APC225

At this level we've ALL been PICs, LCAs and more. "No one gives a darn the size of aircraft"? That was LUAL's entire SLI argument.

cadetdrivr

I agree and that's one of the advantages of flying for BIG airline. There's a type of flying available to suit most desires once one aquires a little bit of senority horsepower. I personally know many pilots that have rotated back and forth between the widebody FO and narrowbody CA more than once to suit their own family needs at different times.

That said, and looking at the bid awards, nearly every 777/747 FO at both pre-merger airlines can hold 737/320 CA but have elected not to. There must be some sort of QOL advantage on the widebody that makes up for a very small pay difference.

AxlF16

I've flown with a lot of guys like that. I didn't envy them...this is a job and when you make it more than that you are setting yourself up for problems. I hope those that seek the power are able to enjoy it. Me - I'm here for the paycheck and QOL combination. If I REALLY want to be in charge of something, I'll run for Homeowner's Association President, coach my kids sports team, or chair the fundraiser committee of the PTA.

When someone asks what my job is I say 'airline pilot'. This is a serious question -- do any of you Captains answer the same question by saying 'Airline Captain'? I'm not busting balls or judging....I just never thought about how ingrained in someone's identity this job can get.

Oh, and for maxepr -- the flying f/o doesn't do walkarounds. We use the term bunkies, but we've steadfastly resisted the companies desires to turn the 'bunkie' position into an IRP. They really wanted that in our bankruptcy contract -- but we gave up hourly $$ I order to keep fully qualified and paid 'bunkies'. I don't know how the CAL culture is, but I've always been treated as an equal member of the crew and have never experienced a loss of self esteem due to my SIC status.

ChrisJT6

Negative...they merely pointed out that most want more days off for the most pay...despite the waters getting murky on that, the big ones provide this way of life. Schwartz it all you want but good luck changing the industry.
Can't dumb it down further.

LAX Pilot

Yep and we can look at how pilots bid and see that BY FAR they bid the widebody airplanes over the little ones.

When was the last time CAL had 777 or 787 FO's for new hires?\

I thought so.

LAX Pilot

I thought it was all longevity?

Now I'm confused.

APC225

Ooh boy, now I've gone to meddlin'.

Skyflyin

I agree with that 100%. For me I just don't like the red eyes and multiple time changes messing with my sleep. Sure I would get more days off, but it takes 2 to 3 days each time I get home just to feel normal again. I'll take the upgrade over that. At least if I get stuck on a redeye the biggest time loss (for me) would be 1 hour to the east coast or gain 2 hours on the west coast.

To each his own.

Skyflyin

CAL had new hire 777 F/Os in late 2005 and early 2006.

SoCalGuy

To be a bit more accurate, there were "New Hires" put into the right seat of the B777 as recent as......Wait for it......January 2007.