Qal - phl/dca/clt/ord
10-10-2023, 07:55 AM
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,539
All very valid points there Sliceback.
All those places seem viable, I would definitely favour a base with the quickest seniority progression and getting out of reserve.
PHL and/or DCA seem to be checking all the boxes, with DCA seemingly easier to be allotted to looking at past several class drops.
Thank you
All those places seem viable, I would definitely favour a base with the quickest seniority progression and getting out of reserve.
PHL and/or DCA seem to be checking all the boxes, with DCA seemingly easier to be allotted to looking at past several class drops.
Thank you
10-10-2023, 08:20 AM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2021
Position: A320 FO
Posts: 655
If you chose to live easy driving distance to a base, you'll soon discover the joys of sitting SC at home. Currently on day 3 of a 4 day SC block without getting called. It doesn't always happen that way, but one advantage of our 85 hour reserve cap is there will be multiple days in a given month were one is not usable. I got used pretty frequently during the first part of last month (did 4 late afternoon report transcons in one week) and ended up with the last week of the month off, more or less.
10-10-2023, 08:55 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,539
Can I do anything? No, and my life doesn't revolve around alcohol. But I have spent multiple mornings on the jet ski waiting for a call, or doing some projects at home, or errands around town, or whatever. It's not a bad life.
10-10-2023, 09:19 AM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,335
With no established callout time, I don't feel like I am restricted in any way, other than alcohol. You aren't glued to your phone, you can call them back.
10-10-2023, 10:33 AM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,764
Whole threads are devoted to this. Some guys can handle short call better than others. I have friends that are great about carrying on with their lives without giving it any thought. I envy them - I live in base on the 777 and it'd be a great life - but I think the PTSD from my 135 days has ruined me for reserve.
10-10-2023, 10:34 AM
#26
Gets Everyday Off
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Fully Retired
Posts: 7,000
I always told pilots, if they sat at home SC, be cautious on what projects they start. Be interruptible. Do not have a plumbing project where you turn off the water to the house, and leave for a trip. Does not make for a happy family.
10-10-2023, 01:44 PM
#27
On Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Posts: 17
I was a van-lifer FO at PSA, a lineholder from the start. Adjusted my schedule for maximum days off and commuted for two years from wherever the weather was nice. I knew, however, I was gonna be on reserve after upgrade and living in a van down by the Potomac in summer/winter sounded grim. So I got a nice apartment (thank you captain pay!) in Crystal City, just a 15-minute walk to the gates. I came to find with that kind of living arrangement reserve life was not only tolerable, but downright amazing. After a few months when I was able to hold a line, I just kept on intentionally bidding reserve…for three years. I spent my work days kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, golfing, tennis, exploring museums, monuments, parks and all the things that make DC an incredible city. As the years passed and my seniority grew, I worked even less.
You may not be able to drink while on reserve, but after the first mile of trail or couple sets of rapids or first couple of holes, it sure felt like a day off. So much so you often forget you’re at “work.” Set your logistics up right and you can have an amazing life on reserve.
10-11-2023, 02:23 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2009
Position: B777 LS
Posts: 142
So does everybody say...
I am so much looking forward to learning the intricacies of the system.
As to the booze, perhaps this is a good excuse to cut down on it a little bit.
Cheers
I am so much looking forward to learning the intricacies of the system.
As to the booze, perhaps this is a good excuse to cut down on it a little bit.
Cheers
If you chose to live easy driving distance to a base, you'll soon discover the joys of sitting SC at home. Currently on day 3 of a 4 day SC block without getting called. It doesn't always happen that way, but one advantage of our 85 hour reserve cap is there will be multiple days in a given month were one is not usable. I got used pretty frequently during the first part of last month (did 4 late afternoon report transcons in one week) and ended up with the last week of the month off, more or less.
