Well, it doesn't make sense. I read the crew informer from Popolizo and if our ratio of reserves is so much higher than other airlines then why is all this happening? Why are reserves working pretty much everyday and why do we have all the red arrow days? Something is fishy. That's all i'm saying.
Part of the benefit to them in building so many 4 day trips is that not many Regular Pilots can pick up another 4 day trip. Thus, it goes from Future to Current Open time where it can be assigned to a Reserve Pilot. This process helps in the goal of leveling the flying--spreading out flying more equally across the pilot group, but specifically, assigning it to someone who is already getting paid guarantee. It effectively reduces payroll costs. Even if a Reserve Pilot exceeds guarantee, he is probably at a much lower pay rate than a Regular Pilot that may have picked that time up.
We have all the Red Arrow days for several reasons. First, they have to plan for coverage of those same 4 day trips, or any trip in Future Open Time that is coming down the pipeline and ends up in Current Open Time, in addition to estimated sick calls. Another reason could be that Reserve Pilots are trading or swapping Reserve Days around. Red arrow days are simply an early warning that they are at, or near the minimum Reserve coverage for that day. It does not mean that a swap will not be approved, but most likely, very few, one, or none.
They are trying to force flying down, which is exactly what PBS does by setting limits on average line values. They are just doing it manually. In addition, if open time is being held back or not approved when it should be, this forces that flying down to Current Open Time, where it can be assigned to a Reserve Pilot.
