Familiarize yourself with pilot "sequences," which form the basis of American Airlines' pilot reserve system. American Airlines assigns each pilot a certain set flying sequence each month which constitutes income he is guaranteed to receive. To reinforce this guarantee, American Airlines has instituted "Sequence Protection," which ensures the airline will compensate pilots even if weather or another disruption interrupts scheduled flying.
Differentiate between "standard" and "make-up" monthly maximums. American sets a standard maximum number of hours pilots are able to fly in a month to offset any losses it might incur paying pilots for flight hours for which they didn't actually fly under "Sequence Protection." American's monthly "make-up" maximum, on the other hand, dictates the number of monthly hours each pilot may fly, including those he flies to make up for missed flying during a previous month. The make-up maximum includes the standard maximum plus designated make-up hours.
Understand the bidding system. When a pilot receives his schedule, he may advertise to other pilots that he has certain routes he doesn't want to fly. Interested pilots may then apply to fly his routes for him or to exchange one of their routes for his, keeping in mind that those with greater seniority get first priority. Additionally, if American itself posts additional flying opportunities, the same seniority-centered system goes into effect.
