PPRuNe Forums - BMed lifestyle

I would very much appreciate some feedback from pilots with experience of BMed.

1. What do you think of the lifestyle at BMed? Does it intrude significantly on family life?

2. With regard to leave. I am aware that it is 35 days per year but do you get free wrap around days. If so how many? i.e. to take a 7 day break would you only need to take 5 official days off and get 1 wrap around day at each end?

3. I understand that there are new aircraft forecast but are these to replace the older aircarft or for fleet expansion? If so, does this mean that time to command will reduce?

4. Following on from 3. What would you suggest the time to command would realistically be for someone with 3100TT and presently 500hrs command on 737? Before you ask why I would chose to change seat the reason is that I am working abroad and want to get back to UK for family.

5. I have heard that some people live outside of the 1.5 report. Is this fround upon?

6. Route network - Do you do regular charters, one off charters etc. If not do you find that the route network is rather repetative? Do you hanker for something else?

7. Down route - do you get frustrated by hotel accommodation or is there always something to do or are you often to busy/tired to venture out much?

Really would like honest opinions please. Big decision for me and the family and these questions are not really advertised on the side of a cereal box.