Original Message

Half of the problem. When a base pilot goes on vacation, the remaining pilots are assumed to pick up the uncovered shifts. Some when that pilot returns, and another base pilot goes on vacation (or training away from the base) it is assumed that the retuning pilot will pick up the lion's share of the open shifts. In essence, you get no vacation, because you have to work your normal days off to repay your vacation days that were covered while you were gone. There should be a base relief pilot, so that the assigned base pilots can all get their vacation, sick days, bereavement, and whatever else. Stop filling in for open shifts to "repay" for your entitled vacation days.