IAD 737 vs 320 trips
07-28-2015, 06:27 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: 320 Captain
Posts: 655
Right now the 737 is the "growth" aircraft in DC since it is a new base. The plan is for each fleet to be roughly the same size, so the 737 needs to grow to equal the 320's current size of roughly 130 F/O's. Based on the last vacancy bid, they are just about there. (90 vacancies advertised). However with senior pilots bidding off due to upgrades and base transfer, expect more vacancy bids on each going forward to maintain that ~130 pilot base number.
DC
08-29-2015, 09:25 AM
#4
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2015
Position: 737FO
Posts: 7
Better trips is subjective to each pilot. Average time per day is roughly the same for each. Both cover all three airports. Pretty much the only difference is that the 737 has taken over the Caribbean flying from the 320. But that doesn't mean the 320 couldn't do it in the future.
Right now the 737 is the "growth" aircraft in DC since it is a new base. The plan is for each fleet to be roughly the same size, so the 737 needs to grow to equal the 320's current size of roughly 130 F/O's. Based on the last vacancy bid, they are just about there. (90 vacancies advertised). However with senior pilots bidding off due to upgrades and base transfer, expect more vacancy bids on each going forward to maintain that ~130 pilot base number.
DC
Right now the 737 is the "growth" aircraft in DC since it is a new base. The plan is for each fleet to be roughly the same size, so the 737 needs to grow to equal the 320's current size of roughly 130 F/O's. Based on the last vacancy bid, they are just about there. (90 vacancies advertised). However with senior pilots bidding off due to upgrades and base transfer, expect more vacancy bids on each going forward to maintain that ~130 pilot base number.
DC
08-29-2015, 10:01 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2012
Posts: 112
I'm going into class September 1st and would like to ask someone who's been with United to let me know their opinion. I think I'm correct that if you have an IAD base, you are expected to cover 3 airports (IAD, DCA, and BWI). Is this true? And, for a commuter on reserve, what would you suggest as a crash pad location? What's the best way to manage this?
Quick and dirty response:
1. Yes you are expected to cover all 3 airports. IAD is busiest obviously, followed by DCA then BWI.
2. I would suggest a crash pad close to IAD and there are plenty posted on the bulletin board in the crew room. If you do not have a car, the metro will become your friend.
08-29-2015, 10:45 AM
#6
Stuck Mic
Joined APC: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,059
The metro can get you easily between IAD and DCA along with a bus. Worst case scenario is a cab. The metro and bus system will also get you to BWI, just going to take some time to get there. I've heard from 3-4 hours but haven't done that one personally. IAD-DCA is 1.5-2.5 hours depending on timing and about $10 total one way.
08-29-2015, 10:50 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: 320 Captain
Posts: 655
I'm going into class September 1st and would like to ask someone who's been with United to let me know their opinion. I think I'm correct that if you have an IAD base, you are expected to cover 3 airports (IAD, DCA, and BWI). Is this true? And, for a commuter on reserve, what would you suggest as a crash pad location? What's the best way to manage this?
Crash pad is an option or, if you are good at the aggressive pick up of trips, can just do a local hotel closest to your departure airport
Metro to Union Station then /Amtrak/Marc train to get you over to BWI from IAD. (Two hours +). MARC Train | Maryland Transit Administration
Metro to get you to DCA from IAD (plan 1- 1+30 being conservative)
Metro - Rider Tools - Trip Planner
08-30-2015, 07:02 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2013
Posts: 173
DCA 737 is still small and as a result there is very little open time for reserves. Expect a lot of short call assignments. Unless you just love the insides of airports, a crash pad will be necessary.
What few trips come into open time are typically non-commutable: very early shows and late finishes in DCA and BWI. Public transit is not 24/7 to all airports. The good news is that Uber is now able to pick up from DCA and IAD (BWI unknown), and there are many deadheads built into trips, allowing for commutable deviation.
Just my experience in the first month operating DCA 737 reserve.
What few trips come into open time are typically non-commutable: very early shows and late finishes in DCA and BWI. Public transit is not 24/7 to all airports. The good news is that Uber is now able to pick up from DCA and IAD (BWI unknown), and there are many deadheads built into trips, allowing for commutable deviation.
Just my experience in the first month operating DCA 737 reserve.
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