This is Scott Sherrin with a special
MEC hotline on Wesdnesday, September 12 at 12 noon Mountain Time.
America West has postponed resumption
of scheduled service until Thursday at 0900 Mountain Time. Diverted
aircraft and passengers may operate from outstations today if the
FAA allows.
Many pilots have raised questions
and concerns about wearing their uniforms. Pilots should de-identify
themselves during travel to the airport. Once you are inside the
secure portion of the terminal, change into full uniform with your
ID plainly visible on the outside.
If you are a commuter pilot at home,
Crew Scheduling will contact you as pairings are constantly being
revised. Please wait for their call to you.
Given the nature of the emergency,
the MEC did temporarily suspend the rules of the contract to get
ourselves back on our feet. Obviously, it is hard to comply with
a four-hour reroute if there is not physical way to get crews home.
Likewise, the MEC has expressed that if crews feel the need to get
home to their families and are able to get home safely, they should
be able to do so without repercussion. Do not exceed FAR limitations
and do not exceed your own personal limitations. We do not need
to compound yesterday’s tragedy with a fatigue-related event. We
also ask that you keep us and the company informed.
Please call your LEC representatives
or the MEC office with questions.
The following is a repeat of today’s
earlier hotline update:
Once operations resume, all airlines
and airports are implementing heightened security measures for the
protection of passengers and employees. These include:
” All airports will have a one-time
AOA Security Inspection.
” All employees will be subject to inspections and random ID
checks. Please carry two forms of picture IDs with you at all times
in any airport.
” Increased sensitivity of metal detectors and random wand
searches, including searches of employees.
” All aircraft will undergo a comprehensive sweep and search
before being cleared for operations.
” Increased visibility of police and resumption of active Federal
Sky Marshals on flights.
” Ban on all knives.
” Ban on in-terminal sale of any item not allowed on aircraft.
” 48-hour embargo on all mail and cargo.
” Passengers only beyond security checkpoints.
As part of the order allowing service
to resume, the FAA is requiring each airline to provide its Certificate
Management Office with a detailed plan for resumption, including
information on proposed operations and repositioning of aircraft.
Waivers may be granted for MEL items, certain ADs, and flight time
limitations. However, acceptance of such waivers is strictly at
the flight crew’s discretion.
This is an interim action only. ALPA
is working closely with the FAA, and the FAA will be conferring
with the airlines and ALPA this afternoon to determine what measures
must be accomplished to fully resume normal flight operations.
All crews at outstations should stay
in place until contacted by Crew Scheduling.
We will provide more information
as it is available.
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