Originally Posted by
AnotherWriter
Well, this thread is kind of off putting but I'm going to ask my questions anyway. I am having a hard time finding information about Atlas anyway. I would genuinely appreciate some real answers, I see you all are having contract woes. I haven't been doing this long enough to say I understand all of it, but if we can leave grief about that to the side for a moment.
I am an RJ driver in my early 20s, basically turned nomadic since starting at my current gig about 18 months ago. No serious commitments. Regularly spend 20+ days on the road anyway, doing 5 on, 2 off, 5 on, 3 off, 5 on etc. I like my current gig and will probably upgrade within the next 6 months anyway. So unless unforeseen circumstances, there is TPIC in my immediate future.
1. Schedules. Last I heard the 17 on/14 off went fair senior. Or is that how they all are, but rather gluing them together so you get 28 days off before restarting 34 days on rests more senior? Are there specific schedule benefits to driving the 767 rather than 747? 767 more junior perhaps?
2. Pay. How are you all paid? I see you've got min guarantee obviously and it looks like most guys work 75+ hours anyway. Any soft pay? Someone told me if you all get stranded at an out station for a couple days, they have to throw some money at you every day.
3. Home basing. How exactly does this work for you guys? It doesn't sound like its genuine home basing.
4. Other work rule things. Deadheads, any provisions about business class if X flight duration/crossing country lines? Can you collect reward points towards frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs? Does scheduling like to abuse you/reflow you when you're on a trip? Baring IROP circumstances, are you pretty much for sure going to what is on your trip sheet and then run away to home?
Hopefully you don't view me as part of the problem - I am 100% looking to use Atlas as a stepping stone but I also think it would be great experience, be a lot of fun for a single guys in their early 20s, and if the economy goes sideways or we get into war with NK, I would probably rather be at Atlas than my current RJ gig.
Really appreciate anyone willing to give a thoughtful response. Just trying to make informed decisions.
Stay and get PIC time. PIC time and a degree will greatly separate you from those without PIC time.
1. Schedules are all over the board. It’s what you bid, what you can hold, and what lines are built. I’m on a 17 day trip right now. Not preferred for me, but it’s what I needed to do. Only you can screw yourself into 34 day trips by bidding 17 day trips back-to-back.
2. This company will NEVER throw money at you. EVER. Do your research on guarantee pay for first year and subsequent years. Multiply that by your hourly rate, this is what you’re guaranteed. Nothing more. If you stay out 17 days your Calculated Rig Time will increase your pay, but there is nothing beyond guarantee. You can be awarded an 80 hour line and sent home early and only be paid 62.
3. There is no home basing. Again, if had done 5 minutes of research and searched this thread, you’d understand this. Do some homework, literally 5 minutes of it using the search function on APC to understand Atlas Gateway travel and imputed income.
4. International DH is business or better. You keep the points. I’m on day 2 of a 17 day trip and I’ve had 7 changes to my schedule in the coming week. You absolutely will not fly what you bid for. You’re simply bidding for a line that has the days off that you want. That’s it. Nothing more. Bid for a line going to Sydney? End up in HKG for 4 days instead. Think you’re going to Europe and hanging in Germany for a few days? Plan on sitting reserve in a hotel in CVG instead.
To summarize this all, do your homework. Know EXACTLY what you’re getting yourself into. This place is becoming more and more contentious each day. When Atlas has 17 year 747 captains leaving, you really need to ask yourself why. These are the kind of questions you need to be asking.