LVLCHG
Welcome to BA.
Bidline is a rather complicated system, but don't worry about it, you will pick it up, and you will grow to appreciate it, just as virtually every other new pilot in BA before you has done.
Below are three rosters, for three different F/Os of varying degrees of seniority on the B747, during a recent month. I think they are reasonably representative of a typical line for that seniority.
All these lines were bid for (not assigned), all earned roughly the same amount of credit, all were sufficient work for that particular month, which was an average month. The amount of work required over a year is fixed, but the amount of work required each month can, and does, vary, at BA's discretion.
- Senior F/O: BKK/SYD (9), JNB (5), BLR (4). 18 Days On / 12 Days Off
- Middle F/O: NRT (4), DEL (3), SFO (4), JNB (5). 16 Days On / 14 Days Off
- Junior F/O: BLR (4), MIA (3), MEX (5), NRT (4). 16 Days On / 14 Days Off
Once you have finished your line training and have passed your first route check, BA roster staff will ensure that you get trip lines for your first three months, so you can consolidate your training and settle in on the fleet.
After those three months you will be on your own, bidding monthly for work lines, which may well include a month on standby. However, if on a standby month, you will automatically receive full pay for that month, regardless of how much or how little you work.
You will hear moans about Bidline, but few who have used it would ever want to go back to being rostered!
Good Luck with the B747 course.
Bellerophon