew lane, absolutely start in the back of the line and tell RD why you were delayed (im sure KCM would come quickly), but currently I can think of nowhere that doesn't have either crew lanes or sanctioned line jumping.

 

Why can't you do your Jepp revisions at a hotel during a layover? I'm sure it can fit somewhere in between spankin the monkey and getting dinner.

 

Our FAA FSDO says it must be done prior to reporting to the jet on day 1.

 

That's physically impossible with a 45 minute checkin. What do you do? Come into the crewroom the day before to pick it up?

Doesn't make sense.

 

Well, they may use it as a bargaining chip! I don't think the pilot group thinks that way.
I can't think of one thing to give for KCM....oh, the crappy uniform vendor!

 

Think that's bad? You should see the release packages!

 

Arrive 45 prior and Stop cutting the security line... There is no requirement to cut the line. That is a benefit afforded uniformed crew members. Nothing says you have to. Get your act together and you will get your KCM after the first day.

 

Even if you have the updates in-hand? I don't understand, you're not operating with out-of-date data.