Originally Posted by
FlyArmy11
Hi guys,
I'm a new hire starting March 3rd and currently living in Northwestern Vermont, so I'm hoping for any advice on a NYC based aircraft for the quickest career progression and the easiest 1 leg commute or possibility of a long drive. I can fly into all the NYC bases on a RJ in less than an hour flight (no DAL mainline service from my home airport, BTV - Burlington, VT). I can drive to all the NYC bases in about 5-6 hours depending on traffic (if I had to, not preferred). There are 6 one leg flights a day into JFK, 2 one legs into LGA, and 4 one legs into EWR. There are also 3 one leg flights into DTW and 1 one leg into ATL daily from BTV, if I get assigned something outside of NYC. I'd like to keep my commute to flying just 1 leg and limit my driving, if possible. Based on those flight options, it looks like an aircraft covering mostly JFK would be my best option for commuting with 6 flight daily.
My priorities in deciding which NYC based aircraft are: 1. easiest and fewest commutes to work monthly, 2. quickest route to the best quality of life, and 3. pay. So my newb questions are the following:
1. Of the NYC based aircraft, which aircraft are assigned to what bases: JFK, LGA, and EWR? Are all aircraft assigned to all 3 bases or are some aircraft at 2 bases, or even just 1 base? If so, can you please list which aircraft are assigned to what bases and the likelihood (%) of a new hire (reserve) having to cover each base?
2. Of the NYC based aircraft, which one will allow me to group my work days (reserve and/or line) together the easiest to limit my number of commutes to as few as possible monthly? I don't mind long stretches away/working, if I can get larger chunks of days off together too.
3. Of the NYC based aircraft, which one will allow me to get a line the quickest with the quickest seniority advancement?
4. Also, I've read rumors about a Boston (BOS) pilot base coming in the future at DAL. Does anyone have any information on an estimated timeline for a start date of BOS? Is there any speculation as to which aircraft will be assigned there and how senior a base it would be?
So in summary, based upon my readings of APC it seems like NYC should be my logical choice for what I want with JFK being my easiest commute airport. Unfortunately, moving to base isn't an option for a couple of years, but definitely something we are considering as a family for a few years down the road. I'm new to the airlines coming from the military, so I'm trying to figure out a game plan based on what my class will be offered in early March. I have a lower SSN starting with a 2, so I'm not sure how things will play out for me based on the class drop. Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, take care, and fly safe!