Originally Posted by
Andy
As a probationary pilot, you not only need to meet the one year of probation requirement, you also need to have worked x number of days before probation ends. I don't remember the exact number of days.
As to what you want to accomplish, one can theoretically drop to zero hours per month and still keep benefits. Right now, there are zero hour lines being offered - it allows one to pick up open time to fill out their schedule.
There is also COLA offered to some fleets/seats. In normal times, this mostly occurs during slow months (post New Years, late fall).
So yes, it's not too difficult to get 14 days in a row off if you work the system. The more seniority you have in your fleet/seat, the easier it is.
Regarding probation….
6-C Period of Probation
A Pilot shall be on probation for twelve (12) Bid Periods of service as a Pilot for the Company and having performed 165 days of work for the Company. For purposes of this Section 6-C, "Work" shall include Pilot duty, reserve availability, training, instruction, special assignment and all other flight duties for which compensation is paid. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Company from ending a Pilot’s employment during his period of probation regardless of his position on the Seniority List.