Freedom Pilots Loading Bags

[PCL_128]

whether you are trained or not has absolutely nothing to do with whether you are covered is something goes wrong or you get hurt. That is a lame excuse and is not correct at all. Helping out once in a while is definately part of any job.

As a former union rep that dealt with this crap all the time, I can assure you that you are most certainly not covered when you are doing things outside of your job description. If you get injured while throwing bags, then workman's comp doesn't cover your injury. If you injure a wheelchair passenger while pushing them up the jetbridge, then that passenger can hold you personally liable, because you were not trained in the operation of the wheelchair and you were not authorized to handle that job in your job description.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Sorry man, if the company holds out on me (in a myriad of ways), I'll hold out on them (i.e. going out of my way.)

Slinging bags as a 121 pilot? Get real dude. That's a job which is already spoken for. Maybe in 91 or 135 (depending on the outfit) where you cater to a client and not the common cattle trash.

 

[navigatro]

As a former union rep that dealt with this crap all the time, I can assure you that you are most certainly not covered when you are doing things outside of your job description. If you get injured while throwing bags, then workman's comp doesn't cover your injury. If you injure a wheelchair passenger while pushing them up the jetbridge, then that passenger can hold you personally liable, because you were not trained in the operation of the wheelchair and you were not authorized to handle that job in your job description.

My brother is a worker's comp manager for a major manufacturer. He says that you are absolutely wrong.

 

[PCL_128]

My brother is a worker's comp manager for a major manufacturer. He says that you are absolutely wrong.

I doubt you even have a brother that works in this area, but I'll humor you. Your brother's employer may not challenge these cases, but many other employers do. The law is clear: if you engage in activities at work that aren't part of your job, then you are not entitled to worker's comp payments. Your employer may be benevolent enough to let you get by with it, but if they decide to challenge your claim, then they'll win. Since most airlines aren't exactly benevolent, then good luck on them not challenging you.

 

[EmeliaE]

I non-reved on Freedom Flt 6211 (JFK-CVG) a few days ago and during boarding BOTH the CPT & FO left the flight deck and started loading bags.

Is this now a required flight crew duty over at Freedom?

I am sure it ruined your day as you 'did not' get the response you were looking for, did ya?

If Air Blue pilots can clean the cabin, what's wrong with Freedom pilots helping with bags.

 

[navigatro]

I doubt you even have a brother that works in this area, but I'll humor you. Your brother's employer may not challenge these cases, but many other employers do. The law is clear: if you engage in activities at work that aren't part of your job, then you are not entitled to worker's comp payments. Your employer may be benevolent enough to let you get by with it, but if they decide to challenge your claim, then they'll win. Since most airlines aren't exactly benevolent, then good luck on them not challenging you.

You can doubt all you want, but as long as you are working for the same employer, and doing "work" i.e. not choking on a hot dog at lunch, then you are covered. That is the rule in this state, and many others, whether you are covered by the state worker's comp program, or are privately (or self) insured. I do not need your humor. I deal in facts. Ask the worker's comp manager at your company.

 

[PCL_128]

Ask the worker's comp manager at your company.

No need. This company has already challenged worker's comp for a pilot going "above and beyond" and getting injured in the process a few years ago. They won.

 

[Speedtape]

No need. This company has already challenged worker's comp for a pilot going "above and beyond" and getting injured in the process a few years ago. They won.

Whether they cover or not is NOT the Question! Do you get paid to do it and who is watching the cockpit?

 

[PCL_128]

Whether they cover or not is NOT the Question! Do you get paid to do it and who is watching the cockpit?

Hey, I'm not disagreeing, but I think all of it is relevant. There are multiple problems here:

1. you're not covered
2. you're not getting paid
3. you have other work to do in the cockpit
4. the rampers could grieve it if they're unionized (I've actually seen this from NWA rampers)
5. it demeans the profession

Take your pick of reasons, but it's just a bad idea all around.

 

[hockeypilot44]

It amazes me that some pilots will go hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt to take a job that pays so little that he/she qualifies for food stamps, and then that pilot will go above and beyond and load bags in 90 degree weather while wearing a uniform with a white shirt for no compensation.

