Well, in addition to the timed out line holders, they won't be able to extend a lot of the reserve guys. I know in MEM, we've got several FOs already at or over the extension in a year limit. Now, I know the Pinnacle way is schedule it tight and extend/junior man guys to cover what's left. I haven't had a home reserve day I wasn't called for a trip or to sit at the airport for 9 hours in at LEAST two-three months. It's normally 3-4 months, and I'll get ONE home reserve day in a month I won't get used, rinse and repeat. This year, I've maybe had 4 home reserve days I didn't get a phone call. Add to that scheduling doesn't really know how to handle irops unless they've got 400 people sitting at the airport doing nothing. This is why they have the "Use them or loose them" mentality when it comes to reserves. If you've had an 8 hour RR night and were scheduled to be done at 8 or 9 am the next morning, you can bet dollars to donuts they're gonna take 4 more legs on to you pushing you to the 12 hour limit just in case they need that other reserve (and they likely will). Pass benefit changes, from what I hear, have made it harder for guys to get to work.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see an upgrade class and 1 or 2 new hire classes. I've heard the rumor (from several sources) as well. Like everything else, I believe it when I see a vacancy.....and a class.....and those guys get off OE. Like Ken said, we're already at min staffing for the SLOW part of the year. Spring/summer hits, and we're gonna need those extra people. Hiring in Jan puts new hire FOs on the line right as summer is starting. It'll probably be too late for the spring break bump, but if they push 'em, Easter is a possibility. CA upgrades can be done in about half the time, though.
And honestly, I don't think we'd have any problems getting applicants in this environment. Look what happened to Colgan when they opened their hiring window. Reserve for a year, slow movement and a 5 year upgrade probably won't stop HR's desks from getting mail bombed.
