Originally Posted by
IrishNJ
not sure what you’re asking really …. I’d be a senior(ish) A320 FO but am a RSV captain on the 190. I don’t see the issue with that frankly: Some days they call me, some days they don’t. I can do rsv from home, have to stay in a hotel maybe 3 or 4 times a month.
I end up flying anything between 5 and 55 hours (credit) for 75 hours pay. For ME, that easily beats actually flying 90 hours for the same pay.
I’d prefer Nantucket turns all day for a week to having to do one red eye. My sleep, health etc all improved dramatically when I moved to the RJ. I didn’t realize how jaded and cranky I had been … and I didn’t even do redeyes back then; it’s the constant change that gets you: early morning to late night plus transcon stuff.
most months I add on an average 2 or 3 days of VDA/RSA/premium trips if I haven’t been flying too much.
(edit: just looked it up, I’d be top third of the JFK FO list if I’d stayed … dunno if that’s senior-Ish or not)
Also, not to mention that sitting in cruise for 5 hours is very monotonous. I get more legs is more work, but the long legs aren’t the end all be all.
I also think there is something to be said for actually being the Captain and setting the tone for the operation.
However, living in base puts you at a huge advantage. I can understand a commuter staying as a senior 320 FO.