Hello,
Been on this site for a while gathering information, I decided to register so I can ask a few questions. I am about to transition from 91/135 flying to 121. I have some questions about how you build schedules. I have an interview with Compass in 2 weeks so If any input from Compass pilots would be great, However I would welcome any input you all can provide as I am also applying at other regionals.
-Once I am able to bid a line, how easy is it to trade/swap trips? Are you pretty much stuck with what you are awarded or is it normal for people to trade trips with each other?
-Am I able to simply drop or some how git rid of a portion of my line? Example, there is a 3-4 day trip that I would like to drop, Am I allowed to do so without needing to pick up another trip in its place?
-Can I voluntarily drop below min guarantee if I was willing to accept less pay? Say I drop a 4 day trip and my line value drops below 70 hrs, does the company have a problem with this?
-Is there any way to manipulate your reserve schedule? I understand that commuting to reserve is hell on earth, just wondering how much leverage you have over reserve scheduling...
Thank you!
All this depends on the contract or work rules for the non-union pilot groups and how good their management is at complying with the contract or interpreting the work rules on a daily basis. I can only speak definitively of XJT since that is where I work. I can tell you that at XJT our contract allows you to do all of the things you asked about. BUT it's not guaranteed you will be able to. I certainly wouldn't count on it on a monthly basis.