12.16.16 – (LAA/LUS) – No Phones on Planes/When Do I Go Illegal?/IPP Tips

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Friday, December 16, 2016

 

• No Phones on Planes – LAA/LUS
• When Do I Go Illegal? – LAA/LUS
• Interim Pay Protection Tips – LAA
   

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No Phones on Planes – LAA/LUS

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has, once again, raised the issue of whether to allow voice calls during flight. Through Wi-Fi connectivity, it is now technically possible to use cellphones to make voice calls during flight without interfering with aircraft operation. It is anticipated that as airborne Wi-Fi connectivity increases and becomes more capable, the pressure to allow voice calls will increase. DOT is soliciting comments on a proposed rule by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and considering whether each air carrier must disclose their policy on phone use during flight to consumers.

APFA continues to oppose voice calls on planes for several reasons including inflight customer experience, passenger comfort, and most importantly, concerns for safety and security. With air rage already a problem, voice calls will likely contribute to increased irritation among passengers who are looking for privacy and rest. In a worst case scenario, inflight calls could be used by terrorists to coordinate an attack. Fortunately, we believe we have the support of the flying public including many members of Congress.
 

• If you become aware of the MIC before 1200 Home Base Time (HBT), add your name to the Make-Up (MU) list and send a HISEND MU ballot for a trip that is scheduled to depart the next day, provided that you were originally scheduled to fly the next day. 

 

• Ensure your name is on the MU list and that you participate in the 12 noon HISEND MU round for each day you were originally scheduled to fly (DOSTF)—even if you believe that you are not legal for any trips. Crew Schedule will not assign you a trip once it realizes that you are not legal for a specific trip(s). Rest assured you will not lose pay protection in these instances.

 

• You can send multiple HISEND MU ballots if you decide to change your preferences, but Crew Schedule only considers your last ballot sent.

 

• Make sure you include “plot to protect” remarks in all of your HISEND MU ballots. You may choose not to do so at the risk of forfeiting pay protection.

 

• You are not obligated to accept a trip that is proffered after the completion of the 1330 MU round.

 

• If you become aware of the MIC after 1200 HBT, call Crew Schedule between 2000 – 2400 HBT for a trip that leaves the next day, provided that you were originally scheduled to fly the next day.

 

• An assigned trip sequence may terminate on a “DO” but cannot conflict with a duty free period (DFP). Keep in mind that not all DFPs run neatly from midnight-to-midnight. Reference your schedule to see when your DFPs begin and end. Moreover, consider the debrief period, since it is also part of a trip sequence.

 

• If assigned a trip sequence at first point of contact about a MIC event, then your obligation is considered fulfilled for all DOSTF.

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