Flypony

Hello all!

I’m currently highly considering United. I have been a corporate pilot and charter pilot my whole career and I am 51. I have a few questions about the operation. Thanks in advance for any information that you are willing to share!

First off I live 2 hour and 35 from Chicago ORD and quality of life is the most important for me and my family.

1) How long before I could realistically hold ORD as an FO on Reserve, and then how long to hold a line?

2) Since I will get EWR or SFO out of training, would it be better to commute to EWR or SFO to hold a line there quicker? Or start all over on reserve in ORD? Your opinion.

3) What is the difference between long and short call reserve?

4) How difficult is it to find a crash pad at EWR or SFO and what is the approximate cost?

5) Once I held a line if all I wanted was to have four days off in a row (those days M-F and not over holidays) a few times a year is that even possible to plan with some certainty before the 18th day of the previous month? If I bid my line to stay away from those four days?

6) What would be a realistic time frame to upgrade to Captain at ORD? Is the 737 the best bet for that?

Thank you for your time!

C2078

Even before all these questions, have you even applied? If so, have you received an interview offer? If so, have you received a CJO? THEN, these questions become relevant. Do you know how difficult it is to get an interview with the top jobs? Applying takes maybe an hour of your time. At your age, simply apply, if you are lucky to get called and are successful, then you can decide. You can always say no thank you.

Flypony

Thank you I understand your point. I know very little about the airline life or schedule. I’m trying to gather information on this site in order to help me make the decision if I should apply to United or if the airlines will work for my family situation. I have read many threads. Thank you for your time and input.

C2078

Simply suggesting if you are remotely interested, apply, it will take you about an hour, get in the queue per say, get in the system, and then continue your research. All good questions, but at your age time is of the essence if you decide it works for you. Good luck!

blizzue

See above.

CLazarus

There are tons of threads here that can help answer your questions if you just use the search function. Also, there was this thread just the other day: How Long Till I Get to ORD

1. If hiring continues I'd say you could make it into ORD as a reserve inside of six months, possibly even out of training. Maybe a year later to get a line.

2. That really depends on your situation. I'd hazard that driving 2.5 hours to ORD reserve would be better than doing the drive then commuting to EWR for a line. You could make more money with an EWR line I suppose, but that is about the only plus to it.

3. Long Call = 12 hours to get to work. Short Call = 2.5 hours. Field Standby = Sitting at the airport. In your case, since you are about 2.5 hours from ORD Short Call would not be too bad a deal (and rarely is your showtime exactly 2.5 hours from notification). Field Standby would suck for you and you'd probably have to do it a few times a month.

4. Not difficult. I think I paid $300 a month for access to a nicer house sized pad.

5. Not difficult to do several times a year. Knowing prior to the 18th? Can't really know, but as your seniority improves you'll have a better sense of your chances.

6. 737 is probably your best bet. Don't know, but I think it is safe to say 6+ years unless you swing a sweet base trade.

Flypony

I will look at the recent post. Seen a few others will look more.

Thank you all for the information and your time!