Aviatormar

I have a question about reserve, if you live in your base, can you sit on reserve and be at home? How does that work, if it is even possible? I know this is a dumb question, but you can potentially sit at home, waiting for a call and then have to show up if called is that correct? thanks for the help

JoeyMeatballs

Yeah......depends on your call out, Colgan was "Go to the airport now!!!!!!!!!!!) Expressjet is min 2hrs for short call, I live 40 mins from EWR so it was great, but normally if you check your shcedule the night befor youll see something on there, not much sitting around for XJT

rickair7777

It depends on the company, but most have reserve schedules pretty similar to this:

Ready Reserve: You hang out at the airport, inside security. You may have a call-out time specified, such as 15 minutes, or they may just require you to be inside security. A few daring folks who live (or crash) VERY close to the airport sit ready at home...in uniform, bags packed by the door. A flight you're working can't leave without you if you're 5 minutes late, but the danger here is missing a deadhead (which will leave regardless). Ready is usually for 6-12 hours.

Short Call (regular reserve): Usually 12 hours of duty, 12 hours off. You have a 1-2 hour call out (1.5 typical). You can't drink (if you have a 12-hour booze rule), and may have to take your bags and uniform if you go to run errands.

Long call: Few regionals have this, more of a major airline thing. 12-24 hour call-out, but you may be on duty 24/7 (you can drink, and you will be released to get your rest when they call you out). Pretty sweet work if you can get it.

Note: When on reserve if you are called out ALWAYS reserve your right to take your FULL call-out time. Otherwise the company will come to expect you to be there in 15 minutes at their beck and call. Also if you agree to show up early for a deadhead, get a flat tire, and miss the flight...YOU are screwed cuz you agreed to do it. They will CYA by saying that they would have called someone else if they knew you couldn't make it. If you want to help out tell them "I'll do my best to be there in 25 minutes but I cannot guarantee that, I might need the full 1.5 hours due to traffic" This way you can help them out if you desire but your butt is covered for the unexpected (many airports have train tracks nearby, which can stop traffic for 30+ minutes).

Flyby1206

Many airlines use their reserve pilots in inverse seniority (most junior gets called first) so if you are senior on the reserve list you can go a looong time without flying. Its great of you live near your base and want to relax at home.