Originally Posted by
NavyOrionRet
First post, so take it easy on the rookie...I'm #16 on the list, not sure I'll get a call if/when they start training back up. If I do, I will be looking at a long commute for the first few months at least.
I'm retiring from the military and this would be my first commercial gig, hence I know precious little about reserve schedules...can someone shed light on E190 JFK reserve duty?
Specifically, is there any flexibility to bunch the duty days as tight as possible or are they set more firm like a 4 on/3 off? Just trying to figure out if the long commute would be an option or should I execute a move to minimize the separation from a young family.
I have a few friends at jetBlue but they are all 6-8 year Captains and subsequently forgot what being on reserve is like.
Thanks a bunch.
Howdy,
Reserve sucks anywhere you go, but when compared to other major airlines, JB is particularly bad. There are a few things you can do to minimze the pain, however.
Try to bid 6 days a row on reserve followed by several days off in a row. With our work rules, that at least opens up the possibility of getting some long call days (14 hour callout) vs. the standard 2 hours. If you don't get the schedule you want, you can always attempt to modify it during the Flica windows.
You're on the hook for 18 days a month, and you'll mostly get short call, so you will be spending a lot of time in NY. They say that they'll try to start you late the first day, allowing you to commute in that day, and release you early the last day, but it doesn't always work that way. 0300 starts are not unheard of. An additional feature of JB reserve is that, unless you're very, very senior, you'll have an opportunity to work every weekend and all of the holidays, which is nice.
During the slack months, like September, you can usually expect a couple of extra days off added to your schedule.
Even though it sucks, I would plan on commuting vs. Moving my family. First year pay isn't going to be that great, and the costs within a couple hours of JFnK are pretty high.
To be honest, sitting on the bottom of the list at JB isn't looking like too great of a career plan either. With all the retirements coming elsewhere, I would make sure to spend your time on reserve looking for other employment, and I say that as an 8 year Capt. who is looking to get out.
I hope that helps. Good luck.