Originally Posted by
somewhereupther
Current position is FO flying adhoc 121.
Completing consolidation is a problem due to lack of demand for adhoc flying, lack of available check captains, and a few others
I’m looking at other options.
The schedule is also straining my family/home life.
If I desire to do ACMI are there any companies with a better schedule than the typical 2 weeks on/off as seen at most adhoc 121 carriers?
Am I just better off going regional? This is my first 121 job and it’s not working out like I thought it might’ve.
I hold an ATP, about 4500 hours and 2 types, with prior 135 PIC Turbine multi-crew time.
Thanks for replies.
I did ACMI flying for over 25 years. Unfortunately with this type of flying it is, and will always be a moving target as far as schedules, QOL, and pay. The biggest problem being that you will spend your entire career worrying if your airline and job will be around in a decade or a year. It’s a cut throat part of the industry severely dependent on other companies such as Amazon or the military for contracts and to keep the planes flying.
While having 12-14 days off is nice it also comes at a cost. Don’t kid yourself about being on vacation while at work. The schedules can be grueling and even if you are in business class (no one is riding in real first class) the toll this type of flying takes on your body and health over the long run is real.
Some guys love being “flying Gypsies” roaming the world, doing laundry on line and not being able to get things done at home for two weeks at a stretch. I was lucky enough to work for an airline where my seniority eventually allowed a 6 on 7 off type of schedule but that is never guaranteed in the ACMI business because of its nature of always changing, substandard CBAs even so, you’re gonna be there a long time before you can hold that type of schedule even if it does exists.
If you’re looking to go to a FEDEX or UPS then the experience is a plus. If you’re looking to go to one of the Big 4 I think you’d be better off at a good regional. With 4500 you’re already qualified so the question begs to be asked, what is your long term goal?
I had a very good 25 year career doing this type of flying and started at it at a very young age with some serious seniority for a good let off my career. I’m now at one of the Big 4 and wouldn’t go back to that type of flying, no matter what! There’s no comparison.