February 1, 2012

Below is an update on current issues. Please take a few moments to read about these issues, as I feel they are important for every FedEx pilot to understand.

Flight and Duty Time Update

This week, I am in Washington meeting with members of ALPA’s Government Affairs and Legal departments, members of our Legislative Affairs team, and the National Officers. I am scheduled to receive an update on our recent legislative efforts. I will be on Capitol Hill this week with our Legislative Affairs team in support of that effort. Additionally, I have made arrangements to meet with ALPA’s legal team as we continue to evaluate all of our options going forward.

I previously wrote that the Department of Transportation publicly advised that it would undertake a campaign to encourage cargo operators to opt into Part 117. I will be attending the Aero Club luncheon where Secretary of Transportation LaHood will speak to that effort and other developments at the DOT. Finally, I will also have the opportunity to meet with IPA President Bob Travis to discuss the possibility of collaborative efforts.

Part 117

As the FTDT team has stated in the past, we want the new Flight and Duty Time rules versus the old Part 121 rules. That does not mean that Part 117 is perfect. Most recently, ALPA’s FTDT team submitted “Technical Correction Considerations” to the FAA to rectify some of these issues (click here to view this document). In addition, the team has been running bid pack scenarios researching solutions to some of the issues in Part 117.

As you recall, I pressed FedEx to clearly advise the pilots where they stood on the “opt in.” The Company responded to my inquiries with a letter which is available here for your reference. The bottom line is that they have not made a decision concerning the Part 117. 

Fatigue Rick Management Committee (FRMC)

On January 17^th, the FDX ALPA FRMC team met with key Company Fatigue Risk Management Group (FRMG) members and discussed rollout of a new fatigue form within the ASAP reporting system. The plan includes the Company publishing a communication piece first with an overview of the FRMP (op spec A317). We will follow up with our own communication piece.

United States Postal Service Update

For months, we have been monitoring the situation at the USPS. The cutbacks are now beginning to take shape and unfortunately, it appears that they might affect FedEx. There is still wide divergence in opinion of how much of an impact the postal cutbacks will have on our operation. The excerpts below come from various news sources:

• FedEx may see a drop of more than 27% (in Postal Contract volume only, not overall volume for FedEx Express (edit added)) in 2013 for a federal mail-flying contract if annual revenue from carrying USPS express, priority and first-class mail shrinks to less than $1 billion, according to SJ Consulting. A Postal Service goal of saving $2.1 billion a year isn’t reachable without “a reduction of the number of packages that they will need transported by air.”

• 1.4 Billion: That's how much money the U.S. Postal Service paid FedEx to deliver mail via cargo jets in fiscal 2010. Now that the agency is looking to slash its budget, airfreight is seen as a place to cut. Sending fewer packages by plane could reduce the payments to FedEx by about $400 million a year, according to SJ Consulting Group.

• One of those interested observers watching the USPS cutbacks will be FedEx Corp. FedEx Corp.Latest from The Business JournalsFedEx to pay 0,000 civil fine to U.S. governmentReport predicts Wilmington Air Park may struggle to take offReport: postal cuts may cost businesses 0M annuallyFollow this companyThe Memphis-based company has a multifaceted relationship with the largest postal operator in the world and changes to one will affect the other. “As a major customer of and supplier to the U.S. Postal Service, we support efforts to ensure that the Postal Service is able to successfully manage its business,” said Maury Donahue, manager of regulatory and public affairs communications for FedEx (NYSE: FDX). “FedEx has not taken a position on the various recent proposals. However, we have long advocated changes that would. On the surface, it may seem like the service reduction of a competitor might help FedEx, but the truth is more complex.”Morningstar Inc.Latest from The Business JournalsRutledge hire pays big for CharterMorningstar: Artisan team 'manager of year' Sears Holdings announces some store closuresFollow this company

Depending on how you measure it, the USPS is FedEx’s largest customer, but the USPS is not just a customer, not simply a competitor, and not just a logistics client - the relationship is more complicated. It is my opinion that the FedEx relationship is the best thing that the USPS has going for it. Additionally, it should be kept in mind that air freight that is presently being moved now through the USPS will still have to be flown in some manner by someone, and will likely land at FedEx or UPS at some ratio. We are continuously monitoring this situation and will update you as more information comes available.

