I have been getting numerous questions from friends and other pilots interested in Atlas and wondering most what the schedule is like. I am sure those of you interested in working here have read every page of this thread in detail and know you owe the company 17 days a month (and they can extend you up to 4 days to "protect the operation etc"). The schedules vary here drastically and I just went through my last 6 months of flying and will post it on here to give some insight what a new hire might expect. After talking with my classmates, the trip lengths are hit and miss and not only depends on seniority, but base as well (I am JFK based). Like many of my classmates, I have only gone over the 50hr monthly guarantee a couple of times. At Atlas, (just like most ACMI carriers) seniority really doesn't mean more days off or better trips. Seniority only means you get the days off you want.

Some key points with my schedule.

- 3 extensions total in 6 months.
- I am JFK based and use the gateway basing system and it has been 50/50 if I travel to JFK and have to pay tax or not on the airfare and hotel.
- I have NEVER started a trip and finished it as it was printed when I started. My schedule has always changed.
- I try to bid for "shorter" (7-10 day) trips. There are fewer 7-10 day trips compared to 16-17 day trips. I could easily have bid for longer length trips which some guys here love.

My OE trip was 17 days long and the rest of my schedule has been as follows. I think it's easier to just put it in list form.

T = Trip day length
R = Reserve days Length (home reserve unless noted)
X = Days off length

17T (OE)
8X
1R
11T
1R
5X
4R (sitting base reserve)
2X
15T
10X
8T
14X
17T
5X
6T
7X
1R
11T
2X
1R
11T
5X
2T (Training)
6X

Hopefully this gives those interested in working here a better idea of our schedules. This is just my schedule and a product of what I bid and my junior seniority level. My classmates and other pilots will have something completely different.

Atlas is not a conventional 121 airline and it can be a tough decision if it is the right lifestyle for you and/or your family. Best of luck to all!