8.23.21 – Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Activated

Monday, August 23, 2021

Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Activated

The U.S. Department of Defense notified American Airlines that they have activated Stage 1 of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). On September 1st of each year, American releases a communication to allow Flight Attendants to either add or remove their names from the CRAF list, pursuant to JCBA Section 19.D. This is the list that will be used to staff CRAF flying, and only active Flight Attendants on the list will be considered. If you are on the CRAF list, you may reference Section 8.10.1 of the Inflight Manual (IFM) for operating procedures.

These trips may involve ferrying aircraft to destinations in Europe and/or the Arabian peninsula to pre-position them for the evacuation flights. You will not have duties on these ferry flights other than performing safety checks, arming/disarming doors, etc.

Bidding for CRAF Sequences

CRAF sequences will be awarded in CRAF system seniority order up until 0800 CT the day before the sequence originates.

• CRAF bidding will be conducted outside of our normal bidding and trading systems using an online ballot. The ballot is currently under construction and will be updated once finalized. Continue to check the CRAF page on the Flight Service website for updates.
• You will be able to bid for a specific CRAF sequence or any CRAF flying using the instructions provided in the ballot.
• Sequences created two days before departure and up to 0800 CT the day before departure will be awarded in CRAF system seniority order. For trips awarded two days before origination, awards will be made via positive contact between 1000 and 1300 CT. For trips awarded one day before origination, Crew Scheduling will make positive contact between 0800 and 1000 CT.
• Sequences created after 0800 CT the day before departure will be awarded in CRAF seniority order within the base from which the sequence is departing.

If you are awarded a CRAF sequence that originates outside your crew base, you will be provided positive space travel to the originating airport and overnight accommodations the day before the report time for that sequence. If you are a commuter and picking up a CRAF sequence from your own base, you are responsible for commuting into base.