ASTAR
1. Stability?
Pretty good, depending on who you ask. We are in negotiations, so the company wants us to think we can be replaced. We have 99% on time performance 44 cargo aircraft and can't be replaced overnight. DHL can't afford another service disruption since then ILN fiasco. Not too many carriers can take our place. Then there is the scope issue (currently in the courts).
2. What a typical line is like?
7 on 7 off. Most weekends have long layovers (Get in Saturday morning, leave Monday night). Trip trades with OT, other pilots, out-station trades, bidding to be home (or near home) on weekend can increase QOL. Most pairings are 2 legs, but we do have some ball-busters where you fly 4 legs in a night.
3. QOL?
Excellent. Expect more days off than any other job, especially with vacation. Commuting is easy, book J/S 30 days out.
4. Pilot attitude?
Unified (see
www.astarlabortalks.com) and not backing down. We all still wish our paycheck said DHL and not ASTAR though. Being an AMCI carrier and having our Scope treated like toilet paper sucks!
Everyone is a blast to fly with, great group of guys.
5. Company Attitude?
Typical airline management. Don't tell us anything, won't negotiate fairly, won't commit to growth, etc.
6. ETC?
If you do get hired here get ready to be in the back seat for 7 years or more. When guys "retire" they stay on the list and come bump you down a number in the SO seat while you wait forever for an upgrade. If we get any more flying or aircraft this could change significantly. With only 500 pilots it won't take much. That is what the back seat guys have been hanging on to for 7 years!
Pay is good but much lower than ABX, FDX, and UPS. We haven't had a raise since Dec 2002!
Expect to make $35-40k 1st year, $65-70k 2nd year. There are guys who work the system and make over $100k in the back seat, but you will have to work hard to do that. Defined contribution to 401k is nice, health benefits are average, no A fund, lots of sick time, vacation is average (2/3/4 weeks depending on YOS).
If you have tons of PIC turbine try to go somewhere else first, once you are here you will not remain current and might have trouble leaving if you don't like it.
If you don't have tons of PIC turbine, get some, try to get on other places, then come here if you have run out of options.
Hope this helps.