Whatever, never done it, never will...

What a w@nker.


Narrow runway - you hit the nail on the head. You've been here a while or have been taught to use your brain.

I love filling the off-base notification. That is the only time the company is actually asking me if I am willing to operate the flight. I hit NOOOO and continue to contribute to my CDT levels in Marhaba lounge!

I really don't know what the fuss is all about. I regularly leave base on days off, and always complete the off base notification. I use it to my benefit as they don't call me when away (several times been called on off days when on base) and if it suits me to operate back (saving about 900 Dhs in UK tax alone outbound) I would, but so far it has never been requested. The one colleague I know who operated a flight back negotiated a very favourable deal for the rest of his roster as they were in a tight spot. Win/win. There are lots of things which are unpalatable with EK requirements, but this is not one of them. Shows just how paranoid our pilots are when this becomes an issue.

Paranoia Rules. I fill it in for all my days off as soon as I get my roster. Only recently, when off base, scheduling called to ask if I could operate (ex-DXB) that day, but then realised I was off base...proving that the system works and protects your off days from no-notice roster changes..If it suits me I will indicate that I'm willing to operate, as it would give me a great bargaining chip for roster modification, callout pay, free trip back to DXB, etc. My licence/medical lives with my passport, so it's usually with me, as is my ID card (required to be carried on staff travel, don't you know).

It's a very small beer issue, that works to your advantage.

Come the next month the good deed will be totally forgotten and there will be 92 hours of fun and excitement.

Let them be in a tight spot as it's their problem. If we were rostered sensibly and treated with a degree of respect by management, perhaps you would not be put in a position of being asked to operate back, due to a colleague who has gone sick down route.

You don't need to fill in the offbase notification to be asked to operate from an outstation anyway. TRIPS can be checked to show who has flown to the outstation concerned and not returned to Dubai. This is another reason why it can be beneficial to use other airlines for staff travel. You don't need any of your credentials as copies will be sent to the outstation to enable you to operate back.

The easiest thing to do is say you enjoyed a couple of glasses of red in the last hour or so and therefore can't operate until the required 12 hours has elapsed.

I know one person who arrived at the airport as a passenger and the ASM realised who he was and then took him to one side and explained that his services were being requested to operate back. If you pull the 'I have just had a drink' card then that closes the matter there and then. You will spend a lot more time getting them to listen if you simply just say 'No'.

I fill in the form. I am afraid I would rather pay the tax and ticket fare back to the sand rather than operate, as these Pr@cks will not give me leave, limit my days off, and have not given a cost of living pay rise for years. Best they sort their problems without my help.

In Summary...Use it to your advantage if it benefits you, don't if it it doesn't. Don't be paranoid. Next topic.