Every year since 2001 and not a big deal. It ends up being about 60 pilots total each month, and not all take the full month. It affects less than 1% of the pilots. When looked at over the full year, it ends up being about .5%

Just because they offer it, doesn't mean you will get it. I asked for it a few months last winter and some months no one in my BES was given it.

So instead of some reserves flying 40 hours, they fly 60 hours and some other pilots get the month off.

If we were short there would be no furloughees being recalled.