Originally Posted by
Av8er1550
I’m sure this is posted somewhere but I am at the beginning of my search. For someone hired this year, how long is reserve for a junior base? Is MDW fairly junior? I live in Cincinnati and that would be the easiest commute for me. Just wasn’t sure if you guys have long-call reserve or just short-call? Any airport reserve? Any info for a new-hire would be super helpful! As I understand it, SWA pilots work hard and I like some busy months and some easy months. Is it possible, after some seniority, to drop trips and kind of “ease-up” some months here and there? I know holidays are tough. Anyways, just curious and I really appreciate all of the advice!
The last two bids have some new hires being sent to MDW.
There is no long call reserve and no airport standby. Reserve callout is two hours, so you must be in position prior to your RAP start. Many commuters use a fly vs pass preference to reduce hotel use—many forego a crash pad as reserves tend to fly.
We can’t drop trips, but you can attempt to give them away and pick up something else from trip trade or open time. Your results may vary.
You may be able to hold a blank line in your first year, sometimes this gives some more flexibility.
You can pick up flying in any domicile.
A response from a junior pilot is more valuable than mine, but I just flew a trip with a MCO first year guy that holds a blank line.
EDIT: flyguy beat me to it!