Commuting flight crews: A safety issue?
Here is an interesting blog I found on the internet, it discusses possible risks that are involved with airline employees who commute to their home base on other flights. It also tries to find solutions for the issue.
Let us know your thoughts on the article and whether you think there is a problem...
This is a very interesting
This is a very interesting issue. I sometimes commute before starting a flight duty period and have to be very careful to arrange my rest. If I feel fatigued before I start a duty period I just won't fly.
In the US it is very difficult as the regional carriers open and close bases all the time and if you want to settle down and put down some roots in a community you will need to commute sooner or later.
A friend of mine who flew for a regional carrier told me of someone he knew who moved to Boston after he was assured that it was going to remain a base. He bought a house, a car and his kids started at a new school. Boston closed as a base within 2 weeks.
The pay of these pilots is a factor. As low paid employees they tend to favour states with a lower cost of living or remain close to family who can offer support.
Is commuting good? - no
Should commuting be banned? - I just don't know.