Grandad Flyer -
How long does it take to turn a round the Cattle Class of a Charter Airline?. .It takes at least 15 minutes longer for BA with it's Business Class and larger 767's.. .How long does it take from talking to delivery, fully ready, to wheels off at LHR?. .30 mins minimum plus weather delays etc. Let's say an extra 15 minutes compared to provincial airports.. .What are the average inbound holding delays at LHR at peak times?. .10-15 minutes. .What is the average delay for stand allocation and cumulative taxi time at LHR?. .10 minutes more than a provincial airport.
So a BA crew, doing a LCA there and back must therefore do an extra hours duty, compared to a charter airline.
Now the BIG difference between BA and a Charter company.... .We, at British Airways, have an agreement that if we are required to exceed the CAA Flight Time Limitations then BA must pay a premium. So BA prefer to 'slip' the crew rather than pay us the 'Duty Overrun Payment'.. .Well done BALPA, you have helped BA pilots not be fatigued at the bequest of those scoundrels we call managers! If they wish to fatigue us, then we will be paid extra to prevent them doing it too often.
Now, now, Mr Grandad Flyer, aren't we in a new era where an individual can be imprisoned for operating a mode of transport whilst extremely tired? Do you want to spend your life worried that when you cause the death of other individuals due to your fatigue having done yet another LCA day trip or would you prefer it the BA way?
There must be a limit to these fatigue issues. I feel, as a BA pilot, BALPA have got the right balance, so DON'T KNOCK IT!