Mikehotel152,
Have the same situation, asked to work 2 off days, and I'm pretty sure that, my 'on' days will change to sby.
Must say I really dont know what their plan is, I worked one day out of five this block and I see there are at least 2 out of base f/o's at our base. Surely its cheaper to fly us, as they dont have to pay the extra 20, for out of base flying....whats up?
Also coming up to command, about 2700 hours now, I have a young family and am wondering how it will work commuting on a 5/3.
If the desert option is better for family life, that will have to be the one I take.
They really have to introduce some seniority list for bases, I cant be stuck in some sheit hole with no concrete promise of a desirable base so I can settle said family there.
We shall see what they come up with, if anything, commuting indefinitely on a 5/3 with a family is simply not an option.