If you live in base and have a few people junior to you, it's not too bad most months. I've had a few months of reserve when I've only flown once or twice. On the other hand, I've had months where I was almost never home. If you commute it's never any fun. It also depends a lot on the company's staffing. If they are short you will be used constanty.

Reserve can be a life altering experience. Living in base helps and having good reserve rules can make things livable, but it's definately something few bid for by choice. Some carriers that are fat can find guys bidding rsv and not flying but it seems most carriers have their staffing tight so nobody gets paid for not working. Your attitude and qol that you are currently accustomed to have an influence in your opinions. It's better than furloughed, but takes some thought before jumping in a lateral move.

say what you want about reserve...i learned more from sitting around on airport reserve in the crew room than any other part of my career. yeah its boring. yeah youre away from home. but use it to learn. use it to make friends. use it to do other things.

Must be nice to still be able to hold P3.... That was nice while it lasted for me too.

This goes to Rule #4: Let CS leave a message, log on a computer and see what it is they are about to tell you, then call them back. It will prepare you so there are no surprises when you talk to them, and sometimes it actually works to your favor to get notified of a trip.

ahhh you beat me to it... that's what voice mail is for. :D

You guys need to check out the 135 charter business. On call 24/7, 365 days a year.

I agree, I held P3 (7pm-midnight) for a month and it was great! I had all day to do whatever I wanted to and I was only called in twice that month. 75 hours of pay for about 15 hours of flying that month. All the other months were ok, I was about the middle of res guys and I live in base. I was also getting CA pay so it was enough to pay the bills. Commuting for res is something I wouldn't do.

I've never seen a Part 135 FO getting paid $18k a year either. Most Part 135 Charter guys I know live near their airport and hang out at home until they get a call.

I spent 2 years in 135, 1 in charter 1 in air ambulance. Neither was 24/7 or 365. And charter paid better than 1st year 121 FO. The air amb captain paid better than our Saab but not as much as the CRJ.