Typical Schedule at CAL

[hurricanepilot3]

I currently work two weeks on two weeks off. What type of schedule while working at CAL can one expect? Please tell me its not four on three off. If so, god bless all the commuters.

 

[minrest]

Well, if you are really junior then yes you may get 4 on, 3 off. Or you may get 5 on, 4 off. There is no single answer to your question. It depends on aircraft type, base, and seniority. After a year at the company I averaged about 15 off on the 737 in Ewr.

 

[venr122]

Seniority is the key, Junior you will get 12 days off for awhile....I am in the top third and get 19 days off in the 737 right seat. (2.5 years with Co.)

 

[Uniform Shop]

It really does depend on what aircraft and base you are in. If you are on the 757/767 in EWR you can back your trips up and work 12 in a row because of the 3 man crew.

If you are on the 737 you will be limited by the 30/7 problem. You will hold a line quicker on the 737 though and most likely end up with a few more days off until you get some seniority.

 

[BID]

16-18 days off rather typical for me. I fly on the low side as much as I can. IAH based been here approx. 2 years and a couple of months.

I do not bid for weekends off but get one here and there. I also like to do one leg the last day of the trip and finish before 3:00 pm. I think I could get more days off but would end up finishing later in the day.

Also have done 4 legs maybe three times since working here. Really enjoy the flying at Continental Airlines and with some seniority I think you can find what works for you.

 

[Patriot328]

Everyone is right on so far. With our current bidding system, the schedules can be all over the place. The good news is, if you are in the 756 fleet you can back all your trips up and work 14 in a row if that's what floats your boat.

I'm a 2yr 756FO in EWR, sitting about 60-65% in the seat and have 96hrs with 15 days off this month including Thanksgiving, surprising since I didn't ask for it. I was originally awarded a 15 day off line that was worth 83 hrs, but since it's nearly impossible to actually flat out drop a day due to our staffing, I traded my schedule around for more productive trips on the same days I was working anyway.

Two Europe trips, three 8-9hr daytrips, 10.5hr vegas two-day, and a couple other daytrips mixed in there (MCO turns). If you do three "daytrips", they are usually more productive than doing a 3day Euro-trip (three PBI turns is 18hrs of block, most Euro trips in my seniority are less than that), but the Eurotrips will be much more commutable.

That's an unusual schedule for the 756 out of EWR, though. The fleet does mostly Europe flying with late starts and early finishes, very good if you are a commuter. I live relatively local, so I don't mind doing the daytrip stuff.

 

[hurricanepilot3]

When you talk about the 757,767 in respect to 3 man schedules. In doing 13 or 14 day trips how many days off are you scheduled for? What type of pay can one expect in your second year? Are the lines better out of IAH or EWR? Again thank you for your insight. Trying to make an educated decission.

 

[Uniform Shop]

As a junior line holder you can expect 12 days off. I was hired October 05 and for November I have 17 days off, including Thanksgiving. My pay is around $6200 for 78 hours (just hit 3rd year pay).

With the reduction of summer flying we are properly staffed so I'm no longer flying the 95+ hours like I was in June, July and Aug. The pay isn't that great for the type of flying I'm doing but it will get better on the next contract. Hopefully by the time you hit second year pay the rates will be much higher.

The movement has been great over the past couple years and it doesn't seem to be slowing down.

I haven't paid attention to the IAH flying so I can't help you there.

Good luck on your decision. It's been great so far.

 

[ACWild]

I'm averaging 18 off in the 777. Basically I do three trips a month. Late sign ins and early end times. I don't commute so that equates to more home time. It's really like flying for a different airline when you go to the different fleet types here.
When I was in the 737, I worked a lot. After I got pass the magic "splat" line seniority-wise, I was doing 18 off with day trips (my first choice). I thought life was good then, but life in the 777 is a lot better (for me). Of course, that's a personal thing as some people like to fly. QoL is what I'm after. Also, we seem to be less effected by the bs, probably because the 777 is properly staffed.
Although I haven't bid reserve yet, I've been told that reserve pilots don't fly much at all. Once I get my three landings this month, I think I'm going to bid reserve.

 

[Pocono Pilot]

I didn't know CAL pilots even had any days off over there LOL

 

[AWACoff]

In August I flew 6 days on reserve. In September I flew 4 days on reserve. October I had 13 days off as a lineholder due to picking up trips. This month it looks like I am going to be abUSED on reserve. I've worked everyday so far.

 

[Uniform Shop]

I didn't know CAL pilots even had any days off over there LOL

I know, imagine that. Who would have thought that CAL pilots would have a pretty good QOL in just two short years? It must drive you crazy!

 

[flygirlqt]

I didn't know CAL pilots even had any days off over there LOL

That is because you were the only female ever rejected by Continental. Which in itself is pretty funny.

 

[Mooseflyer]

I currently work two weeks on two weeks off.

Hurricane, where do you work? 2 on 2 off is the schedule I'm looking for.

 

[hurricanepilot3]

send me a private message.. Just dont like my personal business out there. You never know whose watching.