Originally Posted by
Mojouo
Atlas in my opinion is all about perspective. Is it Delta, FedEx, UPS..? No. Of course not. Will it be one day? Maybe, but highly unlikely.
Atlas is however world's better than almost any part 135, most regionals, and almost any other long-haul carrier such as Omni, Western Global, Kalitta, ABX, ...
So in the end, if you're coming from an easy job that paid you a ton to do hardly anything, or you think this is UPS or Delta for some reason.....you probably won't enjoy it here. Now if you came from a crappy freight company that worked you like a dog for pennies....you'll likely love it here. Perspective.
Great description! I totally agree.
Is Atlas for the average pax airline pilot? Probably not.
The trips are typically 10-12+ days long. You owe the company 17 days of flying per month, I have not done a 17 days straight trip since November 2016. Tomorrow I begin a 15 day trip. And I will fly a couple days later in the month to reach a total of 17 days.
You have to be a bit adventurous. Not saying be a cowboy. Just willing to fly to places you cannot even pronounce. And willing to go practically ANYWHERE in the world. If anything, it is definitely an adventure!
To be honest, I am far less fatigued at Atlas than I was in the regionals. Even though I am often flying at all sorts of odd hours, and often on the other side of the world (HSV-HKG in a few days).
We don't parade through passenger terminals in a double-breasted suit and hat. IMHO, Atlas pilots are probably the most down to earth pilots I have ever flown with.
Despite things not always going according to plan and like clockwork, Atlas has a 97% on-time arrival rate.
This is my third contract negotiation. Same old story. Company stalls, union incites. We definitely deserve something much better than what we have for a CBA. But, I am much happier working here than the regionals. I will do my job per the contract, no more, no less. I pay my union dues to let the union take care of negotiating while I make a living to care for my family.