Originally Posted by CheapTrick

It already happens. Over the years I have flown with a surprising number of senior (in category) pilots that fly one trip a month or less. My favorite was a 727 former DAL gate agent who got hired as a pilot with National, got absorbed by Pan Am and ended up at DAL again. He bid a schedule and dropped all but one trip. (He was irked when he had to fly more than one.) Another 777 Captain only flew summers and babysat his grandchildren during the rest of the year. And I have sat down in a 777 with a reserve guy who warned me he hadn't been assigned a trip in 8 months.

Senior pilots can often drop or bid a reserve schedule in order to minimize trips. At DAL the heavy categories and contract are particularly suited for being a part time pilot.

Some airlines will require a contract that specifies a minimum amount of block every month but others don't. But be advised, EVERY part-time pilot I have flown with sucked. Minimal flying means minimal skills.