Pattern tells the N-PBS Scheduler to create a block that follows a pattern of days on and days off. You can specify a range of days on and a minimum number of days off between duty periods. A working pre-award, such as training or a pairing awarded through Coverage Awards, is considered to be a day on. A non-working pre-awards such as vacation is considered to be a day off.
Reminder: Pattern can be placed above or below Prefer Off and Avoid bid preferences in a Pairing bid group; however, it must be above all Award bid preferences. This bid cannot be forgotten and it will automatically be placed above your first Award bid preference, if you attempt to add it below an Award bid. The interface will not allow the bid to be moved below an Award bid, nor can an Award bid be moved above it.
Pattern Bid Example
Set Condition Pattern Between 3 and 7 Days On with 3 Days Off (minimum)
The N-PBS Scheduler tries to award you a block that follows the pattern of working days (including pre-awards) between 3 and 7 followed by a minimum of 3 days off.
A carry-in pairing that is too short does not violate the pattern, nor does a too-short block of days off between pre-awards
For a regular line Pattern Bid, an in-period working pre-award that is too short violates the pattern and enough flying must be awarded adjacent to the working pre-award that is too short does not violate the pattern.
For a reserve line Pattern Bid, an in-period working pre-award that is too short does not violate the pattern.