Welcome again to a different roster put up! This 12 months has been fairly completely different when it comes to rostering, as I’m positive you’ve seen by now. Slowly however absolutely, nevertheless, issues are beginning to get again on observe slightly bit and I’m truly getting just a few flights when the roster comes out every month.
This November I’ve had essentially the most flying hours I’ve had all 12 months (properly, does January/February even rely as this 12 months? It looks like one other world away!), with 3 ULR (extremely lengthy vary) flights to Houston, Sydney and Chicago.
It’s made me realise simply how a lot I miss flying, and I can’t anticipate issues to get again to regular, every time that could be! On that be aware, my December roster appears like this:
- SEP – Exams
- FRA – Frankfurt, Germany
- CAI – Cairo, Egypt (turnaround)
- Leave
- KRT – Khartoum, Sudan (turnaround)
Starting off the month with my yearly exams, which suggests it’s time to review! Once a 12 months we’ve to resume our licenses and ensure we’re absolutely up to date on all security and emergency procedures (SEP). Normally it’s two full days in coaching school, however as a result of pandemic this 12 months the bulk must be carried out on-line beforehand, after which we simply have someday in school for exams and a few practicals.
My first flight of the month is a 48 hour layover to Frankfurt, Germany. I used to be there simply the month earlier than final, and as common for all of our layovers today, I wasn’t in a position to go away the lodge. I don’t anticipate issues altering on that entrance any time quickly, however you by no means know. I’m itching to get again out and discover, and usually Germany in December can be excellent for a go to to the Christmas markets. Sadly I feel that received’t be an choice this 12 months!
Up subsequent is a turnaround to Cairo, which is an in a single day flight. Flight time needs to be round 3 hours every manner, plus we keep on floor whereas the cleaners come on and put together the plane for the return sector.
That leads properly into my annual go away, which sadly doesn’t fall over Christmas this 12 months. I used to be fortunate sufficient to have Christmas off final 12 months, and in our job it’s all the time a big gamble as as to if or not you’ll be off for birthdays, Christmas and particular events! The UAE has opened up a journey hall with the UK, which suggests I’ll have the ability to fly residence and spend time with my household with out having to quarantine.
I used to be truly rostered a Düsseldorf layover immediately after my go away over Christmas, however this has been eliminated, which has left me with some reserve days. I’ll attempt to lengthen my go away so I can keep residence just a few additional days and even perhaps for Christmas Day!
Next up is the final flight of the month, a turnaround to Khartoum, Sudan. I don’t keep in mind ever having carried out this flight earlier than, however in response to the crew portal I’ve truly carried out it twice! It’s a reasonably lengthy day at round 4 hours flight time every manner, however nonetheless I’m joyful to have all of the hours I can get today.
And similar to that, the ultimate roster of 2020 is right here! What a loopy 12 months it’s been for everybody, and particularly so for the aviation trade. Onwards and upwards for 2021, I feel issues can solely get higher from right here!
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