Originally Posted by
N6724G
Ok, this is an interesting discussion, but I am really not following it. You guys are using terms that I (a non airline pilot) do not understand.
So, in the interest of clarity, could you guys, in basic terms expalin to me what being on reserves mean. I mean I know it means you are on call, but you guys are talking about 2 hour reserves and 12 hour reserves.
1. Do yu have set days on and set days off?
2. Do you have to be at the airport on your days on in case they call you or can you be at your house?
reserve means you're a backup. you're there to fill in when someone calls in sick, goes on vacation, etc.
you have set days off (depending on your schedule that bid period) but generally fewer than people that have a flying line.
each airline is slightly different in how they want reserves to be situated. if you're airport reserve, you have to be sitting at the airport in uniform, ready to go.
the 2hr call means from the time they call, you have 2 hours to be at the airport ready to go. so if you live 45 minutes from the airport, you can sit at home while on reserve.
12hr call means that you need to show up in 12 hours once you get the call. generally its when they find out the need someone tomorrow, but don't want to waste a 2hr or airport reserve person, i.e., it's not an emergency fill-in
hope that helps