Thank you for taking the time to read some of the current issues your union is addressing and monitoring. Please continue to stay informed and engaged as we move forward.

 In Unity,

Captain Scott Stratton
FDX ALPA MEC Chairman

The 1^st Quarter regularly scheduled FDX MEC Meeting will convene on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Memphis. The MEC meeting agenda will be published at a later date.

Concurrently with the MEC meeting, the Memphis Local Councils (7, 22 & 26) will hold their joint local council meetings on Wednesday February 15, 2012 convening at 10:00 am. Agenda and location will be provided at a later date.

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We are now entering into our third week of educating legislators on the Hill regarding the new FTDT rule and the exclusion of cargo operations from the new rule. To say that we are disappointed about the ruling is the understatement of the year. ALPA had over 100 meetings with staff and members thus far with many more scheduled this week.
 
Mostly every Legislative Office that has been met with understands the concept that excluding cargo from the rules has a major consequence to the overall flying public safety. They all get the idea that “one level of safety” is safety for all. Partial safety will eventually produce negative consequences. It is sort of like having watertight integrity for only half of a boat. Eventually the boat will sink.
 
We are working towards the introduction of a bill that would fix this egregious error in the new FAR 117 and include cargo operations in the new rule.
 
As the National Transportation Safety Chairman Deborah Hersman said after the final rule was released, expressing her disappointment on the cargo cut out, “A tired pilot is a tired pilot, whether there are 10 paying customers on board or 100, whether the payload is passengers or pallets.”
 
In addition to the FTDT, we are also pushing hard on a final FAA reauthorization bill that is on its 23rd extension. The conferees are meeting today as they go into formal conference. We are still fully engaged in discussing the final language on lithium battery regulation. ALPA anticipates a final, fully funded, multi-year FAA bill soon. We have been lobbying on the Hill for the past 4 years on this Bill.
 
Thank you for your continued support and interest in Legislative Affairs. Our sole focus is the betterment of our dues paying members and the protection and enhancement of our profession.

In Unity,

Captain Fred Eissler
FDX MEC Legislative Affairs Committee Chairman

Don’t forget to Bid!

Fellow FedEx brothers & sisters,

As many of you know, we started a Foundation a few years back to support kids with life-threatening medical conditions pursuing their dream of playing sports and other activities. Many of you have already made a big impact of spreading the word, writing articles, etc. in support of the Foundation.

I wanted to let you know of our 1st Annual Golf Tournament in Phoenix on April 9th to raise funds for these great kids and families. Below is ALL the information and how to register. This course is a private, BEAUTIFUL course!  It will be in PRISTINE shape as later that week will be their annual "Member/Guest" tourney. For $85, it's a GREAT value! Just for that price it would be a steal to play it, but you will also be receiving a golf shirt, balls, dinner, and other goodies.  

Click here for more information on how to register.

Thanks for your support,

F/O Jan Tavrytzky

FFDO Issues:

Due to the recent reorganization at FDX Flight Management, the ACP position for flight ops security no longer exists. If you have an FFDO operational issue with the company, please contact Skip Hammack (skip.hammack@fedex.com). Skip replaces ACP Billy Wilson as the FDX Corporate FFDO Contact. 

There have been several attempts to make major FFDO SOP changes that would have not been received well by FFDO's. These changes would have placed greater restrictions and requirements upon how we do business. Several months ago, FDX ALPA, along with stakeholders from other airlines, was successful in getting the FAMS Flight Program Division to stop and hold off on these proposed changes. Many of us feel that FAMS only did this because of the uproar that was jointly raised by all the stakeholders.

