First Trip Irony

Today is my first full day as a Captain. I commuted up this morning on a 7:30 AM flight to be in position for my 10 AM -Midnight call out period.

Lucky for me Sunday flights are light and I got an aisle seat for my commute. Boarded up early...then rain moved in. Then lightening. Delayed.

We didn't end up leaving until 8:40 AM. Right before we left I called scheduling and let them know I won't be able to answer the phone at 10 AM but would be at the airport well before my contractual 2 hour call out period. They understood.

I used the WiFi in flight to monitor open flights. Sure enough a few opened up. I was #3 to be called. I was assigned a trip while I was in the air but of course had no way to return a phone call and confirm it. The trip was full of irony.

I was assigned to dead head BACK to the hub I commuted from and work two flights back to my current base. It would have been too convenient to have been assigned that early this morning. It was actually contractually impossible. I could have been assigned it last night, but it wasn't open. Bleh.

As of now it is supposed to leave at 12:44 PM.  I arrive back in base at 9:20 PM. I get to buy my own hotel as I am on reserve tomorrow as well.

In reality the flight is delayed by 2 hours. Who knows what will happen the rest of the day. This is a new adventure...being a Captain and commuting. I haven't been on reserve in 5+ years. At least I'm being paid well know.