Originally Posted by
NorthTxFlyBoy
TankerDriver,
The 18-day might prove to be a good schedule for those who are senior enough to get their preferences, but even if you don't, you'd know your scheduled work days by the 15th of the month prior. This one would have some long tours though, with 7's being common and the possibility of one 8-day per 4-month bid period.
-NTFB
My opinion only is the 18 day will have more 6/4 schedules during 30 day months and one 6/5 in the 31 day months. Otherwise you will have 7/4, 6/4 and 5/4 in a 30 day month.
The 15 day is even better. I see it as a 5/5 schedule in the 30 day months. Sounds pretty good, except for not really knowing your days off. The worst your schedule could be is 5 on/3 off/5 on/3 off/5 on/ 9 or 10 days off.
I think these both sound pretty decent. I would likely never volunteer to extend my tour on the 18, but would do so easily on the 15. Plus the dailey rate is higher.