It is rumoured that my company is looking to upgrade some F/O's for Summer only, then put them back in the RHS for the remainder of the year!!
I'm sure the F/O's in question will jump at the chance, as most, but what about the implications of this?
- Safety Implications - Straight in at the deep end. Summer flying then expected to operate as an F/O for the rest of the year (or both as and when required!!).
- CRM Issues (=Safety issues) - You've been operating as a Captain all Summer, then your back in the RHS as an F/O. Where is the Authority gradient now?
- Pay issues - You go onto Captains wages, then back onto F/O wages.....
- Seasonal issues - Like most Airlines, especially in Summer, Captains and F/O's are expexted to be flexible. What happens if your company is short of Captains one week when you are now back to the RHS, will they expect you to fly as a Captain? (I'll bet they will)
- Line checks - Are you checked out as a Captain or an F/O, or both.....????
- Not to mention the atmosphere such Commands will create between crews!!!
I'm not saying I'm against such a policy, but it would be interesting to find out what impact (if any) such a policy has had on any other Airlines (UK)!
ps What is the CAA's line on this?