Looks like I have a decision to make. I have been advised that I will be displaced out of the B737 Atlanta F/O position. They are moving some 23 F/O B737 positions to NYC. I have many choices to choose from but only three that I find viable.
1) Stay on the B737 and avoid going back to training on another airplane but sit reserve in NYC. This may require going a "crash-pad" in NYC for days I have to go up and sit reserve but not get called out on a flight.
2) Hold a schedule on the B767-300ER and fly international (TransAtlantic routes) out of NYC. This would be a raise of about $2.50 per hour. Would have to commute from Atlanta for each trip. This flying would be a little more boring flying long 8-11 hour legs with fewer take-offs and landings thus making it harder to get real proficient on the plane. The pay also carries an additional $3.50/hr int'l override pay though.
3) Hold a schedule on the MD-88 here in Atlanta but take a $7.00+/hour cut in pay. This would allow me to avoid commuting to work but would have to fly an additional 11-12 hours/month to make up the difference in pay from sitting reserve on the B737 here in Atlanta. This flying would be a lot more work with up to 5 legs per day. Most all the flying would be on the east coast and east of TX, OK, MI.
What to do, What to do. There are more pros and cons but that about sums it up. Vote on my poll to tell me what you would do.
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7 comments:
Personally, I would take the International flights out of NYC. I figure this would help build up your flight hours regardless of whether or not you get as many landings and take-offs. The pay increase will be beneficial also. Take the pay differencial and save every penny of it as if you didn't get it. You'll appreciate it in 10-15 years when you want to retire. The economy isn't going to get any better in the near future and you could have a back up savings should anything drastic happen. Plan for the future and have a savings. You'll appreciate it later in life.
I agree with Deric. Even before reading his comment, I was going to vote International. It sounds like a move up. The only downer you need to consider is if your family time is infringed upon. That is more imporant.
Dad speaking, I have talked with Brian on the phone concerning this. As to his time away from home, it is about an equal bit as I see it. Due to the length of flights and the turn around time in Europe, he would only be gone from home about 12 to 16 days per month. He could also make good use of his overseas trips by taking his sons with him to visit some of Europe. The flights all leave New york in the evenings and arrive in Europe the next morning. He lays over until the following day and then flies back to NYC. It is the jet lag problem that could be a killer, but I have talked with other international crew members and they have told me that it is not a real problem for them. They get some sleep upon arrival and still have an afternoon to sightsee and get a good nights rest before going back.
Example depart NYC on Monday evening, arrive Brussels Tuesday morning, check into hotel by 10:30
take a nap until 2 PM, spend 8 hours touring, eating, etc. in bed by 9 PM, up at 6 AM. Go to work and arrive in NYC about 3 pm and catch a flight to Atlanta that evening and be off for 5 days at home. Pay increase helps too.
Love, Dad
I'm glad I read the comments first.
Option 1 sounds really bad to me.
Option 2: If you have one international flight per week and then five days off (as implied by Dad), then that is a no-brainer for me, provided that I have understood the situation correctly.
Option 3 sounds Ok, but the pay cut and extra work is a bummer.
I think you should consider which option gives you more family time and go with it. Your kids are growing and will be out of the house soon enough. It's better to be in the picture with them more now. You can alter your career for financial benefit in a few years when they are getting ready to leave. So my vote is for which ever one you think will give you more time at home and still be enough to provide for your family.
After all is said and done I believe the international would give me more time at home. Sounds like the family says, "Go East Young Man."
I'd go international. Kim
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