Originally Posted by
SVCTA
How much are you guys flying on reserve now?
I just did a 6-month look back and I am flying nearly 9 days out of 10 of my available reserve days on average (ATL 320A) and almost all SC days turn in to flying. With the stagnation I am looking at being on reserve for a while and it is becoming unmanageable. There are almost no blue days, either, so I can't even move X days anymore. Does anyone have some insight on ways to mitigate the reserve abuse? I am getting pretty worn down.
That's tough and RSV can wear on you. As hokey as this might sound, try changing your outlook on RSV from "hoping I don't fly" to "I'm
going to fly on my next block." It honestly helped me a lot to think of it that way. In that vein, YS trips heavily in the beginning of the month to get into RSV bucket #2 or #3, that should shield you somewhat, or just YS and try and get Full. Done with some luck you can guarantee yourself a few extra days off at the end of the month.That's not always possible and I personally haven't had good luck with YSs as a junior pilot (usually if it's a decent trip someone senior will YS it) but it's worth trying.
Here's a few more ideas, each a little crazier:
Pursue some type of Project Pilot style position. Many of those will knock out a few days of RSV a month, if not more.
Have you considered 717A? How about commuting to NYC if you can hold a line and just can't stomach RSV?
There's always the nuclear option...bid back to B.