For the past several years, the FAMS Flight Program Division has held stakeholder meetings where they solicit input and put out information that we then pass along to our members. However, for years, we pass information and concerns to them, and it falls on deaf ears. We make recommendations on fixing the FFDO SOP. The SOP and procedures don't change. They try to make changes without our input. They buy and field new equipment without properly testing it in the field.  They roll out training changes, show us what they are doing, instead of taking our input on the front end. Huge amounts of money are being spent and wasted, money that is in short supply. So, we find ourselves at a crossroads with the program that in an era of declining security dollars might have a catastrophic negative consequence. 

Currently on Capitol Hill, the Federal Flight Deck Officer Association, FFDOA, a non-trade organization made up of FFDO's from all major carriers, is lobbying for an FFDO Technical Improvements Bill. These improvements address many of the deficiencies of our program. While I won't go into the details of this proposed legislation, it will be a game changer for FFDO's in a very positive way. FFDOA has been a great advocate for FFDO's and I ask that if you are an FFDO, you take the time to look at their website at ffdoa.org. I also further ask that you stand ready, if the opportunity presents itself, to contact your federal representatives to support the FFDO Technical Improvements, should FFDOA be successful in their efforts to get it introduced in Congress.

Security Incidents:

Please ensure that if you have a security incident, you report it to the company, law enforcement, or security where appropriate. Please ensure that you follow up your report to ALPA, as we can't help fix it if we don't know about it. Prior to making a statement that is non time critical, please seek assistance with us in order to protect your rights.

ALPA and FDX have created a Security Event Review Committee as a review process for security events. This committee's goal is to ensure that security events are properly dealt with, and that our policies and procedures are working. In past meetings and phone conversations, we have had candid and frank talk about issues, and it has led to procedural improvements in communications, duty officer actions, GOC actions, etc. More on this in future updates.

International Security:

The best way to not be a victim is to be a hard target. Stay informed and educated. FedEx and ALPA both have great resources to help you know what is going on in the world prior to stepping to the jet. Take advantage of these resources. Sign up for the Security Textcaster for timely security updates. 

Have a game plan for your crew when abroad, in the chance that you are in a location that has an incident. Our adversaries have seen that targeting hotels frequented by westerners gets them great 24/7 news coverage. Make sure you report hotel incidents to the company, the Hotel Committee, and the Security Committee. During the past Mumbai attacks, quick actions by crewmembers kept them from being victims, because they were educated, informed, and had a plan of action. 

Recognition:

Captain Randy "Ranger" Cheston has stepped down from the MEC Security Committee. I want to take this opportunity to thank Randy for his selfless dedication to help keep our pilots and skies safer and secure. Randy's determination and experience helped us in our battles to improve the FFDO program, despite the obstacles we have had placed in our way. He also has helped educate pilots and family members at several workshops and conferences in Memphis and in Washington DC, all of which were received with rave reviews. If you see Randy on the line, he deserves your thanks, let him know. 

In closing, I ask you stayed informed, report incidents, and if it doesn't look right, it probably isn't.  Fly Safe!

Captain Bill McReynolds
FDX MEC Security Committee Chairman

If you do nothing else this week, PLEASE commit these two things to memory: 

1. An ASAP report fulfills the requirement of an FSR (stomp stomp stomp) and has the added benefit of what the FAA refers to as "Certificate Enforcement Incentives."

2. You have ONLY 24 hours domestically and 48 hours internationally from the END OF THE

DUTY PERIOD in which the incident occurred to file an ASAP Report.

These two items will save you lots of headache and heartache. If you don't have your computer or if you can't log in, CALL THE ASAP HOTLINE at 901-224-5203 and leave your name, employee number, flight number etc. within the deadline mentioned above. After this, you have 72 hours to file your ASAP report.

As always, call the ALPA Safety Office at 901-842-2204 if you have questions.

As you are most likely aware, the scheduling survey officially ended a few months ago. It has taken us some time, but we have officially tabulated the results of the survey, and want to thank the members who took the time to provide input to us. We will be briefing the MEC during their meeting in February, after which time we will report to the membership. Thank you for your patience.

