It is a 7 year jump. No hiring, as in zero, between 2008 and 2014. The most junior captain is approaching the end of 2007 which means that most likely we will see the first 2014 upgrades on the next bid (or the one after). Either way, if a 2014 hire holds captain in 2020, that’s a 6 year upgrade. It’s only going to get better.

Are reserves allowed to pick up open time ?

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Yes, on days off.


RB

Yes Reserve guys can pick up open time on their days off.

Two points on this topic when it comes to guys on first year: the first is that Reserve frequently goes senior so you may not be able to hold it (very fleet dependent), the second is that first year pay is so low that financially you are better off pursuing other income sources on your off days. I only played with open time while on Reserve very briefly while on first year as I basically treated first year as a chance to play around with different strategies to maximize income vs time gone. Once off first year pay, if you live in domicile, reserve guys can do very well by picking up open time trips. However, while reserves are usually not tapped to hard, I have done a fourteen day around the world trip off of it. So caveat emptor!

At first glance I thought that was ridiculous but at that pay you could go out for a day and make $200 before taxes. Not a whole lot of incentive there.

Thanks. Also, whats the price per pay check of the medical insurance for a family.. obviously couple options would be higher or cheaper

$205 every two weeks for Medical, Dental, Vision, family of 4.

Is that option 2, the ppo?

Yes. PPO...

Probationary pilots should probably focus on limiting their exposure during their first year here. I wouldn’t pick up any open time (except for trading and only to improve my commuting options). Also, I wouldn’t agree to any Fly-no-Pay legs while on probation.

As you all know, it’s very difficult to get this job - why risk it for a few bucks? I’d much rather take a second job for the first year..

If you end up screwing up somehow and the company chooses to fire you the union has absolutely zero say in the process. Once off probation the union can and will fight for you.
Just something to consider..