Best Base to Drop Trips as NB FO
 

I'm a year 5 FO (Seniority ~10.5) coming off emergency leave of absence/mil leave/furlough later this year. I live <3 hours from BNA, LEX, SDF, TYS and appreciate help figuring out which base/iron is best to bid mid-week out of base trips. My goal would be to bid desirable trips and drop/sell most of them, maximizing trips that start/end in TN/KY or with any DH to stay on the clock longer during the commute. Priority is max sched control (recently widowed with school-age kids) vs destinations or comfort. I was A320 before my time away from the company and am sold on it's merits, but would trade comfort for better schedule control or more commutable options. Looks like senioirty would be 30% at CLT & 15% LGA. Thanks for helping me figure out best current method to be around for my kids on the weekends and have trips desirable enough other pilots will consistently take them off my hands.

I’ve found aircraft is more of the deciding factor not base. 737 has way more schedule ease then bus

Sounds like by next spring you'll be able to drop anything you want.

My guess is probably CLT, particularly 737.

Can you elaborate?

Thank you.

I'm sorry that you're in a tough spot. I'd suggest reaching out to your CP and project wingman. You have a good case to get a little slack with schedule flexibility. AA seems to do a very good job taking care of its employees when they need it.

My condolences about your wife passing away.

Takes some time but look at the 3XP's and see what trips you actually can hold at your seniority. Look at several months to make sure the results you see are consistent over time.

Top x% Airbus FO in NYC? Might be able to hold transcons or turns that often get traded like hot cakes. At 15% seniority you'll be able to hold weekends off. Same with 30% relative seniority.

But based on what sort of flying each bid status does you might find out that 30% in Base X gets better trips (in your eyes) than being 15% in Base Y.

Check out PHL or MIA if they're commuteable. It's all about how much commuting pain you're willing to accept in order to have as much control over your schedule.

I have flown with many people who are on FMLA. Wonderful system when not abused. They are able to drop anything no questions asked. This might be eligible for that? Good luck.

I'm sorry to read about your loss. This profession would be brutal for a single parent with no family support structure. I'd second a call to Project Wingman. There may be help for you none of us are aware of.