Originally Posted by
TheFlyinGeek
Given that everything is seniority based at KLM, are you forced on a Reserve Schedule for the first few years, and if so how long does it generally take to hold a 'Flying Block' for let's say the Cityhopper fleet?
Any word if KLM would ever consider non-EASA type rated pilots? I'm a Dutch native currently flying for Canada's flag carrier but since I'm in my early 40s not sure if it's still worth going through the whole ICAO to EASA conversion process without any kind of a job guarantee.
Well, not everything is seniority based. Your pay and position is. With KLM Cityhopper (I still believe) your annual leave is as well. However, they want to level this with KLM where annual leave is based on a handicap system.
Regarding standby/reserve, if you don’t bid on a reserve, it is equally allotted true all the pilots.
Roster is a rolling 4 weeks.
Within long haul there is a biding system that firstly goes on seniority, where 13 weeks before roster publication it is decided who had the most senior bid on a trip . However, for every allocated trip your “seniority” drops a bit, so that lower senior people get more chances.
Then, from 13 to 7 weeks before roster publication open flights can be “taken” on a first come-first serve base. When biding on such a flight, you immediately know if you got it.
Some people manage to create their entire schedule, knowing what you will do 3 months in advance.
On European flights (KLM/KLC), you can also bid on flights, guaranteed off etc. Especially the guaranteed off is not seniority based.
I think that KLM wants an EASA license. I am curious to see how transitioning licenses and medicals to the Dutch-CAA will go, looking e.g at GDPR rules. But time will tell.