 

[BoilerUP]

It amazes me that some pilots will go hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt to take a job that pays so little that he/she qualifies for food stamps, and then that pilot will go above and beyond and load bags in 90 degree weather while wearing a uniform with a white shirt for no compensation.

So the United pilot featured in the WSJ a while back that personally speaks with his passengers and escorts UMs on and off the airplane is out of line?

What about all those Southwest pilots I saw on "Airline!" that helped little old ladies in wheelchairs? Are they unprofessional?

Do you also choose to not help passengers when they ask you where a certain gate is?

It ain't about mainline or regional buddy...its about people taking the initiative to come together and get the job done for their passengers (you know, those damn people that allow you to collect a paycheck) when things are at their worst.

(I notice you edited your post to take out the "I fly for money, you must do it as a hobby" line...nice touch)

 

[Amish RakeFight]

So the United pilot featured in the WSJ a while back that personally speaks with his passengers and escorts UMs on and off the airplane is out of line?
The PR nonsense re: the about-to-retire 777 captain?

What about all those Southwest pilots I saw on "Airline!" that helped little old ladies in wheelchairs? Are they unprofessional?
It's called TV. You wouldn't believe how orchestrated and contrived it really is behind the scenes.

Do you also choose to not help passengers when they ask you where a certain gate is? If you cant figure out where your gate is, you're an imbecile and shouldn't be traveling alone. Avoid eye contact with bewildered eyes.

It ain't about mainline or regional buddy...its about people taking the initiative to come together and get the job done for their passengers (you know, those damn people that allow you to collect a paycheck) when things are at their worst.
passengers suck and so does terminal food. what you're breeding is in sociological jargon, "a false consciousness." The airlines are no longer a community in which this type of behavior would actually help. It is WAY too divided.

(I notice you edited your post to take out the "I fly for money, you must do it as a hobby" line...nice touch)

The airlines are dog-eat-dog. For the most part, passengers are rude, demanding and really dont give a flying fark about you or your nice deed. It's thankless work. Believe me.

But Boiler, I will say this. You seem like a stand up moral/ethical guy who would make any mom proud. And I say this sincerely. Your mom brought you up right. It's just that some things just aren't worth it.

 

[BoilerUP]

But Boiler, I will say this. You seem like a stand up moral/ethical guy who would make any mom proud. And I say this sincerely. Your mom brought you up right. It's just that some things just aren't worth it.

I appreciate the compliment...its definitely a rare thing on Flightinfo these days.

Perhaps I'm just full of youthful idealism, but when I drove an RJ I viewed my job responsibilities not just as a guy in the pointy end going from Point A to B but as an employee in a service industry that has long since forgotten even the basic tenants of "service".

Its not like I helped with carry-on bags or pushed wheelchairs every trip or even every month...but when I thought a situation warranted me doing a little bit above and beyond the duties in my FOM, I took the initiative to make it happen. I'd also be lying if I didn't say most of those situations had a self-serving end...which I'm sure was part of those Freedom pilots' reasoning as well.

As I said before I didn't do anything special and certainly don't feel I deserve any kudos...guess I just treated folks the way I'd want to be treated in those situations.

:0

 

[Turtlesfly]

alright, maybe FO's starting the APU's was a bit of a stretch . . . but basic idea applies.


One other thought: we at XJT have to print our own releases in 2 of our 3 bases - and the 3rd one is coming. The makeshift printers in the terminal never work right and it's a huge hassle. Simple cost-saving measures, and we pretty much have no say in it.

 

[jea]

I think that is actually a great example! it doesnt take 30 minutes to run the preflight checks in the plane I fly... and its good PR... passengers dont know what we do- honestly are you the guy who sits up there and trys to look extra busy so your job looks that much more impressive?

Who's running the preflight checks? Maybe you missed your calling. Leading by example is part of the job! Most of your passengers would probably prefer to see their flight crew being diligent, disciplined, and professional--and in the flight deck!

I would have great concern as a passenger seeing a pilot loading the bags and then hopping in the cockpit to fly the flight. Who's minding the store?

What are you trying to prove? It sure isn't Leadership by Example as your example is not one most would want to follow.