Originally Posted by
iflyme
Bluesideup24 and Salty Dog,
This is amazing info so thanks a ton! I got CJO last week for a Jan 4, 2019 class date and these are all questions I had but figured they'd have to wait for a start date to figure out. At least now I have a fighting chance at understanding what might happen. Bravo to you both!
Couple more Q's to throw out there:
For traveling to ANC, how many folks ride a brown-tail from SDF to ANC just prior to starting their leg or duty RSV out of ANC? I'm 5 hours drive to SDF (weather and traffic dependent) and driving might be my least intrusive option depending on my ability to do what I'm thinking. Otherwise, it's an all day affair to get to ANC on the airlines (and back). I'm really hoping that I can hold a 14/14 type schedule more often than not to lessen the pain for ANC base.
Also, for ANC pilots, roughly what percent get a crash pad vs getting a hotel room just for those days in ANC? How many days are folks typically sitting in ANC? How do ANC pilots find the crash pads and/or does UPS have a list of contacts and special rates for those opting to just purchase a hotel room in lieu of crash pad?
My assumption that I go heavy is based on the fact that i have 2000+ in the 744 and that 747 crew numbers are where UPS seems to be hurting the most, currently. So, I'm pretty much planning ANC 74 unless anyone else knows better. In which case, I'm all eyes and ears to learn.
First, welcome. Now let me point out your fist mistake, assuming logical behavior from the beast - you’re more likely to get anything but the whale with your 74 experience. Seriously.
Disclaimer - I’m not ANC but have looked I to it extensively.
Crashpads - check the classified section of the bar and grill and also do a search for ANC hotel once you get on property. Don’t post there for at least 2 years unless you got a simple operationally oriented question. I don’t recall hearing of problems finding a place. Hotels with crew discounts exist but get pricey during tourist season.
Jumpseating right into flights in ANC isn’t popular (most outbound flights are long haul) and it seems most guys head up at least half a day early. You may be stuck in the cockpit jumpseat on your way up or on a 767 which means you aren’t going to get any quality sleep on the way. I believe we had a recent thread about this on these forums, try a search. EWR and Rockford are alternate options with flights to ANC. It’s not an easy commute from the east coast but not impossible. Buying tickets on the pax carriers isn’t uncommon. Coming back on company, for some reason, is noticeably easier. I think most jump straight out after their inbound flights.
Big problem with schedules up there is when they bring you back to base you have to get 48hr rest if the trip was 120hrs+ TAFB and even more rest if you were on double crewed flights so grouping pairings together in a nice big block is problematic when you are awarded shorter trips and are trying to trade things around.
Good news is that you should have a bunch of people coming in beneath you at a steady rate, also guys getting out of their seat lock will transfer back to the mainland as well as more senior guys looking at upgrades. Retirements, which are picking up, will help all that out as well. It might suck but grit your teeth and get through it then bid something in SDF. In the meantime, ANC is a great base, crews are cool, admin folks are genuine and the whale has a real coffee maker. Your biggest hurdle will be figuring out how to stow the catering.
Good luck and once again, welcome!!