Ok, so obviously some have been able to view their score. Should I be worried that I didn't get mine? With 100 questions and 60 minutes I ended up timing out at question 99. Hopefully that's not an immediate fail...

 

Wait, are you suggesting that the issues we have with our company are because pilots are leaving?

It's actually quite the opposite...pilots are leaving because the company treats us like crap, with sub-standard pay, and benefits, etc etc.

If anything it makes our case stronger when pilots leave for opportunities that we all know are out there to better their lives. I'm in my early 50s so a job at FDX/DL/UA etc is a moot point but for the youngster (!!) let 'em come here and live the life (such as it is) and move on. And those of us that are here can use that to our advantage and get a better CBA next time.

 

your good and not alone in not finishing the exam.

 

Thanks longhauler!

 

I'll be starting class in late November and I'm looking forward to it!!! I read and re-read this thread so many times and its full of so much good info. I still came up with a few questions.

1. One guy mentioned that if you buy fake stuff in China, customs in ANC might catch you. Can anyone expand on this?? If I buy something like a shiny new laptop or camera in HKG tax free, will I get whacked by customs???

2. What are the options and alternatives to lugging a metal frame PNT bag up the ladder on the 747? How do you store your luggage on the 74/76? My intention is to carry the lightweight, expandable Travel pro roller bag I am using now, and then something like a backpack or duffel bag instead of the flight case I used to carry when I was flying an RJ.

3. Do any of the hotels let you keep a grab-bag on the premises? Keeping a coat handy in ANC seems to make more sense than hauling it everywhere.

4. I see Atlas guys can use Known Crewmember... is anyone using "Global Entry?" It is the trusted traveller program sponsored by US Customs. I ask because I have the same name as someone that skipped the country like 25 years ago and each time I come home to the US i have to waste 5-20 min of my time in the office.

Thanks for the info guys, and fly safe!

 

1. I don't know. I don't buy fake Chinese goods. I hate shopping.
2. There are many different sorts of suitcases used here. The PNT bag is used by many, but not all. On the 747, our suitcases are strapped down on the main deck.
3. In CVG and in ANC we have crew rooms that you can leave something stored there. It is leave at your own risk. We go to many places in the world, not just ANC, where you will want a coat in the winter.
4. Maybe some of the guys from IAH have Global Entry, but I haven't flown with anyone who has it.

 

I got Global Entry a few years ago. It also gives you TSA precheck. I've used it at least 5 or six times. It paid for itself the day I got to breeze through customs in ATL. It saved me at least 45 minutes and I made my next connection home

 

U can legally buy ONE knockoff of one thing. One iPad, one camera, one jacket, etc. China sells a lot of stuff with no brand name, or a Chinese brand name, so u can buy as much of that stuff as u want.

I bring winter and beach wear every trip longer than about 4 days...u may end up in ANC or SYD on any trip, and one of them will be cold or hot. Your schedule can change so much that you can have any weather on any longer trip.

 

4. There are GE kiosks in ANC. No long customs lines there anyways but at least no need to fill out a GenDecs form. Helps also if you were to commercial Deadhead back into US. As you operate 5Y flights besides IAH, works in LAX... I didn't notice it in MIA Landmark FBO.

 

One time commercialing through LAX, MIA or any other major hub the 3 hour wait will more than pay for global entry, it's $100 & 20 mins of your time.