Chip Fox, Gregg Hall, & Robin Sebasco
Scheduling Survey Team

The Safety Committee is looking for a 777 and a 757 FMT (FOQA Monitoring Team) Member. Experience with computer programming is not required, but would be extremely helpful in our efforts to improve the program. A basic understanding of data analysis and spreadsheet and data manipulation is desired. Anyone with an interest in participating in the FOQA program and qualified in either seat on the 777 or 757 is invited to send a resumé to Fedex-SafetyChair@alpa.org. This doesn't need to be a formal document - simply outline your experience and your desire to participate in FOQA.

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A study presented at the October meeting of the ICAO North Atlantic Scrutiny Group (SG/5) has revealed that a significant number of lateral deviations on the North Atlantic were due to a misunderstanding of weather deviation procedures by pilots. Clearly this presents a potential for loss of separation events; especially when a large number of aircraft divert from track to avoid build-ups of severe weather.

The procedure for weather deviations is described in Chapter 13 of the NAT Doc007 (formerly the NAT MNPS Manual) and is set out in the bulletin on the Flight Safety Page of the ALPA Web Site here: http://fdx.alpa.org/Portals/26/docs/Safety/natwxdev.pdf 

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On February 9, 2012 at 0901Z (0001L), the airspace in and around Anchorage AK will undergo a major restructuring. This restructuring is necessitated by the decommissioning of the (ANC) VOR and the commissioning of the new (TED) VOR which will be located about 5 miles from the old ANC VOR - now on the Anchorage International Airport property.

This change will affect numerous fix locations, procedures, frequencies and magnetic variations. There will be 62 procedure changes at 13 different airports including  PANC. The Enroute High and Low charts will have 52 amended airways and 8 original airways added. This included 1 Amber route, 6 Q routes, 5 T routes, 21 victor airways and 10 jet routes. Also PANC runway 14/32 will be changed to 15/33 but the numbers on the runway won’t be repainted to show this change until a later date.

Aircrews that depart for PANC prior to the changeover but scheduled to land after the February 9, 2012 0910Z change over time should ensure they have copies of the new procedures prior to departure. Look for an FCIF from the company and extra data from dispatchers if your flight is affected by this changeover. 

According to Anchorage ATC, aircraft arriving at PANC within a few hours after the new procedures are in effect can expect radar vectors to the ILS and will be given alternate missed approach instructions.

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The 2012 FDX MEC ePocket Calendar files have been posted to the FDX ALPA website (click here). The zip file contains PDF versions of the quick reference pages in the MEC Calendar and iCalendar files for importing into calendar programs.

We would like to thank Captain Susie Latvala and her dedicated team for their hard work in making the print and electronic versions of the Pocket Calendar possible.

ePocket Calendar improvements this year include:

- The PDFs have hyperlinked bookmarks for each significant section. Due to software deficiencies, the hyperlinks don't work with most common Android PDF readers. Works great on computers and iPhone.

- The iCalendar files contain all the FDX MEC bid month events such as: Bid Open, Bid Award, Expense Report, Payday, etc. These files are standard .ics files which are compatible w/many calendar programs. The files now come in Zulu and Mem/Local flavors. There is also a ReadMe file that includes notes on Google Calendars and smart phones.

Please Note: Due to errors on the Flight Safety page, the Contract_Info PDF file was Revised on 19 Jan 2012.

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We recently added the Seniority Crystal Ball Program to the FDX MEC website. This seniority calculation program will show you what your overall system seniority will be annually until retirement. This is based on the Age 65 retirement and is drawn from the data in the ALPA database. This information while interesting is obviously a worst case scenario, as we have no way of projecting when individuals will leave the seniority list.

To access this program, look in the Pilot Services Tab, or click here.  

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The cruise will take place aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship Monarch of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral on Friday, December 7th, 2012 (Pearl Harbor Day).

How can you help us?

For more information, please call Al Schroeder, Advisor to the Museum Board and Program Manager, at 407 679 6674.

Please visit www.thankyouveteranscruise.org (website currently under construction).

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