Originally Posted by
avident22
But the word is that right now is “100 percent utility” if that’s the case, how can you only block 300 hours. Something is off from what people are insinuating about reserve on here…. I am a new hire, so I am just trying to learn and get to understand the battlegrounds. Thanks!
Totally base dependant. For example, I'm in a (finally) well staffed category and this month was able to drop two reserve days, used one PB day, and one APD, each in the middle of a stretch of days. All of the trips in open time are 4-5 days trips so as of now, I have not flown one reserve day yet. Granted I lost about 12 hours of pay but its worth it during a summer month to me.
Unless trips get broken apart, it may remain that way. If you understand the system and have good coverage you can gain a lot of flexibility. For what it is worth, I'm reserve in base and have been most of the past 6 years. Now I do reserve by choice.
The problem with a line, is that you have to fly it. I fly way less on reserve than I do when I hold a line. In fact, I have NEVER filled up in a month. Not once.