What's the latest with Atlas?

[johnsonrod]

Noted on another board that Atlas has hired recently. That's good news. I am looking for the LATEST news. So, I have a few questions for those in the know:

1. For recent newhires, which fleet are you getting and what is likely for newhires through the rest of 2014? Is there a seat lock for newhires?

2. Are the lifestyles much different between the 747 and 767 fleets in terms of total days out (18 per month?) and length of trips?

3. For someone allocated to the 747 fleet, are your routes dictated by your base? For example, if you are MIA based, do you tend to fly South American flights with a mix of ad hoc charters? If you are LAX base do you fly more transpacific flights? How many trips would be typical on the 747 fleet per month - or would you likely spend all 18 days out at once?

4. I have read about the "dry lease" 777s. Any rumors about actually adding 777s to be flown by Atlas pilots?

5. Lastly, for those Atlas pilots out there, any opinions on the pros and cons of flying for Atlas? I imagine 18+ days away from home can be difficult for some people but I am sure there are many positives. It's probably all relative to what you had done previously and everyone has their own opinion... I'd be curious to hear from recent newhires from the regionals and get their impressions considering that the flying is so different from regional flying. PMs are also welcome.

Appreciate any of the latest info on Atlas. Many of us in the regionals will have more choices in the near future as the retirement floodgates open. I have always admired Atlas and thought a career flying worldwide would be interesting and rewarding.

Appreciate any updates.

 

[gearjockey]

YESS!!! I hope you make it there, J-rod! You go brother!

 

[gghegarty]

I don't know where you are getting the 18+ day stuff from? Max allowed is 17 and most lines are about 15 currently. Try the mega thread at the other site to learn about atlas. Good luck.

 

[Talon757]

› › › ›


What he said. Here is the link to all the info you could want and more. The search function is at the top right of the thread window.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/hiring-news/51254-atlas-air-hiring-792.html

 

[barnyard]

I don't know where you are getting the 18+ day stuff from?

I can help with that...

You are on the hook for 17 days of actual work with the company. However, if you don't live in base, you must gateway travel to your base prior to the start of your trip. This is kind of like a regular airline where you must jumpseat to work- except Atlas buys you a regular ticket, and if the airline cancels/wx or something it's not your fault.

The problem here is, as a junior crewmember on the 747 you will get ANC. Many of the junior lines in ANC start at an early z time- say 0600Z. Since that's 9PM the day before, you must be in position prior to the start of trip. Here's the rub- Atlas requires to to get rest after you arrive from gateway travel- and since nothing gets to ANC from the majority of the US prior to 330PM in the winter, you must now leave home TWO days prior to your actual start date.

Combine this with the fact that the latest flight that gets you to the lower 48 during the day from ANC leaves at 1100 AM, if your last flight pattern gets you to ANC after that ( very likely) you now must wait until 10-11 PM, or even sometimes til 2AM to get a gateway redeye flight home- arriving tired and unpaid for another day away from home.

There is the opportunity to jump to the lower 48 on company aircraft- but then you arrive at ORD/LAX/JFK/CVG too late at night to get a connecting flight home.

Also many of the junior patterns are not straight day lines- as in you can go out for 8 days at one stretch and 9 another during the month. If both lines have an early Z start, you are now on the road for atlas SIX DAYS extra, unpaid.

This is what happened to me in January. 23 days away from home.

Just trying to give some perspective from a junior guy.

Cheers,

 

[johnsonrod]

I don't know where you are getting the 18+ day stuff from?

I can help with that...

You are on the hook for 17 days of actual work with the company. However, if you don't live in base, you must gateway travel to your base prior to the start of your trip. This is kind of like a regular airline where you must jumpseat to work- except Atlas buys you a regular ticket, and if the airline cancels/wx or something it's not your fault.

The problem here is, as a junior crewmember on the 747 you will get ANC. Many of the junior lines in ANC start at an early z time- say 0600Z. Since that's 9PM the day before, you must be in position prior to the start of trip. Here's the rub- Atlas requires to to get rest after you arrive from gateway travel- and since nothing gets to ANC from the majority of the US prior to 330PM in the winter, you must now leave home TWO days prior to your actual start date.

Combine this with the fact that the latest flight that gets you to the lower 48 during the day from ANC leaves at 1100 AM, if your last flight pattern gets you to ANC after that ( very likely) you now must wait until 10-11 PM, or even sometimes til 2AM to get a gateway redeye flight home- arriving tired and unpaid for another day away from home.

There is the opportunity to jump to the lower 48 on company aircraft- but then you arrive at ORD/LAX/JFK/CVG too late at night to get a connecting flight home.

Also many of the junior patterns are not straight day lines- as in you can go out for 8 days at one stretch and 9 another during the month. If both lines have an early Z start, you are now on the road for atlas SIX DAYS extra, unpaid.

This is what happened to me in January. 23 days away from home.

Just trying to give some perspective from a junior guy.

Cheers,

Barnyard,

Thanks for the insight and taking the time to contribute. Some of the info I have found on FI and APC sounds dated. No doubt many will appreciate your junior-guy perspective.

 

[Sir Innocenti]

So if you get gateway travel to your "base" for reserve or pre-duty rest, is this rest/lodging taken care of by the company or is it the responsibility of the pilot?

 

[barnyard]

So if you get gateway travel to your "base" for reserve or pre-duty rest, is this rest/lodging taken care of by the company or is it the responsibility of the pilot?

The lodging is paid for by Atlas, but sometimes you are taxed on it via the "Inputed Income" BS, which is a whole other topic.

 

[Talon757]

Bottom line: Jumpseat to and from work is a thing of the past. If I never jumpseat again I will be a very happy man!

 

[B747FR8DAWG]

FYI: Atlas will be recruiting at the WAI conference in Orlando March 6-8, and will be at the OBAP career fair March 20 in Las Vegas.