Originally Posted by
Diver Driver
Ok, that sounds good. Another question... As a financially strapped FO that cannot afford a crash pad, which base (DTW, MSP, MEM) has a better ops facility to 'live' in as a reserve FO?
Not sure if this will get some flame, but when I was at Comair, our CVG ops 'trailer' had 'dark' rooms that you could sleep in and showers... many guys lived in ops during reserve so I am just trying to compare.
MSP does have a dark room where you can sleep but I don't know if you can live in the Ops room 24/7. I wouldn't advise it as it can get noisy and there are no shower facilities.
When you start flying, introduce yourself to as many XJ pilots as you can and see if you guys can start up a crash pad arrangement. There will be many junior CAs and FOs who will be on reserve and will need a crash pad right about the time you start. Another option is to stay at a hotel that gives special rates for XJ pilots but this option is only feasible if you only have to pay for a hotel room 1 to 3 nights per month.
Also look at the news board in the crew room because people advertise crash pads there. You can also place an ad. Use your Avatar picture as that will probably get you more attention than the usual boring ads you see on there.