Heard an Alaska FO used his cell shortly after the Capt began taxiing away from the gate. Capt requested taxi back to the gate. Upon arrival at the gate, Capt informed the FO he would not be operating as a crewmember on the flight, and a new FO will be needed.

It's a brave new distracted world. On my MIL flights, I always announce "cell phones off" to the crew on the Eng Start Checklist.

 

And 87 retirees..not making much headway. 🤔

 

Actually we are as there were only to be 50 total retirement projected for 2017..... We have 87 guys retired already this year and it's only the middle of July.

 

AKA mini mass exodus; )

 

Yes. What happen to the 150 going out April 2nd? I knew it was a pipe dream, but you should of heard all the others saying it was set in stone. It was laughable.

 

I'm no apologist for UPS management. They reap what that sow. However, there have been indefensible issues with new hires. The IPA is aware of it as well and newhire mentors are stressing it.

Some of the issues;
-using cell phone after aircraft secured for flight.
-failure to silence cell phone and receiving a call during takeoff roll...twice on same trip.
-answering IWatch and asking sim instructor to "hold on a minute, I have to take this."
-numerous new hires not showing for a scheduled flight.
-UTC (unable to contact) while on reserve. UPS policy has always equated it to stealing if done on purpose.
-researching CGN bars on iPhone during partner's debrief from sim training.
-at least 4 cases of tardiness to flight departures in ANC.
-failure to wear a complete uniform in airport terminal. (Not talking about a hat either)

It's got the company and IPA scratching their respective heads. $200k the second year should motivate guys to put their phones away, be on time, and buy reliable transportation while in crashpads.

 

Ha guys making $35k/year know better than to do these things! Oh well I guess it just opens up more spots for guys that know and do better.

 

Man, this has me gritting my teeth hard enough that my wife could hear the squeaking. I'd sell a kidney just to get an interview (maybe even one of mine, who knows?), and people fritter away their opportunity like that?

 

I forgot the best one.

New hire on a jumpseat videoing operating crew's landing and posting it to social media with comments added that "the Capt really screwed this up." Said Capt was former IPA Executive Board member, discovered social media post when someone emailed the screenshot, and then went to IPA Pro Standards.

 

NO KIDDING!! I would do just about anything to get the call and can assure you I wouldn't squander the opportunity. Funny though, nothing surprises me in this brave new world.