You jump in:

From the original poster -

My response:

You need to stop shooting before understand what your shooting at there buddy. I am impressed with your knowledge of pieces ALPA's role on the property, but maybe a little more content reading would do some good.

I'm relatively new to UA, but this is by no means my first rodeo, and I have quite a bit of dealings with ALPA. An MEC can put whatever they want out for a vote, or they can survey it, or they can do a combination.

This is a pretty big issue, and one that could be worth being put out for a vote if it gets to the point of being seriously discussed and developed. It wouldn't--and likely couldn't--benefit everyone or work the way we all want it to, and if it failed, it could be a huge expense. But other carriers have done some form of virtual basing, and I personally believe that in some form or fashion, it can work. It's a bit of outside-the-box thinking, and I like that.

I'd just like to have some idea of what the working concept is, and what the real obstacles are.

Several companies have tried satellite basing and it usually doesn't turn out so well. Latest to try...QX with GEG, BOI and MFR bases.

No doubt, the MEC can do a lot of things but keep in mind that the pilots got the contract ratification vote at UAL back in the 80's. Before that the MEC voted for the pilots through their representatives.

Like I stated earlier, I've never seen a single issue vote put out to the pilots unless you want to consider the CBA a single issue. It's just history and it's not likely to change.

Always good advice, buddy, I'll re-read.

There've been many membership ratification votes on the UA property, and most of them have created more problems than they've solved. Reps are quite capable of receiving line pilot sentiment and rendering a vote on the pilots behalf.

Huge potential for abuse by the company. Details need to be disclosed before we consider any kind of satellite or virtual domiciles. UAL can't get the normal contract straight. What makes anyone think they can get this right?

Apology accepted! Curious - when you say "membership ratification votes" you mean when our elected representatives vote for us not that EACH PILOT GETS A VOTE - Right? I only ask because a couple of newhires have joined this thread.

Historically, within ALPA, "membership" ratification is just that: the rank-and-file cast the votes (ex: CBA), as opposed to "MEC" ratification (ex: new policy). At my previous carrier, the MEC made a big show of making sure everyone understood the distinction.

For a major hub and spoke airline with multiple fleet types satellite basing only works under two conditions. No reserve pilots needed(find own replacement if sick) and the ability to pull the base down at any time if marketing makes equipment changes without triggering displacement benefits.

Just give us a base in Florida and I'll be happy.