Any word on December interviews?

 

Word at the Nov. interview was no Dec. interviews planned. That could change of course....

 

+1, After 9 years, I have no plans on going back to the 400. I am really enjoying the 76. With a new contract; industry standard 767 compensation and work rules, coupled with an express LOA for the DHL flying, for me, I'll just stay on the 76 until they kick me off it..

 

jnathan....I tried responding to your PM. It said your box is full so it won't send. Either clean it out and let me know so I can resend it, or PM me your personal email and I'll send the answer to your question there.

 

The "out and back cargo runs" are actually back and out. The "overnights" when doing the DHL hub flying occur at the outstations during the day. Once you report at CVG and begin your trip, you only see CVG for 3-4 hours each night in the middle of your duty day. Weekends may find you in CVG. The company has changed how they position crews on weekends a few times over the last few years. In any case, if you have a line of hub flying, you won't be spending anywhere near the majority of your overnights in CVG.

The only time that happens is if you are on an R2 or R3 line in CVG, but even then from what I understand the imputed income thing is pretty hit or miss.

 

I'll tell you honestly, I love the 74, it's a great airplane to fly. BUT, in the last 6 months I have rarely had a layover in excess of 30 hours, and after 17 days on the road I am completely beat down. Now the 767 on the other hand, ...completely the opposite with much longer layovers, shorter flying days. So I completely understand why so many guys are not anxious to go back or go to the 74.

Just a perspective.

 

A major reason guys make the choice to stay on the 767 is the training program and the culture on the 747 is so toxic. I want no part of it until they fix it (but they haven't asked my opinion on the matter!!). I will only make the choice to go back to the 747 for the difference in pay, not because I miss the plane so much. And in the more than four years I've been on the twin, lifestyle on the whale has deteriorated to a level that is unappealing to me.

I bid very senior on the 767 in CVG (in the top 10%), and I'd certainly give that up by moving to the 747.

Above not withstanding, 767's horrible bid lines, our lack of reserve call-out rules, the company's refusal to publish flying that we all know exists, will ultimately force me to make a decision sooner rather than later...but not yet, the culture and the great training experience on the twin (right now) trump all the rest.

Good luck.

 

So you're saying that my desire to work at Atlas should trump my desire to fly the 747, and that my wife and I will have a better QOL if offered the 767?

I understand the training on the 74 isn't the greatest, but this is the first I've heard the term 'toxic' applied to the training program. That doesn't give a guy warm fuzzies.

 

I think all they are saying is, if you are coming to Atlas for the sole purpose of flying the 747, maybe you should look elsewhere. Due to the fact that you may get the 767 or because the "coolness" of the 74 will probably eventually wear off. More importantly, come to Atlas with the hope and intention of experiencing "everything else" Atlas has to offer. Such as "random" schedules(which I personally look forward to), large blocks of time away and home, gateway basing, etc.

I have heard things about the 747 training program and line culture from numerous sources. I take most of it with a grain of salt but I've heard plenty. I think there is a lot of good with the 76 side from the sounds of it but many seem to overlook it because of the shiny big jet syndrome. I have also only heard good things about the more progressive 767 training program. Only thing that would make me prefer the 747 is the pay. Otherwise my friends on the 767 really enjoy what they are doing and I assume have better seniority, relatively speaking.

 

I know CVG is the junior 767 domicile, but how senior is the JFK domicile for new hires? Would it be possible for a new hire to hold 767 JFK FO in the first year if I am called for a 767 class?