Impact of change in Flight Time/Rest reg on pilot staffing

[dirkdigler]

What do you all think how much the change in flight time/rest reg will have an impact on pilot staffing at airlines? (How much, why, counter arguments, etc.)

 

[BeCareful!]

I predict the quick recall of all major airline furloughs and probably hiring at all the majors by August. The next round of furloughs will follow in October or November, retirement age will change to 70.

 

[BeCareful!]

In all seriousness, has anything been announced that we can use in order to predict? Until I hear some numbers (rest requirements, duty time limits, etc.) it would just be a WAG

 

[dirkdigler]

In all seriousness, has anything been announced that we can use in order to predict? Until I hear some numbers (rest requirements, duty time limits, etc.) it would just be a WAG

Indeed. I am keenly interested in what FAA will publish on NPRM and as the eventual final version not only as a staffing issue but also as a safety issue, as we all know how rediculous it has been...

 

[dirkdigler]

i predict the quick recall of all major airline furloughs and probably hiring at all the majors by august. The next round of furloughs will follow in october or november, retirement age will change to 70.

lol!!

 

[SuperFLUF]

IF the new flight, duty & rest rules will require increased staffing, I guarantee the FAA will allow the airlines to phase in the rules over a period of time that is favorable to them. (think years not months)

 

[Yuppyguppy]

Just like they phased in age 65

 

[SuperFLUF]

Just like they phased in age 65

That was a benefit for the airlines. Apples to oranges.
Everything that costs the airlines money gets phased in.

 

[ACL65PILOT]

It will not effect airlines that have trip and duty rigs like DAL, it will kill the regionals as their costs per block hr will go way up.

I also expect to see hiring.

 

[Hutchman]

Just like they phased in age 65

The FAA did not change the rule. The freedom to fly act did.

 

[contrail67]

It will not effect airlines that have trip and duty rigs like DAL, it will kill the regionals as their costs per block hr will go way up.

I also expect to see hiring.

At what level...regional or Major...the hiring.

 

[pilotyip]

unintended consequence

Remember for every action there is an unintended consequence. If this ads crewmembers without increasing revenue, either wages have to go down or fares have to go up. If fares go up fewer people ride, thus fewer flights, fewer airplanes, fewer pilots and fewer Capt seats. So while this may be look like a good thing, it may end up being good for a few and not so good for many others.

 

[WolfManPack]

I don't think so...

Remember for every action there is an unintended consequence. If this ads crewmembers without increasing revenue, either wages have to go down or fares have to go up. If fares go up fewer people ride, thus fewer flights, fewer airplanes, fewer pilots and fewer Capt seats. So while this may be look like a good thing, it may end up being good for a few and not so good for many others.

While I understand what your saying here, you do realize that in many cases, it is more expensive to get in a car and drive to your destination than it is to fly. Flying is premium travel and folks generally understand that concept. The problem has been that carriers have not been willing to place premium prices on premium travel because of priceline.com, etc.

Airlines could charge substantially more for the tickets and people would still fly. The more relevant question is at what "price point" will the traveling public say it's not worth it any more.

For gasoline for example, when a gallon of gas hit $4.00 per gallon, people changed their driving and day-to-day living habits. What is the price point of a ticket to fly across the USA or over to Europe? I submit that it's no where close to what people pay today to travel by air.

When air carriers increase their ticket prices by just 5 or 10 dollars it tremendously increases their bottom line. I don't see an increase in $15 per ticket causing the general public to rethink their vacation plans.

If all the carriers are affected equally by the rule, then it will just simply be a cost of doing business increase passed along to consumers.

I really believe airline employees have had enough with management attempts to take money out of their wallets to subsidize the company.

 

[Jetjockey]

Let them eat cake........................whilst driving in their cars down the interstate. I for one will not subsidize another vacation or business trip!

 

[GuinessGuy]

My big fear is the days of 85 hours of credit/block with 17 days off will go the way of Pan Am!!!!

I don't want 85 credit/block hrs with 10 days off!!!!!!