Junior FO life in ORD
12-09-2015 | 05:48 AM
#1
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Junior FO life in ORD
I know it varies from pilot to pilot based on the PBS bid, equipment, etc., but how has the schedule been for some of you junior guys (and not-so-junior) in ORD on the 737 or 320?
Getting used a lot on reserve?
Days off, etc?
Type of trips that works for you?
Has it been commutable both ends?
Etc.
Are crashpads readily available/price?
Just trying to get an overall feel. ORD would be my best commute (when I could hold it), so I'm curious what to expect as a newb. I know it can and WILL change but just trying to get an idea of what it's like now for some folks.
DCA, EWR or IAH would also be commutable for me but tougher I think.
Thanks
Getting used a lot on reserve?
Days off, etc?
Type of trips that works for you?
Has it been commutable both ends?
Etc.
Are crashpads readily available/price?
Just trying to get an overall feel. ORD would be my best commute (when I could hold it), so I'm curious what to expect as a newb. I know it can and WILL change but just trying to get an idea of what it's like now for some folks.
DCA, EWR or IAH would also be commutable for me but tougher I think.
Thanks
12-09-2015 | 06:48 AM
#2
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Joined: Nov 2010
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I've been in ORD for 3 months so far and love it. That being said, I live here and have sworn off commuting (hopefully) forever.
I'm junior 737 and have held lines the entire time. They're a mix of 3 and 4 day trips with around 14 days off for the month and mid to upper 80's credit. Typically not commutable on the front end, but finish with a red eye. Very commuter friendly on the back end of the trip.
If you're coming from EWR, the trips aren't as good. Purely my opinion... Nothing beats being based at home, though.
And just some food for thought, I am super junior here (mid 80's%) and still holding decent lines. I'm guessing local guys probably bid reserve, so there is plenty left over for us bottom dwellers. I did bid reserve for December and have only flown an out and back so far. Easy living.
I'm junior 737 and have held lines the entire time. They're a mix of 3 and 4 day trips with around 14 days off for the month and mid to upper 80's credit. Typically not commutable on the front end, but finish with a red eye. Very commuter friendly on the back end of the trip.
If you're coming from EWR, the trips aren't as good. Purely my opinion... Nothing beats being based at home, though.
And just some food for thought, I am super junior here (mid 80's%) and still holding decent lines. I'm guessing local guys probably bid reserve, so there is plenty left over for us bottom dwellers. I did bid reserve for December and have only flown an out and back so far. Easy living.
12-09-2015 | 07:46 AM
#3
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: 777
You do have to be careful in asking the question now.
It will change depending on the time of year. I would expect reserves to not be used much now. Spring and summer will be vastly different. Probably used a lot more.
It will change depending on the time of year. I would expect reserves to not be used much now. Spring and summer will be vastly different. Probably used a lot more.
12-09-2015 | 08:45 AM
#5
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And that my friends is the absolute key to a happy airline pilot life. I finally stopped commuting after 9 years this past May and have not been happier. My only regret was not doing it years ago.
12-09-2015 | 08:56 AM
#6
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From: 737 CA
Ditto. I moved to a base after 6 years of commuting. No comparison. But now I'm on reserve so I have to work on my time management skills, as I have not worked in weeks! Roll out of the rack by 10. Gym by noon. Then....? It's a tuff life, but somebody has got to do it!!
Sled
12-09-2015 | 10:39 AM
#7
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I've been here 18 months. It took me a little over a year to hold ORD, but I'm thinking that'll drop rather quickly. 320 or 737 will be quick to get here. I'd be marginally more senior on the 320, but not sure what those trips are like. Welcome to United! Glad to have you here!
12-09-2015 | 11:18 AM
#8
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From: 737 FO
I've been here 18 months. It took me a little over a year to hold ORD, but I'm thinking that'll drop rather quickly. 320 or 737 will be quick to get here. I'd be marginally more senior on the 320, but not sure what those trips are like. Welcome to United! Glad to have you here!
12-09-2015 | 11:20 AM
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I've been here 18 months. It took me a little over a year to hold ORD, but I'm thinking that'll drop rather quickly. 320 or 737 will be quick to get here. I'd be marginally more senior on the 320, but not sure what those trips are like. Welcome to United! Glad to have you here!
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