Originally Posted by
viloader
I have a steady gig on the bus in Europe, LHS, 1500h PIC and counting and am taking sabbatical leave for a couple of years for personal/family reasons to move some place where I'd like to fly for one of the ACMI operators that have NIA/positioning base concept.
You may call me nuts, but one of my previous gigs was a holiday charter that was structured very much like ACMI (positioning base, stay away for a while and then have extended blocks off at home) and I actually enjoyed the challenge. I realise that most would want the gig I currently have, not go the other way, but it's what I want.
Is there an overview (not sure how up to date ppjn is) of length of work blocks, unpaid leave arrangements in winter, possible part time options about the usual suspects such as Smartlynx, Avion, Getjet, Heston etc? I'd prefer shorter work blocks and more time off at home and the possibility to take months off in winter (paid or unpaid) over a better salary. Haven't found such a comparison and it would help out my decision which one of these to go with. Looking at a start date in spring 2026.
Considering that the usual suspects are hunting for pilots 365 days a year you are pretty much in a position to ask them what you want, especially when it comes down to be off for the winter unpaid. They will love that unless you are "kindly asked" to cover operations in non-EU countries during the winter and be away from home a month or so. Most important is to discuss everything beforehand during the interviews.