Atlas question

[MstrWrng]

I am requesting information on the pilot schedules at ATLAS Air.

What would schedules be like for new hires?

What would schedules be like for 5yr pilot?

I've heard of 15 day trips, is it true, and if so, how much in % of the total trips are that long?
What about trips lasting over 7 days? % of trips over 7 days?

Are there lines built with 4 or 5 day trips only?

Basically I want to know what kind of a schedule a new hire could expect and a few years down the road...
Thanks

 

[Splert]

I will let you know when my budy gets home from his 18 day trip. Unless it is extended again.

 

[MstrWrng]

Thanks, appreciate any info

 

[DC10]

Most ACMI airlines (Atlas, Gemini, etc) have similar schedules. At Gemini, we generally fly 16 on, 14 off. Your 16 days on will be in a row, so will your days off, so be prepared to be away from home a lot.

I don't know about Atlas, but we are home based. This means that you can live anywhere in the Continental US that has an airport served by at least 3 airlines. The company will give you a ticket to and from work every month. In one month you could start your trip in JFK and end it in Hong Kong. There are a few cities that see a lot of service. If you live in one of these you'll be at home more. EG: We have 4-5 DC10s based in MIA. If you live in Miami you can bid for a MIA line. This will have you doing 1-4 day trips into and out of MIA, with a couple of days off in between each trip for 16 days, then have your 14 days off. I have been doing this for the last 2 years and have averaged 21+ days off every month even though I am a junior FO.

The 16/14 schedule has advantages and disadvantages. Even if you are junior it's very easy to work the first 16 days of one month followed by the last 16 days of the next month, giving you 28 days off in a row without using any vacation time. Unfortunately the reverse can also happen and you may be on the road for 32 days.

The flying is 90% International, which some love, others hate. I happen to love it - work days can be really long (some flights are up to 12 hours, although we also do 45 minute hops in South America) but I'd much rather do one 8-10 hour flight followed by 3 days off in a 5 star hotel in Japan than several 1 hour flights and 15 hours off in an airport Holiday Inn somewhere in the Northeast, but that's just personal preference.

As I said, I think Atlas does things similar to Gemini, but this should at least give you an idea.

 

[reepicheep]

Thanks for your info. One question...when your trip ends in Hong Kong and you have to make your way back home, does your travel day(s) count as part of your 16 days on or as part of your 14 days off? The same question would apply at start of a trip.

 

[DC10]

All travel is done on work days. The first and last days of your 16 day schedule are travel days. 14 days off means exactly that. The airline will have you home by 23:59 zulu on your last work day or will pay you 2 hours overtime if you arrive after 00:00z.

 

[Pondscum]

Hey DC10:
Good posts - very accurate, but I only have one thing to say..........
You may be junior, but I got you beat there - it doesn't get any more junior than me!!! he he he