Originally Posted by Ziggy
Hey CalCapt:
Couple of questions,
1. Does CAL mostly prefer pilots from regionals, or do they also like 135 cargo pilots?
2. What is the average pilot schedule, day's on vs off. I.E. how easy is it to commute?
3. Finally, considering the last couple of years and their events. Do you still enjoy the airline pilot life?
Any light you can shed on these questions would be greatly appreciated.
Ziggy
Short but truthful answers:
1. I think they give a lot of credit and weight to someone who has operated with scheduled service and regularity. Pilots with the regionals have demonstrated their ability to operate under these conditions. Obviously some flying does not require the pilot to maintain a schedule and that type flying would be viewed differently.
2. New pilots are on reserve with 12 days off a month. Once off reserve your days off are determined on what schedule you are senior enough to hold. Our senior schedules have 21 days off a month. Average maybe 15 to 17.
3. Ease of commuting is based on where you commute from, time of year, equipment used on the route etc. etc. Absolutely impossible to determine without specifics. No commute is easy! Some are just less painful than others.
4. Just completed a 4 hour flight from Central America and am not done for the day. I am tired and want to go home. That being said, I can't think of another career I would rather do. I only wish my last landing was a bit smoother! Not bad - just not great...Two more legs today to redeem myself.
Good Luck