Original Message

I  think being a relief pilot is the hidden gem if you aren't working from home. A couple things to consider from my own experience - for what it's worth to you.

• If you relly on OT, Relief's  usually have to complete annual hours but after that everything is OT.
• Do a bit of research on which bases have which needs- I used to take a base with longer term needs so I wasn't all over the place at the whim of others e.g. pilot short.
• Manage your availability to your preferences which means get out in front of your own schedule so your regional doesn't start assigning you to every short term need at short term notice.
• Do your fair share as if it was your base.
• Support your primary area first to build  trust and comfort for you too for your flying area, aircraft maintenance and crews.
• Be current on two types if possible for flexibility.
• Try to stay in  the same hotels so you build a relationship for room preferences and bookings; they understand when you have to sleep during the day etc. I used to look for hotels that had some kind of bistro restaurant for sit down reasonable meal choices. picking up a brown bag every day will get old fast.
• Dont expect every week to be your perfect routine. Aircraft ferry's and maintenance checks will feature in from tme to time. See the glass as half full and recognize that you wanted the job with some nbord perks, but a few demands as well.
• Try to get a permanent rental - when i say that you don't want to be in and out of a vehicle every day. I didn't need a vehicle for 4 years and usually the rental company was calling me to get it back for mileage and resale.

I know a couple reliefs that were skeptical but once on board never looked back - Good luck.