Originally Posted by OpenClimb

Yes, it's possible to have a really big month here and there, but I certainly wouldn't plan your family budget on 130 credit per month. I think a more realistic/sustainable target would be in the 85 to 90 hour range. Many people make a bunch of extra hours during vacation months. Managed correctly, a single week of vacation can net you an additional 25 to 50 hours credit. Of course you'd have to be willing to work on your vacation.

I'm not advocating that you do any of this. I'd much rather see our pay rates improve rather than encouraging someone to work a bunch of overtime to make up for substandard hourly rates. I can tell you from past experience maximum-allowed FAA block time sustained over many years takes its toll. Certainly NOT recommended for a long term plan.

If you live 2-1/2 hours from MCO, you'll effectively be a commuter. Our regular reserve callout time is 2 hours from initial call to the crew room. We have a long call reserve system that allows 10-12 hours for a callout, but you probably won't be able to hold that right off the bat for at least a few months. You'll want to make arrangements for a crashpad for at least a short time.