webecheck

Prove to me those living in base actually lose something with that trip scenario and why it matters so much to them. Clearly someone in need benefits so I just don't see how it's a bad thing. Seriously, if some senior lives in base dude is like screw both of you commuters i want one extra trip in my pool... That guy needs to be throat punched.

guppie

Settle down Beavis. VB ain't happening here. Move to a base or commute. Majority (and Seniority) rules.

webecheck

I don't care if it does or doesn't. If the union is for it one day, then fine. I commute now, but not for much longer. I have yet to see an argument of why it's truly a bad thing when there would clearly be people who would benefit. Not saying a legit reason doesn't exist though, just haven't seen it yet.

Dave Fitzgerald

The main sticking point of the UAL experiment during the Shuttle era was reserves. I should think that something innovative will be required to account for this in the future.

Forcing a live-in-domicile junior guy to sit reserve in a VB would be a non-starter.

Hrkdrivr

DAL guy chiming in.

Ref the reserves question, the way I understand our implementation, pilots bid into the VB and a certain percentage of those will be on reserve there, i.e., no reserves from existing pilot bases needed to cover VB problems.

Say we're doing a 40-crew MCO ER VB (don't know/care the real number; I'm not on the ER). Then about 8 crews will be on reserve with 32 line-holder crews, whatever pilot numbers those equate to.

Nobody can be forced into a VB (current agreement wording). If they don't get enough volunteers, the company can try to make it work with fewer, I think, or just not award/build a VB.

Test phase for a year. Either the company or DALPA can pull it down at any time during test phase.

Concerns I've read include reducing overall jobs, and the potential a bottom line-holder at a pilot base might be unable to hold a line if flying is shifted from their base to the VB, or lots of pilots junior to them in their base bid away to the VB.

Grumble

One guy gets an improved QOL. That’s raising the bar. What’s to stop B from bidding that Mco layover in your example? Sounds like A was skating by under B’s nose with the layovers at home. His luck ran out.

We already DH reserves to go pick up broken pairings, hows this different? You couldn’t force anyone to go sit reserve in a VB but we do have plenty of volunteers for TDYs as a side note who do it.

I would think guys in domicile would support this... fewer commuters less non rev competition.

Regularguy

Too bad we can’t state if we’re for or against VB, ok being against something is always approved.

This was on the table in the last contract and never got out of discussion. Maybe this time the line pilot might see some verbiage in the future.

crewdawg

Aside from the current issues, I'm worried about what protections the company will want to peel back as "gatekeeper" issues in the next couple contracts, wrt to VB's. Why open ourselves up to that so a few commuters can potentially have home basing?

I'm all for that. However, we're pretty dang healthy for now. But we're not exactly "making the most cake" with these VBs, as we haven't really gotten anything in return for this productivity gain for the company.

First one opens up in June. DALPA is having a special meeting and rumor is that, after lots of complaints to the LECs, it's to discuss stopping the VBs.


Therein lies the problem. We were sold this as "zero cost" item in the contract and we didn't get crap for them. This is a HUGE productivity gain/cost savings for the company...what have we gotten?

It may pull senior pilots, but then again it may pull junior pilots...thus reducing ones seniority. Also, by opening VBs the company is able to cut out a huge amount of credit by dropping all the DH's required to staff MCO flying. They also cut a huge amount of hotels. Guys who would otherwise fill up some of their month with DH's, are now free to fly more lines, thus potentially reducing staffing.

S5 is a much better option. A4 will suffice for renting.

CLazarus

I've been told CLE no longer has a Chief Pilot and is not getting a new one. Anyone have any idea what staff remains there?

Grumble

Latest base guide on FT doesn’t list one, beginning of the end?