Attn Kalitta newbies or wannabes
Use caution with your expectations when you sign on to work for Kalitta.
While it is a fun job and you do some interesting flying, the drawbacks need to be considered.
On your first day of your rotation, (actually the day before) you need to be in position by 0500z. That is about midnite east coast time. Means if you live on the west coast you will be leaving mid morning on a day off. Another thing they wont tell you is somehow they have decided to require a backup flight getting to work. So you may have to leave at 6am if there are limited flights from your home.
On your last day your duty clock stops when you land in the US. You have to be released from duty by 1900Z. You could land in JFK at 1830Z, and still have to commercial home, even if you have flown a 30 hour double crew trip. (oh yeah....that happens...30 hours in the plane with 4 or 5 of your closest and smelliest friends) Your commercial home could take 2 legs depending on cost. Say you live in Seattle. Cheapest ticket for the company might be JFK-PHX-SEA. You might get home at midnite after an 8 or 9 hour travel event.
The company is trying to divide the new hire group by changing the contract to pay them a livable wage after they complete sim. Keep in mind the contract says new hires are paid $600/week until IOE is complete. Dont sign up for a company that is blatantly trying to change the contract because they cant attract new hires. What will be next to be changed?
Ever sat in coach for 16 hours? You will get that opportunity at Kalitta when you deadhead from JFK to HKG. Even better, you will only get paid for half of that.
There are more planes coming on line soon....who is going to fly them? Pilots with a new improved contract or pilots working under the contract that is 5 years late? Make them squirm. If you do go to Kalitta or are already there, fly the contract to the letter. Do not answer the phone on a 1 in 7. Do not go over your duty times. Do not help them. They will not return the favor.
Think twice about going to interview or work at Kalitta. These are just a few of the issues that need to be fixed.