Atlas and Polar Pilots...questions

[NightHauler]

Got a call to interview at Atlas. Lady told me on phone it was actually an interview for Atlas AND Polar. Hmmm. She said it could be either one. Now, I've done the searching on the net and come up with two very different pay scales, and I assume different schedules as well. What's the scuttlebutt? Is it really as bad as they say regarding schedules? I heard 18-21 days out at a time? I also heard Polar was 16 days out? Whats the dealio? I know the nature is long trips, but 21 days out of the month? That's only about 10 days off? Are all Atlas guys still going to Stanstead? I know I will be told these things at the interview (again, I don't know which I could be hired for if either), but I'd like to know more now. Flying the whale international is a life dream... but I do have a family. Need the honest truth about being gone. I don't have a problem with moving to UK if I have to... I'd prefer moving if it would improve my quality of life in terms of scheduling (and if I could afford it). Let loose! Don't hold back! I'm biting my nails on the edge of my seat!

 

[MovingTarget]

Know a guy that works there. If you move to Stanstead, look at 18 days in a row and be ready to live there for at least 24 months. My friend says go somewhere else if you have a chance.

Good luck.

 

[barbarian4]

New hires are going to Stansted, how long you will be there depends on how many they hire. The 18 day straight deal is what commuters bid for so you only have to get to Europe and back once a month, if you move over there your schedule and quality of life will probably be better.

Atlas and Polar are still operating as two separate companies (for now) with two separate CBAs. Money is better at Atlas, Polar may have some better QOL provisions I'm told.

 

[waazzuuuup!!]

yes they have better pay.

we have better quality of life.

money aint everything especially when you don't have time to spend it

 

[timetoquit]

Anyone know when the next class is for Polar? I was offered a class a few months ago but unable to attend, and now cannot get any answers for when the next one is.

 

[waazzuuuup!!]

everything is on hold now.
call the chief pilot and ask him.

letme kknow what he says

later

in korea now

got to go

 

[NightHauler]

Thanks guys for the answers. I think I will just stay put flying my present gig. Being away from home that much (up to 21 days) is worse than even the regionals. Too bad you have to sacrifice so much to fly a 747. Oh well, maybe in my next life.

 

[I Hate Freight]

Thanks guys for the answers. I think I will just stay put flying my present gig. Being away from home that much (up to 21 days) is worse than even the regionals.

You say that as if "the regionals" have schedules even close to that. I may be wrong but no regional I know of does and I investigated many before coming here to Eagle. AFAIK, the respectable regionals have you out no more than four-five days as a line holder or six days on reserve.

IHF

 

[NightHauler]

Dude, (ihatefreigiht), re-read my post. I said the schedule is even WORSE than the regionals. What's your beef?

 

[Tomct]

Hey, I have a friend who is a Captain at Polar and he loves flying there. He has been there about 3 1/2 years. He says that you can bid for trips and work your own magic. I have my stuff in there right now, but am not sure about leaving present job. I have been here at ASA for almost six years as an RJ Captain. I love my job, but I need to make more money to pay bills.