Originally Posted by
Gunfighter
If the weather in the Northest is good, you may be able to make it work. When bad weather hits and flights get delayed, it becomes a real challenge to make it in. The commuting policy requires a primary and a backup at least two hours later, both flights must have available seats based on your seniority and standby priority in order to be covered under the contract.
Most reports are in the afternoon, but not all. You could get the Costa Rica trip with a morning sign in. If you get called at 9PM, could you make a 9AM report (on your 2+ hour backup) and be well rested?
Sitting your last two days of long call at home when the shortest trip is three days may be an option if your on call period is backed up by a hard day off. It's a minimal risk. Sitting your entire long call from Houston isn't worth the risk during probation.
Also, the commuting policy doesn't technically apply to reserve:
Pilots assume responsibility for arriving at their domicile in sufficient time and with adequate rest, in accordance with the FARs, prior to beginning scheduled duty. The “Call in Honest” policy is intended to recognize that prudent planning can, on rare occasions, be foiled by unforeseen circumstances. It is not intended to solve problems caused by poor planning. This policy applies to pilots who are regular line holders and international pilots on ultra long call reserve. This policy does not apply to domestic reserve and international reserve pilots either on short call or long call, except when returning from duty immediately following “X” days.
Anyone have any idea what "international ... ultra long call reserve" is? Is that like "double secret probation?"