Management announced a merger of VJ and XO a month ago..one of the consequences is the Challenger fleets will eventually merge. X pilots will remain as is but will have schedule changes also (see below)
They also announced more international flying is planned for all fleets That requires a certain percentage of pilots (both X/CL) to be on a longer schedule. We have 2 types of long schedules, 15/13 (work fewer total days a year as mentioned above) or Flex 18 ($12k a yr extra for SICs)
If the target (that number is being worked out) is met with persons already flying that schedule who are on the property, then the 8/6 schedule would become a player for a new hire. But like anything else, seniority will determine if it would be awarded.
That percentage is being worked out but combining both the 2 long schedules, 18/12 + 15/13 + plus more hiring, the likelihood of having to be on a long schedule for a long period of time as a new hire, maybe just one quarter, would be a decent bet.
As was mentioned the 15/13 schedule is popular as is the Flex 18 and indications there are not going to be a lot of movement from the 15/13 off to the 8/6 but the possibility does exist. As one poster above alluded to, he doesn’t plan to switch. Mileage may vary.
This type of sitiation is much like having to be forced to EWR or MIA when you would prefer a base closer to your home…seniority fixes all of that and will in this case also. The sooner one arrives, the sooner the clock starts with getting what you want schedule wise.
New CAs here will be in the same boat new hires are…they may have been an 8/6 schedule before upgrade but going to the bottom of the CA list “May” result in a forced long schedule. Some may delay upgrade for that, others will gleefully take their spot.
It may not be as bad as you think but only you can make the call…good luck and fly safe.
Originally Posted by
shrsailplanes
So, you cannot even bid for the 8/6? The 8/6 is grandfathered for people that have it and that’s it? That’s kind of disappointing.