Click here to close
New Message Alert
Nothing in CBA says that! Nothng in FARs say that.





Nothing in CBA says that! Nothng in FARs say that.  

  Click Here to have an E-mail Sent to you when a new message is added to this thread
Author: Clarification from Union   Date: 10/4/2021 4:01:57 PM  +0/-0   Show Orig. Msg (this window) Or  In New Window

DUTY PERIOD PLANNING POLICY REMINDER

 

OPEIU Local No109 Pilots,

 

This is a reminder to Pilots to ensure that you are educated and operating within the scope and requirements for Duty Period Planning and to ensure safe operations.

 

ALL planning MUST be done so that you can complete the "flight assignment" and not exceed your 14-hour "Duty Period Assignment," regardless of what "Option" you choose.

 

1) The Company can use a planning matrix for several reasons such as to give customers estimated times, provide ideal expectations of lift and completion times in normal operations, and for general planning purposes. However, pilots MUST be using "actual" and "realistic" planning times to ensure YOUR compliance with the planning requirements i.e. aircraft hangared and not outside, adding of fuel, location, known weather, delay with crew, patient considerations and equipment delays, reposition legs, etc.. To ensure that YOU meet your regulatory obligations "ACTUAL" and "REALISTIC" planning times and events MUST be used. Document these on your matrix form and keep records of them.

 

2) If you are going to turn a flight down for duty time, be sure you can honestly and accurately state your reasoning. This is no different than with weather turn downs. If you can safely and legally accept and take the flight, do it. It's our job. If not, don't. But, be able to justify why and be confident in your decision. If at any time you feel pressured to fly make sure you complete an AIDMOR and ASAP/ASRS report listing the specific manager and circumstances. The Alert Line and/or filing a report with your local FSDO are also resources available to you.

 

3) Flight Duty Assignment "Planning" should include a 'Return-to-Base Leg' that can be completed within 14 hours, including all directives by the Company. The "Option C" of taking a one-way flight MUST be voluntary and agreed upon PRIOR to accepting that flight; and ALL logistical requirements must be met and confirmed (hotel, rental car, etc.) PRIOR to accepting that flight assignment. You have NO obligation to accept a one-way flight assignment, as doing so is a change in working conditions that you as an individual are accepting on a non-precedent setting basis. This "flight assignment" and all known directives MUST also be planned to be completed within the same 14-hour duty period assignment, i.e. drive to get rental car, drive to hotel, return to base drive, etc.

 

4) Most of the issues we are dealing with and addressing are related to the "planning" phase for accepting a "flight assignment." If you can plan to legally accept a flight assignment then you can then legally complete that flight assignment, even if it exceeds 14 hours for circumstances that were outside of the control of the pilot or the certificate holder; as long as it can be completed safely and the fatigue of the pilot and crew have been evaluated.

 

NEVER allow yourself to be pressured to rush your processes and procedures. NEVER jeopardize SAFETY to appease a manager or "try" to capture that flight. Protect YOUR certificate. Protect YOUR crew.

 

We all want the Company and our Pilots to be successful, SAFELY. If you experience any form of threats, coercion, or intimidation (real or perceived), IMMEDIATELY contact your Local or Regional Steward for assistance.
 
Reply    Return-To-Index     Display Full Msg Thread   Rules of Engagement   Terms of Use

Air Methods Salary +0/-3 Johnny Dingo 10/3/2021 9:50:42 AM