DiveAndDrive

Hello all. Before you jump all over me based on the title of this thread, yes. I know pilots travel. I know overnights are inevitable. I know it happens. I accept that. Buuuut. I would like to limit it, if possible. My goal is to move to base and then bid either short call reserve or airport ready reserve. The girlfriend and I are discussing our future, and I definitely want to be home as much as possible with her and our future kids. Again, we both understand that overnights are a reality. We're just trying to get as much time at home as possible. Which airlines have the best reserve rules? What about reserve assignment, or requesting last out? Does your airline contractually have to use ready reserves as little as possible, and get them back to base as soon as possible? Thanks for the input and for not busting my chops too much!

MKUltra

RAVN in Alaska.. home every night..

prex8390

Probably a part 135 cargo operator. You'll need to be veerryyyyyy senior at any regional to have significant time at home, and even then... if you don't want be on the road maybe time to rethink this career path.

minimwage4

This is the reason why many relationships that start before someone's at an airline statistically end badly. Reality sets in that you will have double lives at best and at worst you'll be gone most of the month. It sounds like you shouldn't be in this line of work to begin with. If you already have a sig other who's concerned about not being home then you're going to have a tough time with the airlines. You can be senior enough to stay home on reserve or bid day trips but that will take years to get enough seniority. Keep in mind, most places are negative coverage on pilots anyways so bidding reserve is not a guarantee that you'll be home. You need to tell her that you'll be gone, don't waste her time.

highfarfast

I was gonna say corporate part 91. There's plenty of people out there that think they want an airplane and a full time pilot that don't have enough flying to keep you busy. I've worked a number of those jobs over the years and have spent more time at home with my kids than the typical 9 to 5 guy. Just make sure you get a salary so that when they don't call you for a month, you're still getting paid.

ACEssXfer

No one bids reserve on purpose at regionals.

word302

Not true..

DiveAndDrive

I would also have to say not true to the people bidding reserve on purpose. I was a crew scheduler for a year and a half and I saw it all the time. A little more so with the captains, but I saw it in both seats. And I like the part 91 suggestion. I'll have to look into that. Here's another kicker.... I'm also looking for flight benefits. I was kind of considering DPJ, but I know they do 8 on and 6 off.

Geardownflaps30

Allegient. Day trips only. Home every night. But will need experience to meet their mins.

ACEssXfer

Fine.....

I should've known better than to make an absolute statement on this stupid website. Let me re-phrase.......Not many bid reserve at regionals and it would probably not be a good long or short term goal.