Crashpads/Hotels
 

Other than the typical crashpad411, hotelcrashpads, etc. What does everyone use for commuting to the outstation bases where crash pads aren't as "plentiful"?

and no... Im not moving to base just yet.. *grabs popcorn*

Ok, here it goes. Outstation base trips are usually 4 days long, with an early morning start time on day 1, and a late night finish on day 4. That means to commute you'll have to get to base in the afternoon or early evening on the day prior to your trip or reserve day. Then, after your trip ends, you'll have to wait until the next day to go home. That's where your "pad" of choice comes in.

I don't care to deal with crashpads and/or roommates, so I rented an apartment. Problems were both solved and created with that decision. It was my own place, quiet when it needed to be, and reliable. That's important when you have a 3am reserve start time in the morning. At around $1k a month though, not everyone can or wants to do it this way. You may have fellow pilot roommates if you choose; then the price would be comparable to a crashpad. Neighbors are a risk too, and usually the commitment is too long (12 months). Also, don't move all your stuff there unless you are planning to stay there for a couple years to make the moving hassle and expense worth it.

I guess you could say I "soft" commuted; a cross between living in base and commuting. During short stretches of days off, I would stay in my apartment, and only took trips to visit family when I had 4 or more days off in a row. Getting 6 or more days off in a row each month was pretty easy, even on reserve. There are options to bid on how you want your days off awarded. I would choose "I want to have a block of 6 days off". This equated to one, maybe two trips per month. Disclaimer: I have a significant other, no kids. The commute to visit her and family is 2 flights. Getting on them wasn't too difficult, as they are all on the regionals, with far less folks on standby than you usually see on mainline. But, I also hate riding in the back. So even doing just one or two trips a month, I was very eager to ditch this commute! I since have and I'm glad I did!

Right-on. I will be commuting from Atlanta, and I really don't want to have to deal with a "hot-bed" situation. Trying to weigh the options on if suffering the costs of hotels or an apartment is worth it. Thanks for the feedback.

Crewroom bulliton board and asking on the RPA FB pilot page are usually good sources.

Appreciate it

Hotel rooms. Sometimes depending on the rate you can get and the number of nights you’re there, it can be cheaper than a crash pad. It was for me in Indy for 5 years before I switched bases.

Yeah, that is what I am thinking, a lot will depend on the next base drops when they come out.

Airbnb? Those are some cheap options as well.

No idea what your career plans are, but realize republic is not commuter friendly. I’m lucky enough to live in base at a out station. I commuted for 2 years as a FO, and it sucked. If you’re dead set on Republic and do not want to move to base, then DCA is probably your best bet. You can get a decent pad for $250, which is much cheaper then hotels.

Try to avoid using the crew room as a place to sleep. This seems to be common place at Republic, but management is not supportive of this practice.

Yeah, especially in the winter months I'm sure. I don't want to move to base, just to be commuting to a different base when I upgrade, so I am planning on sucking it up until upgrade... that being said, an apartment/roommate might be the most attractive option right now. Thankfully, being in ATL there are 10-12 direct flights a day to most of the bases with DAL... Waiting to see with this next base drop though