Getting hired directly into a airframe doesn’t work that way in the Major carriers in the US. You will be hired and during class you will be ranked based on age or social security number (carrier specific) and then your class will choose based on seniority from what is called a class drop (list of available aircraft and bases slots). Those class drops are usually developed from unfilled vacancy slots (leftovers from current pilot group).

So it depends. I will say, 787 DC as a new hire not a chance. 787 SFO/EWR, there is a slight chance. But you are get your Base and Equipment assignment, you can always change bases via base trade or vacancy bid (provided if there are vacancies in the base for your equipment) For example if you get get the 787 in SFO or EWR, you can bid for 787 DCA. If you are assigned equipment smaller than the 787 (A320, 737, 756), you can immediately bid for the 787 DCA and you will be awarded it if there is a vacancy. However if you bid the 777 and the 787 is what you want. You can’t bid for it for 2 years due to seat lock. That you will occur.

 

Thanks a lot for the response SwaKid8, it gave a me a better understanding in how it works fleet/base designation.

 

It changes monthly, but I wouldn't "count" on 787 or 777 DCA until about 1 year in. You could bid 777 or 787 EWR and probably get it if it is offered in your class and wait for a vacancy. Alternatively, if you want to be based in DCA right away bid narrow body or 756 DCA in class, depending on what is offered, and then put in a standing vacancy bid for 777 and 787 DCA. There is no seat lock to move up a pay band, so you could switch over within the first year once one or the other is available.

 

8ball not all that long ago was DC 77’s. Could bid the 77/78 and probably by the time OE is over or soon after get to DC. That being said pay is the same first year and it’s a terrible way to learn the airline, I’d highly encourage you to fly NB for at least a year to get off probation before going over to the WB fleet. My .02. Good luck

 

Sorry for the new guy question, I've seen a ton of talk about this but I think I am missing some subtlety. I was wondering what the differences are between Reserve and Line holders. I see a lot of talk about WB new hires going to have to sit Reserve for years on the 777 out of EWR. Is that a terrible thing. Isn't reserve guaranteed like 73 hours pay per month? I understand the differences between LCR and SCR. Is a new hire just stuck on SCR and that is what sucks?

I am coming off of AD military and I wouldn't mind a slower pace on the flight schedule at least for a hot minute. I would ideally be living in base however we are thinking about commuting so that I can put the kids and wife nearer to family.
Thank you for any insight.

 

Commuting to reserve(long call is converted to short call punitively most reserve days) will cause you to see your family very little and your off days will get rolled often. Scheduling waits until your commuter flight home takes off and then they call and leave you a message putting you on short call starting ten hours from the time of their message.

 

At your age, hopefully you will be high enough in your class seniority (it’s by age) to where you will have the option to avoid bidding a WB. Since you mentioned EWR, I’m assuming that’s where you are targeting bidding. Even those living in base in reserve can get abused. On a NB, the time spent on reserve has been very short over the last year+.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question. I mentioned the 787 because that’s the aircraft that I’m flying at the moment, so my transition to another airline could be easier, and DC area because all my relatives live there(parents,siblings,even grandma) and for me the plan is to live in base. On the other hand I don’t mind NB, specially A320, most of my airline experience is in Airbus, 12 years between A320 and A330. So if I am lucky to get hired by United, A320 is welcome anytime, I enjoyed flying the bus.

 

just to give you an idea-
On reserve (by choice, bid Left Seat knowing I’d be here). 6 day block, Global Reserve. They did not fly me on day one.. they did put me on Short Call at 1100. In the early evening they released me to a 4 day trip, the next day. However, it’s basically a IAH trip with live flights front and back. So 3 nights in a hotel to do a Central America turn on the 24th and 25th. I get it, part of being “junior” in the seat. (Not junior in the company).
Now is where it gets tricky.
Fly back on the 26th. Check in after landing. Told I’m back on Long Call Reserve.
So basically, unlike the military you are not in crew rest where they can’t disturb you.
On top of that, it’s now not a “global trip.. ie, international“ as I crew rested in Houston.

Get the call that evening give me another international day turn.. the next morning (day 6).
Per our UPA, it’s legal.

so, to answer your question, with MY OPINION add in.

For 80-90% of us, reserve IS a choice. I choose the left seat, in base.. knowing I’m going to be on reserve. We have unfilled Captain vacancies due to our reserve rules being so bad.
Yes, reserve is a different beast if your local, or commute.. and another different animal of you’re Wide Body or narrow body.

Historically, reserve are usually in the 80%+ range. In BES (Base/Equipment/Seat). Captain is somewhere around -60-70%.
what is happening here is unheard of and only a new UPA will fix the problems.

Newhire WB reserve isn’t the end of the world. Problem will be- in base or commute and what is your next goal. If it is Capt on a narrow body, just hope your flying skills are up to speed as WB reserve will most likely be IRO and sim ever 3 months.
but, like you said.. 73hrs with more time home is nice. Not having a lot of control over your other days (18days) isn’t so good.

just my take-
Motch

 

Hi, I live in Miami and have to choose between Delta and United. Is united more commuter-friendly or has better quality of life than Delta in this situation? (AA is not an option)