Originally Posted by
Gunfighter
Base, bidding pattern and min trip length all matter. Categories with a higher percentage of 4+ day FRMS trips get used less than categories with 3 day non FRMS. Throw in a few 2-3 day domestic trips and utilization is also higher. In general expect 2-3 short calls and 8 days of flying during your reserve obligation. There WILL BE outliers. Senior LAX 350 pilots bidding 4 day blocks T-F will have an entirely different utilization than a junior NYC 330 pilot on reserve F-W.
For complete analysis, ID the BSE you are considering, then check the daily trip coverage for the last 60 days and take notes. Wait another month or two and do the same. You will get a picture of how reserves get used.
Truth. I bid RES this month for the first time since finishing OE. 75% in category and was 'coveraged' into 10 of my 12 RES days (CQ this month). The 10 days were Th, F, S, Su first two weeks and F, S on the 3rd weekend. I pattern-bid 4-on with at least 1 off and ended up with 3 blocks of 4 plus 2 random days around CQ. No blue days to shuffle days off.
Nothing but
6-day trips in open time after PBS.
Every one, so far, broken up into 2x 4-day trips with either a front- or back-end DH and I have been utilized each of my 4-day blocks. First time I've come close to Res Guarantee in years. (I'm 1:05 below RG).