New Guy Here

BlueSkiesSmiling

BlueSkiesSmiling

New Member
I'm ready and waiting for my February IFOD class to start and I have questions about lots of things, but I will only ask about one thing for now.

As far as work schedules go, is it more standard for companies to have rotating shifts where you are working all around the clock, or is it more standard to get set schedules?

My experience in transit is that there are set shifts that are bid on based on seniority twice a year and it is the same schedule everyday (or as close to it as can be) for 6 months. The higher you got in seniority, the more likely you would get a good Monday-Friday shift. But in aviation, it seems that working a couple of mornings followed by a couple of evenings followed by a couple of overnights all in one week is a possibility.

Mind you, I don't have to work a sweet Monday-Friday schedule to be happy. I've been in transportation for years and I know it is a 24/7 environment. I'm just wondering about consistency in shifts.

Which companies keep you on a rotating shift and which ones have you on a set schedule? I'm not saying that I won't apply for a job if it has a rotating schedule, I just want to know what to expect ahead of time.

Thanks in advance!
 
It varies widely by airline. At one regional airline we bid for our lines on a quarterly basis. There are usually some "relief" lines that cover for vacations, etc. and might have rotating shifts. Basically, there is no set answer, it just varies too much by company. Where I'm at now we bid annually. Relief line holders can work any shift but the person who writes the schedules tries to take their preferences into account when doing so.
 
I just graduated from IFOD recently. It's a great school with great instructors. Kash is a great guy. Good luck!
 
Welcome! At my last job, shifts were bid quarterly and we worked 4 on, 3 off (10hr shifts). Where I'm at now, we will be bidding (not sure if quarterly yet...changes coming) and we work 4 on, 4 off (12hr shifts). Can't imagine working M-F as you spoke of...I LOVE my four days off!

Best of luck to you, and people are here to help so feel free to ask your questions :-)
 
I currently work 4 on 3 off
It's all seniority based
We bid twice a year once in January and once in June
With four relief lines
 
At my carrier dispatchers bid once a year for their line, and a secondary bid is held monthly for desk preference (Pacific, South, Atlantic, ETOPS, etc).
 
Thanks, everybody for the responses. I like 4 10-hour shifts, but I am used to others, too.

Those shifts (lines?) that you have are all for the same basic shift (1st shift, 2nd, or 3rd)? Or are they a combination of all?
 
BlueSkiesSmiling said:
Thanks, everybody for the responses. I like 4 10-hour shifts, but I am used to others, too. Those shifts (lines?) that you have are all for the same basic shift (1st shift, 2nd, or 3rd)? Or are they a combination of all?
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We don't rotate shifts but I have heard that some do...
 
womanpilot73 said:
Welcome! At my last job, shifts were bid quarterly and we worked 4 on, 3 off (10hr shifts). Where I'm at now, we will be bidding (not sure if quarterly yet...changes coming) and we work 4 on, 4 off (12hr shifts). Can't imagine working M-F as you spoke of...I LOVE my four days off!

Best of luck to you, and people are here to help so feel free to ask your questions :)
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Let me ask......how do you get around the FAR limiting dispatchers to 10 hour duty days?
 
Salkadi said:
It's easy to get around as long as the operation isn't 121 domestic or flag.

If it's supplemental, 135 or 91, then 12 hour duty day is no problem.
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Sorry, I was under the impression that is was a Part 121 operation. So yes, I agree with you. Dispatcher certificate not required by the FAA.
 
I work at a Part 121 Operation but like Salkadi said if you're not touching 121 Domestic or Flag Ops you don't even have duty time.
 
Good luck at Feb IFOD Blue Skies...I'm lined up for the March class...can't wait. Would go in Feb but need a little more time to get things at the home front ready. Best of luck!!! Keep us posted how it goes!
 
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