Laspilot4

I'm curious on the more seasoned pilots' view on sitting reserve on 330B as compared to 717A in DTW. I'm looking to step up the pay scale and both these options will be available in the not to distant future. Thanks!

Speed Select

What’s your seniority year?

GogglesPisano

The jobs couldn’t be more different. You really have to look inside yourself and ask what you’d rather do at work.

gloopy

This. If you're talking RSV to RSV comparison, then days off will be the same. But you may end up working a LOT more on the 717 if junior which it sounds like you will be. Still though, the rate difference will mean you make more on technically the same days off so it depends where you live. If you commute, 330 would still be better as the vast majority of trips are very commutable compared to the 717, so there's still a significant work life balance differential, but it may not outweigh the money.

If, however, you're referring to 330B line holder vs 717A RSV, you'd be looking at a pretty big differential in days off. You will easily get 5 days a month off more as a 330B line holder. That's 60 days a year extra off. You will likely get 6 to 7 extra days a month off which really means 72 to 84 extra days a year off. In some instances its possible to average more than that, but that's the far end of the curve so forget about that for now.

Often times as 330B you will get more hours a month on average too in addition to the massive days off disparity, which bridges most of the gap for take home income anyway.

IDK which is right for you, but I've known a lot of burnt out and regretful junior narrow body A's who came from extreme QOL B positions and are literally shellshocked at the difference, especially for the relatively small take home income disparity relative to the work put in. Also keep in mind that even when you can sneak into a junior narrow body line, the trips and schedule still usually suck. Regardless if you commute or not, 5am shows and late releases with 30 hour layovers in the middle of nowhere followed by 4AM wake ups for a 5 leg day with 2 plane changes may not be something you really want to do.

Either way you are talking about two vastly different jobs. If you are trying to decide between the two, you need to do a lot of real world data collection about all possible outcomes for 2 years. And ignore the anecdotal outliers of "so and so knows someone in that category that gets massive good deals all the time!" as odds are that is highly exaggerated or at least so rare it will probably not play out for you like that.

casual observer

DTW 330 B. Filler

Laspilot4

Thanks Gloopy for your post.

I was on the 717 out of DTW and am out on long term MLOA. I commuted to DTW (outside short call commuting distance but 3.5 hr drive) or a quick flight. When I return I'll be in the window for both; obviously AEs between now and my return can change the landscape dramatically. I'm aware that the flying is different and I've been reserve and a line holder on the 717 and appreciate what is the NB life. I suppose the perspective I lack is what life as a WB reserve FO at Delta is like (that is what I would be for a bit). I do have kiddos so additional time off is appreciated...predictability in the schedule is not as much of a concern as we are pretty flexible with family around to assist.

Thanks again for your inputs.

tunes

if you want to work a lot, 717A, if you dont really want to work 330B

gloopy

Also don't pigeonhole yourself into just those two choices without also taking a look at the ER and 73. (IIRC the 320 is relatively more senior and the trips aren't any better and it pays less so I wouldn't bother).

The 73 pays almost ER pay and does some really good flying at what is probably your seniority level. The ER still has some pretty good trip variety and does international and domestic which is nice because you can mix and match, or just avoid one or the other for the most part. If you go 330, you will be doing international 100% of the time and if you don't like it you're stuck for 2 years. On the ER you can do whatever you like. Yes its eventually "going away" but look at the trip mix and lines people are getting a page above and a page or three below you and if something there suits your fancy you might really like it. Ditto for the 73.

Hank Kingsley

I've flown with a lot of former 767A's that downbid to 777B. It's the same rational.

LandGreen2

777B or 350B living in base on reserve...its early retirement. Just have to be a QOL guy not seeking maximum pay...if pay is the motivator then go chase the GS as a NB capt