How does short call reserve work at Breeze? Do you have specific "windows" that you bid for? If so, can they change them? Or just CS assigned short call blocks?

 

There is no way to bid for AM/PM. It’s luck of the draw based on guidance from our union, and crew planning team. They have the option on PBS, but doesn’t mean much.

You will get converted throughout your reserve stretch from AM/PM everytime.

call out times, they will call you and ask you to show up in an hour.

Never expect long call, you won’t get it.

good luck

 

Assuming you have 18 days of reserve each month……… are you typically awarded 3 6-day blocks?

 

no I believe it’s a standard of 3 days off between blocks? don’t quote me on that. It’s either 2 or 3.

if you want 6 day blocks you can’t be the most junior person and need to waive down to 1 day off. Enjoy the suck.

 

2 hour call out, most bases have 0400-1600 and 1100-2300 availability periods but some have other 12 hour-ish reserve periods.

They can swap your reserve period within your block of days but have to ask you first on your first or last day since it wasn't in your original foot print.

Days work is highly dependent on base and month to month. Can pick up on your days off but only if FARs for duty and flight times aren't limited for your next reserve period.

Can get critical pay(200%) if you accept an assignment on a day off and you're legal(but they will try and get you to swap your day off first instead of critical pay)

I've averaged around 4-8 days a month flying on reserve but my base has a pretty low call out rate and is very isolated from the other bases.

If you live in base, it's not too bad at some places(again, base and month dependent). If you commute, I'd recommend just doing virtual base and make the company pay for your hotel until you can get a line.

 

Thank you for the detail on this. A few follow ups.

What base are you now? How hard is it to get ORF or CHS?

How does the virtual base actually work? I've read a few posts about it but none have a thorough explanation. Is it easy to get it awarded?

How many days in the block are the trips typically at Breeze and how many legs per day?

 

Probably 4-8 months for ORF and 12-18 months for CHS but if either gets a new plane, new hires might get it. Also CHS has a Lear jet recovery program starting and will need more reserves for it so maybe sooner

Virtual base you are sent wherever the company needs you month to month. Company flies you out Day 1 and last day and gives you a hotel. If you have days off in the middle, you can go home but it's on your dime/jump seat. Fairly junior. You can list base preference

 

How junior is PVD and BDL if we are starting class shortly?

 

Either in class or soon after.
Every base has people in the bottom 60 people except Vero and Charleston actually. Supposed to get about 12 more planes this year and hiring Direct Entry Captains so growing/movement nearly everywhere

 

DECs are the opposite of movement.