This summer flying season, we experienced many days and weeks of irregular operations. When faced with these interruptions to our operations, we often see reduced reserve coverage. When this occurs, it may become necessary to assign Special Qualification Reserves outside of their respective sub-bases.
Once the list of all legal and available at-home general population (FA) Reserves has been exhausted, International Purser (IP) and Language Qualified (LQ) Reserves may be assigned to cover open Standby positions. While on Standby, the provisions of Section 8.I.2.h.(2). of the JCBA still apply in that the Special Qualification Reserves may only be assigned to non-Special Qualification pairings if there are no ‘FA’ Standbys who are legal and available. This includes FA Reserves who may have reported for Standby after the IP/LQ Reserves.
This understanding was reaffirmed in the Standby Ordering settlement of IAH 1252-19, which provides for deviations from the established order for reasons which include the “efficient use of special qualifications.” The terms of this settlement can be found in the MEC Reserve Survival Guide.
Should you need any further assistance or have questions about Standby Reserve and Special Qualifications, please contact your Local AFA Council.
