Unless you live in Base a line is far far more flexible and just overall a better deal. 75 a great jet according to 100% of people I have flown with who have flown it. Close to 777 in rave reviews of it's awesomeness. But a shrinking fleet and besides the near Europe and Hawaii ( for now) it goes to a smaller number of places domestically than 320 or 737. Mainly Orlando, LA, Nola, Vegas. Bottom line is more tolerable commute and a quicker line is way better for your QOL than seeing Europe as an IRO.

Agreed. The biggest knock I see is that a narrow body in a junior base vs a widebody on reserve gets you:

1. More days off.
2. More pay. A lot more.

Sure, the pay rate on the 756 is a little more (same year 1 however) but you're likely looking at min guarantee (73 hrs on reserve) vs 85-100 as a line holder. Tack the days off onto the equation and it's a no brainer for me as a commuter. I'm consistently getting 16-18 days off a month with 83 (most I've made is 104) hrs per month. I'm averaging 92 hrs/month since November. On year 2/3 pay thats a couple thousand dollars every month. That extra 10-20 hrs is a lot of $$.

Someone may shoot holes in my argument as I've only been here 2 years and 73 the whole time...but this is how I see it.

Don't do it. Just take a 737 or 320 if available, even if it isn't to DCA.

As a reserve 756 guy, you won't see the islands. And the only time you'll see Europe is in the winter. What you will see is the crappiest trips that are dropped by lineholders and not picked up by other lineholders. Been there, done that.

The 756 should be the last plane left; all 737s and 320s should be taken prior to the 756.

disagree.. been on it last 2+ years

What's your opinion? 756 out of DCA is not that bad?

Reserve is bad and commuting is bad and commuting to reserve will make you want to quit, A have a millitary friend that lived in DCA and quit because of the commute. Stay in DCA on the 320 or 737 you will like it better and hold a line quicker. The 756, especially in DCA, you will never be anything other than the Internatinal Relife Officer (IRO). that means you will never touch the controls of the aircraft except for the Sim you will be required to go to every three months to re qual on your landings.

I assume your background is only millitary, thank you for your service! Commercial flying is full of rules and procedures and it would be good to get to know the operation as a domestic pilot before you go brain dead as an international pilot.

That is as accurate as can be. Came very close to the "quit" part, but was saved from that when I got furloughed.

Everyone has their own individual reasons for their choice. Types, routes, commutes, whatever.

This is spot on.

I'm new so don't have any experience here to conclude from but.... My friend, hired in December on the 737 EWR switched to 756 EWR, is able to hold a line now . I'm not sure about DCA, but I'm wondering if because there is so much movement now that any conventional wisdom from the past is somewhat changed. These things though are definitely true.


1. Commute to reserve definitely is not fun.
2. Everyone has there own preferences.
I will be happy being the IRO, bring it on!