I had to explain to my wife that this "understaffed" situation resulting in my minimal time home won't be a long lasting thing. I am pretty sure (if things keep moving) I will be a junior lineholder soon and have a "pay cut" on paper, although I would gladly go to a 90-95 hour line for some more time at home and the stability of having a clue what I am doing that week. With the 200% and the peak flying, all while understaffed, you can make some good money but it's hard work to do it. I have never been much of an "pay hog" but I have been busting my tail since April. I do think that a pilot can "on average" get 1100 hours of CREDIT a year once they hold a line with minimal pickups. I say minimal pickups in the sense that adding a turn at the beginning or end of a trip that fits with the commute isn't difficult since you are gone anyway OR simply trading a lower time trip for a higher time trip in the same trip footprint. I will say that I am a bit burned out so july won't be too busy for me. I can't see how guys bust their hump for years on end.... I'd go insane.

Seriously how do you enjoy life having to work the system like that? You must be single or will be soon if you put your family thru that.

Re-read things. He's on reserve at an understaffed airline. He has little choice in the matter.

I know a lot of line holders taking 2 vaca's in one month and then picking up an entire line at 200%! that's some serious money.

When I am home 1-2 days a week my wife and I, as well as friends/family have quality of time instead of quantity. I have to commute up the day prior anyway, I just take one flight earlier and pick up. When I'm gone I want to at least make money.

"I talked to an FO that is going to break $60K this year because of this."

I laughed when I read this. I am making this much now and was offered a promotion if I would stay. It does suck that FO pay is so low (bordering on unethical) but I have to tell you I am so looking forward to full time flying again. My class start date can't get here soon enough. Based on all the changes at 9e, the market, etc what is a realistic expectation for upgrade and the ability to get back to earning what I am now without living on the road constantly?

Over 4 years I can tell you that!

i would guess maybe more like 5 years. Unless the doors really open up.

I have 600 guys behind me on SLI and Im expecting at least another 4-5 in the right seat...

what are the chances of a new hire getting a IAH base?