E190 CA vs A320 FO
 

Need input from smart folks.

Considering going from 320 FO to E190 captain. Thoughts:

-Looks to be about a $50/hr difference.
-better reserve work rules by 2020
-might sleep at night
- no night override/ international pay
- would likely be bottom rsv guy


If I do it, do I want to be Boston or JFK based? (Commute is about the same.)
Very on the fence. I’m a family guy at heart and think this flying stuff is for the birds, (I fly min schedule) However, a normal sleep schedule is appealing.

Discuss.

Also-

Am I seat locked in the 190 once the A220 comes online? Or is the seat lock waved for the new fleet type.

Depends on how many days off you get as a line holder on the 320. Guessing if you were bottom reserve guy on the bus you don’t get that many days off as a lineholder.

Embraer makes a sweet jet. You will like the automation as well as hand flying. I fly the 175 and have a buddy at JetBlue who flew the 190 for many years. Dual HUD CAT III capable. Sweet.

Commuting to reserve would be torture. Reserve, while better than it was, still sucks. If I were a commuter I would have never upgraded.

Having flown both there is nothing impressive about the 190. It’s not a bad plane. It can be fun to fly. But the Airbus is superior in almost every way.

Correct. I estimate working an extra 2-3 days a month. (With the 13/14 days off on reserve). However, I’m sure I’ll be working all weekends and holidays on rsv.

Appreciate the comment. Nice to talk to someone who has flown both.

I would think it would depend on how badly you want the extra money. Commuting to reserve is obviously pretty rough. The 190 being short-staffed is something to consider; I’ve talked to RSV CAs that get a ton of VDA calls, but also have little ability to move days off. Were you ever a 190 FO? Big difference between 4 legs in and out of BUF and RIC vs. one leg to Aruba.

What is your main reason for wanting to upgrade? Money?

Could not disagree more. E190 is very noisy and has cramped cockpit, especially with the HUD above your head. Wearing the headset for the entire day gets old very quickly. The seats are very uncomfortable. I have yet to see an Airbus guy carry a seat cushion.