Wow, I just read the entire thread today...does that get me any points at the interview if I make it there?

I was at the Deid last night and met some nice Atlas guys on the ramp across from me. The loadie was a former Herk guy so I said I'd show him mine if he'd show me his (airplane, of course). He took me right up, up, up the steps to meet the rest of the crew. In those few minutes Atlas went from being just another carrier I'm thinking about to my top choice. Flying all over the place with no idea of where you're going or what you're carrying is what I love best about the Herk and what I've been looking for in a new job! Doing it farther, faster and higher with 1970s technology or later is a plus!

So, to reiterate what I discussed with the crew yesterday:

-- No ATP yet. I understand that is absolutely a no-go with Atlas and most other outfits. But, reading this forum makes me think about NOT going to Higher Power and instead getting a non-737 ATP that will be cheaper and more importantly faster. Any advice?

-- Military retirement next May means I'll be available for classes about 1 April. Assuming I get the ATP squared away right after I return from my current desert vacation, is it too early to apply knowing I might have to postpone an interview while I'm still on active duty?

-- Wife's only question: is there a list of approved "gateway cities" out there should we decide not to live near the base? I didn't get far with Google on that one.

Thanks for the very informative posts. I'm on alert in about 7 hours so need to hit the sack in case they call us right at the start of the alert window.

Cheers.