Old 06-02-2011, 06:28 AM
  #3  
C11DCA
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Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: 320 Captain
Posts: 631
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At UAL (pre merger) there are Captain lines, and FO lines. The specific trips are designated as flying FO or the bunkie (relief pilots), but there are not specific lines built just for the bunkies.

An FO might end up with all bunkie trips, or a mix, or a pure flying FO line. Just depends on how they bid, and how PBS will solve the monthly awards. And since we fly both domestic and international (there is no separate bid position) one could end up with a mix of international and domestic flying in the same month. We can even mix domestic and international in the same trip. And there can be swapping of bunkies while on a trip, ie IAD-LHR-LHR for the bunkie while the two guys up front do IAD-LHR-LAX-LHR-IAD. The flying guys could have 4 different bunkies on that trip.

As far as getting landings, it seems to be a domicile issue. Some have the attitude of fly what you bid, and others are active in trying to get the bunkie landings (if needed). Seems the latter is more prevalent on the 777/747 since there are fewer landing opportunities. On the 767 it was rare for the flying FO or even the Captain to give up a landing since we have to ability to fly those domestic trips as well. Plenty of landings available on the 757.

Bunkies tend to get the first break, but usually it is the pilot flying that decides which break he/she wants first. Then the pilot not flying. All at the Captain's discretion of course.

C11
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