Originally Posted by
VB Hornet
Great info!
A lot of what you are saying is close to what others I have talked to have said. So please give me another opinion: What is the difference between 737 domestic flying and 756 domestic flying? Age of the jets? Length of flights?
I'm going to be commuting from Virginia Beach, and I think the commute to DC would be better. But it is still a commute.
It makes sense that I would be junior in the 756, but sitting reserve doesn't seem that bad. Right? Why would it be so much better to hold a line in the 737 than to sit reserve in the 756? Sorry for the very basic questions, but I am a military guy. I have a lot to learn.
No problemo.
You will be given an ALPA Mentor that you will be able to ask questions as you go through your first year. Don't hesitate to use them!
You are right, a commute to DC will most likely be better as you can drive it. The bottom line is when you compare being a line holder to being reserve, it is about control. As a reserve, ESPECIALLY as what is called a 'Global' Reserve as you would be on the 756/76T, you can practically have your 'days off' rolled if they are short staffed and need trips covered a lot more frequently and a lot more often. While rare, if/when it does happens, you loose control to scheduling more often on the 756/76T as a reserve pilot.
If you get to be a line holder (which you should be sooner on the 737/320) you have a lot more control in determining your month to month schedule. You also will usually get paid more as well.
I just sent you a PM. It may be easier to answer your other questions over the phone.