20-A-4-a A Reserve in a Short Call window or a Lineholder in a telephone availability window must be able to report for duty (call-out time) no more than two hours and thirty minutes (2:30) after the Company’s initial attempt at contact. Consideration shall be given to heavy traffic, construction, and similar circumstances.

The last sentence is the lynchpin here. While it has been many years since I was on reserve, I NEVER told the crew desk that I'd be there at a specific time. The only phrase you need to utter is "I'll do the best I can" or "I'll be there as soon as possible". The crew desk might try to pigeonhole you into committing to a time. Don't do it. Just repeat the above quotes and you will be fine.

 

Both of you do not have all the facts. It all depends on the base and the economics of the year. In recent years, some EWR 756 new hires have been on reserve less than 6 months and flew max time every month. During the winter months this is not always true, but the same can be said for the 73. In addition, many trips flown on reserve for the 756 are international so you get international override and extra per diem. Not to mention that once you hold a reasonable line on the 756 you will average 1 to 2 days a month off more than the 73 because of the efficiency of 3 day European trips, and everyone knows that the EWR 756 FOs are continuously being senior manned and getting paid double time on European flights.

As to the Bus vs. the 73 you are way off. Look at the System Schedule committees monthly reports. The line averages are essentially identical with minor variation month to month and base to base, but again reserves are heavily used in both fleets except for winter months.

If you want max pay as a new hire the 756 fleet has the opportunity to earn the most. If you want the fastest progression the 73 fleet is the only fleet open to new hires that is growing.

The truly best option is EWR 76T where there is almost zero domestic flying so all you fly is international 767-300, reserves are maxed out 6 to 9 months of the year, and when you're a junior line holder you get 70 hour lines with 18 days off so you can play the senior manning game every month and pick up an added 3 day Europe for double pay. Plus you get the bonus of flying the 3 class 76 with the best rest seat in the fleet.

 

Empiricism: in 5 months of reserve on the 76T and 756 in EWR I have broken guarantee precisely once, after much effort, and by a whopping 2 hours.
You can pick up short call assignments for add pay up to a point (see contract) so if you are within ~2.5 hours of base that could be more lucrative than trying to fly your ass off to break guarantee. This technique is not fleet-specific.

 

Stop referencing the facts. That's a violation of the TOS on here.

This board is for "Entertainment Purposes Only".

 

I got your entertainment right here....

 

I guess everyone has a different view on this. I was off reserve on the bus in 4 months. I consistantly get 70 hour lines with 17-18 days off. This gives me the ability to pickup whenever. Since going to second year pay, I haven't had a month under 10K and 14 days off. Right now you might be able to hold a line in a year on the 76T, but this will not be the case when the fleets are combined. Obviously everyone can do what they want, but I was 30% in category (for bidding) in 8 months EWR 320 FO.

 

Lots of good information here guys thanks .

 

Actually i do for NB. The Airbus in IAH and EWR, where new hires can get it, has a LPA of 72 on the latest 2 SSC reports, whereas just about every other narrow body seat is at 83.5 except the SFO 73FO at 76 and DEN 73CA at 73.

There is a lot more reserve FO flying on the 73 in IAH and EWR than on the bus. An issue if you want to APU.

Takeaway is if you want to have more days off, min pay, and get a line quickly, the Bus in IAH and EWR is pretty good. Can't get 73 in IAH but same seniority gets you an 83.5 hour line in EWR.

This may change after the summer. YMMV.

 

I agree completely.