Originally Posted by
XR270
Forgive my ignorance, but is it the case that the junior pilot always holds the “bunkie” position on augmented crews? Assuming all pay is the same, what are the specific disadvantages of that role? Having to go to TK for landings every 90 days, more fatigue, general boredom of never landing, etc?
You also will have first break which means you are back there in the cabin during meal service. Even with the noise dampening curtain you can still hear a fair amount of commotion in the cabin during the first hour or so of your 2.7 hour break. Everyone usually has a good set of noise cancelling head/earphones to help with the banging and clanging sounds in the cabin though.
Also factor in these flights leave around 9pm, so your rest break will end around midnight Houston time and you’ll now be up all night each direction.
So if that doesn’t sound really pleasant, also keep in mind that IAH pilots have to fly these 4 day South America trips 4 times a month to hit the credit window. Not the most efficient trips which only yield you roughly 14 days off in a bid period.