From a previous post:
obviously the 88JFK reserve lifespan is short.
Also, it's been said that with 600+ newhires expected in 08, most 07 newhires won't have to worry about reserve that much. fact or crap?[/quote]
It’s pretty much up to you - if your goal is not to sit reserve you could easily minimize reserve by bidding and staying on the M88 NYC. If on the other hand you bid 767ER NYC plan on reserve for years to come.
Back to T-bones original question. Reserve on the 88 vs. the ER. The differences are huge: For starters on the ER, like I said plan on being on reserve for years - remember a lot of guys will be bidding in above you when they hit their desired seniority keeping you on reserve. Also, if the music stops and you are on reserve with no hiring or worse, furloughs good luck - best case you stay on reserve, next would be a displacement, lastly ,you would be furloughed which would happen at a seniority number not a seat position so this is not a factor. Next think about reserve on Christmas, news year’s day, 4th of July, your family reunion etc. On the ER you will have little or no control over your schedule even on reserve - during certain months (December) senior guys bid reserve to ensure getting certain days off. On the 88 meanwhile - guys will be coming in behind you in almost every new hire class - and guys generally will not bid in above you. With luck after a few months you can get your requested days off and with some more luck you can hold a line within a year. Not to mention vacation bidding - if you want a summer vacation or a holiday vacation, you might luck out on the 88. On the ER plan on getting what ever is left over. Also PCS runs - enabling you to switch your reserve days off, are run three times a day and are seniority based. Also if you actually want to fly and land a plane the 88 would be better - as an IRO on the ER you might land 1 or 2 times a month - not an easy way to adjust to a new aircraft. On the other hand the ER flying is much more low stress - flying the tracks for hours vice doing LGA - DCA etc. I am out of time but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Lastly remember - movement is pretty good right now - that can change overnight.
Good Luck - Scoop