As a DEC, I’ll post my outlook on it.

In summary, if I had it to do over, I would do the same thing.

It’s a pretty good opportunity. The bonus is good and it’s a good opportunity to get Part 121 Turbine PIC. If you live in base or can move there it’s even better. I talked with my wife about moving to base, but we have a great support system where we live while I’m away, so we decided to deal with commuting on reserve.

It is tough, though. Commuting on reserve is not a lot of fun. The minimum days off for reserve is 11 and if you commute, you can plan to commute to base in on three or four of those days.

At the moment I’m not getting as many hours as I thought I would. I have 33 for October and only a couple of more days left this month. I’m stuck at the spot in the list where I’m too junior to get trips I proffer for and too senior to get assigned trips. Hopefully flying will pick up.

I can’t see being on reserve any less than the next year and a half or so. We’re just not hiring that many DECs and many of the ones we’ve hired are going to the CRJ.

My family and I knew it would be tough for a while going into this, but it doesn’t make it any less tough. Just know what you’re getting into. You’ll be perpetually junior until the FOs hired below you are eligible for
upgrade.

Ive only been here for a few months, but I feel like I’ve been treated fairly so far. In training I saw someone have trouble in each phase but they worked and made it to the line. Scheduling has also been pretty fair and has tried to help me to the best of their ability. Crews I’ve flown with so far have been great to work with as well.

In short, if you choose to come here, just realize the schedule is tough, especially if you are a commuter. It’s a good opportunity, just have a frank discussion with your family and self to see what is right for you.


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