Capped Actuals Scenario (Support Crew)
This hasn’t happened yet, but it could, perhaps it should.
A trail back to UK from way out west. Some fast jets, a couple of Hercs, a Tristar, and a Nimrod. Minimum time on the ground as the trail crosses North America for the hop across the pond.
One of the AT/AAR aircraft goes u/s with a minor snag, easily fixable by the support crew flying with their aircraft. What used to happen:- The support crew work into the night, fix the aircraft, miss out on a decent meal but stuff a few left over flight rations down their necks. Back to the hotel, they have their 50 odd dollars, they have a few beers and a bowl of peanuts, a few hours kip, back up for an early start and everyone gets away on time. Job done. Support crew asleep down the back. Didn’t get a proper meal but are ‘compensated’ with the $30 left over in their wallets. Morale is high.
Capped Actuals Scenario
The u/s component is in the spares pack up. But the support crew have been ‘at work’ for just as long as the crew, even if they were cat napping down the back. But if they work the snag, they will not be certain of an evening meal. This is made worse by the inflexibility of Capped Actuals in that they won’t get any cash which they can spend as they wish.
Do I need to spell it out further?
A 24 Hour delay. 150 personnel having an extra night in a hotel (and more capped actual meals) and all those aircraft back home a day late, which has a serious knock on effect for our overstretched transport fleet.
All for the sake of a few dollars to spend as you wish, and to be treated like an adult.
Morale, welfare and loyalty go by the wayside.
Whoever gave the nod to Capped Actuals should hang their head in shame.