typical monthly schedule for a pilot

[100_above]

Just curious as to the typical schedule of a jazz pilot. I know you typically get 12 days off a month, but what does the average monthly schedule look like? Are your days off grouped together? How is it with a family. Does Jazz like to see family ppl? How does it work if you commute? What if I have to commute and my commuting plane misses and I can't make it for your flight? I have applied and I was talking to my wife we have questions in terms of how it works for a family. Yeah we talked about the starting wage and it will mean a couple of lean years. She works as well so we are prepared to deal with that. Any family ppl out there who can comment? Thanks.

[prop2jet]

For starters, you will be on reserve and the aircraft you will fly and the base will be determined immediately after you draw your seniority. You will then get to pick, based on seniority from what is available at that time.

As to what life is like while you are on reserve is dependant first on whether you reside near your base. You are guaranteed 12 days off and you can bid either 5 or 6 consecutive days of coverage. Depending on requirements you can bid for either early coverage or late coverage.

If you have to commute, then life on reserve will not be pleasant. How long you are on reserve is going to depend on the attrition rate and growth rate.

With time, you will move up the roster and will have an opportunity to bid pairings (1 through 4 days) along with days off.

As you are probably aware we are in the midst of a strike vote. Hopefully a tentative agreement will be reached prior to the deadline (as a strike mandate is fully expected) that improves the compensation considerably.

[UnoPompero]

I am new with Jazz and do commute PM me if you have any questions

[TA/RA]

Lets say you are unable to hold a block and are on reserve either as a commuter or not.....
What is the probability of being called in as a new hire? Is it likely to see 5-6 days go by without a call? Or can one reasonable expect to be called in 25% 50% or 75% of the time?

Just a ball park?

[Go Guns]

When I was on reserve I was actively looking to go flying. I remember March last year I timed out and got overtime on top of that, 90+ hours. Then April came and I flew 25 hours. Both months would be extremes in my reserve experience though. Like I say, I was looking to go flying and out of the, say 18 days, I could've flown in a month, The average was probably 15 days of flying.

[teacher]

About the same for me, as a pretty junior reserve guy one summer I didn't touch a plane for over 2 weeks. Than as a much more senior reserve pilot I flew everyday and got overtime. It really depends but I'd say on reserve unless it's really bad weather you'll fly a little less than a block holder so 12-14 days a month but it will vary. Days off will depend on seniority but will improve over time. You can also pick from pairings that are in open and try to select flights that need to be crewed so that your life is a little better. Sometimes though the phone just rings and you get what you get.

Our reserve rules are very good so you're not crew sched's bitch too much. Personally I didn't mind reserve at all.

[mbav8r]

For commuting, you look forward to a block. Once you hold a block you'll end up working between 14 and 16 days a month. There is a commuting policy, you require 2 flights that arrive at least, 1st flight 2hrs, 2nd flight 1 hour prior to check in. You also have to of had a reasonalble expectation of getting on those flights. One other caveat, if there is a blizzard or any other extreme weather event forecasted for when you need to travel, your not covered under this policy. In the 3 years of commuting, I had to leave a day early because of weather, only once.
I prefer to bid morning check-ins and come out the afternoon before, go to the flophouse and get a good rest. There are however people who can stomach afetrnoon check-ins and commute the same day. I found when I tried that, to be within the policy, I was at the airport at 0500 for the 1st flight out, then get to your base and sit around the crewroom for 5 hours beofre check-in. By the time your day is done, you've been up for 18-20 hours. Not a fan of those kind of days and not really safe either.

[eeffoc]

Up for 18-20 hours and still fly?? Thats crazy man, why would you want to do that?

[Flaps 1]

I've been at Jazz for 3 years now and have been on Rsv the entire time...by choice. It seems to work best for my schedule and my young family, and I like how you can pick and choose flying through the next day desk. Being on rsv gives me quite a bit of flexibilty with check in times and variety of flying. I probably see the 705 more than some block holders, and I get alot of variety through modified pairings from other bases (although this involves alot of unpaid deadhead's). My schedule varies from month to month, but generally I get about 16 days off. Last month was an exception where I had 23 days off. My rsv days are spent parenting my kids, playing hockey, hanging out at Starbuck's, and shopping at Home depot and Toy R Us...just keep that cell phone charged...

For all of you folks that are looking to come to Jazz, I would not hesitate for one second. It is a fantastic place to work with great people. It is a professional environment, but is also very laid back. The training is excellent, and the variety of flying is very good. Many good things are happening here with more to come I'm sure. All we need to do now is secure a good contract to make it a place to live out our professional flying careers.

Good luck to all who apply!

[Mclovin]

Well as far as working on reserve goes it really depends on your seniority. I am very junior on the RJ in YYZ. I have been here two and half years now, and I work almost every single day on reserve. I think in February I worked all 18 days. Last month I worked 16, and this month so far I have worked all but 2 days, and I am on reserve B this month. Reserve blows if you commute been there done that when I was based in YUL. I don't mind reserve that much, some people can't stand it but usually in YYZ anyway there is always flying to do so you are busy. Any questions PM me.
Good luck Fellas

[mbav8r]

eeffoc, I think that was my point, I don't want to, so I bid morning check ins and come out the day before. I have made it a rule that my day won't exceed 14 hrs including the commute, if I can't do it, I won't bid it.