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Old 10-09-2023 | 07:22 PM
  #26  
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QRH Bingo
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From: We Need To Talk About Your Flare
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Originally Posted by atpmax
So the original question was not a statement of dissatisfaction with the industry but a legit question to help make the best career choice. . . . .
The problem with your question is there are too many variables to lay it out for you. The simple answer is, "it depends". Not close to the best answer nor what you want.
Yes, most airlines allow those on reserve to select "call first" or "call last" based on seniority. RPA recently implemented that type of program where you can select to be called first and your line up will be based on how many other FOs select "call first". It must be chosen by the 23rd of the previous month, and it is fixed for the entire month. (note: call first is the only option. NOT call last) So, as a brand new FO, if several others also select that feature, you're still close to the bottom. Better than nothing, but it may not help much for your first few months.

Additionally, within each airline, each base has its own personality in terms of who will fly most on reserve. And it changes month to month. Example, one month at RPA ORD might be short on reserves because they awarded many more lines than normal. That month, ORD reserves will likely fly a lot. That same month, in another base, there are 100% more reserves than normal because mainline pulled a bunch of flying for that month. Therefore, reserves will be flying much less. Next month, the cards are thrown into the air and get shuffled all around.

Your best bet to fly the most will be to figure out which base will give you a line the fastest. Currently, at RPA, it seems like CMH is that base. But that could (likely will) change in 4 months.

I hope this at least makes sense even if you may not find it helpful.
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