question for NJ Folks

[206amphib]

Hey there all. I am a former 121 fo/captain and a current 135 on-demand pilot. I am looking to go back to a more structured level of flying, and I was hoping some current NJ pilots that have families could give me their take on the company in general, the schedule, pro/cons, and all that stuff as it pertains to QOL and the family. I've read all the stuff about the current negotiations, so clearly, there are probably mixed feelings. That aside, how is it? How often are you able to get days that you need off, off?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Captain Morgan]

I second that, I am in the same boat. Was 121, then 91 Corporate (24/7 callout), then 135 (pretty much 24/7 callout). I am also looking for more structure and a job I can make a career out of.

CM

 

[Guitar Guy]

Since the current CBA was ratified in 2005, I've been on the 7/7 schedule, however, I'll be going to the reserve schedule shortly due to aircraft transition training.

My wife really likes the 7/7 schedule because it gives us a constant schedule with known days off weeks or months in advance. We simply plan to do things during my off week. I haven't had an instance where I "needed" a certain day off during a tour. However, when my wife and I moved a few years ago, the company did work with me to take a short, unpaid leave. But that was under the prior contract.

Some guys really like our current Reserve (18 day) schedule. They have 2 blocks of hard days (H days) off per month, subject, though to certain limitiations (read: holidays). Those days are supposed to be awarded by seniority. Some guys claim that with shrewd placement of H days, the company often has a difficult time working them up to the 18-day limit. But like I said, I'm just heading to the Reserve schedule so I can't comment on it from personal experience.

As for our current IBB negotiations, it will impact scheduling in a big way. The current 7/7 will stay as is. Reserve will be modified by the loss of the 2 blocks of H days per month; however, the company will post a pilot's Reserve schedule on the 15th of the preceeding month. And there will be a new schedule added, the 15-day flex. The flex schedule will consist of 3 5-day tours each month but unlike the proposed 18-day Reserve schedule, there will not be a posting of the work days during the preceeding month.

I hope that answers some of your questions. If not, please feel free to PM me.

 

[fischman]

NetJets

Best flying job I have ever had.