The grass is not only not greener, it’s the victim of a severe drought and is dying a slow painful death. Stay where you are and aim higher.

 

In 2-3 years we will no longer have any economic leverage for a decent contract because time is not on our side. Management is losing some small battles now, but dominating the war because they control the clock and know the game far better than anyone. Our pilots don't self police, and the Union has little power or interest in sticking their necks out too far.

 

I don't think an Industry Standard contract will be enough to recruit all of the pilots needed by Atlas.

In 2-3 years the Pilot Shortage will be much worse than it is now, barring some major catastrophe. The retirement/new student start numbers now are way upside down, from an HR point of view.

 

Gateway Travel is when Atlas airlines you between your Gateway and your Base. Often, you will fly on your days off if it is Gateway Travel. You can be imputed for Gateway Travel.

If it is between your Gateway, and a location other than your base, then it is not Gateway travel, you don't fly on your days off, and there is no imputed income.

Alternate Travel is where, at the start/end of a trip, Atlas airlines you to/from a location other than your Gateway: It is not Gateway travel, you don't fly on your days off, and there is no imputed income.

Home Basing is where you are airlined to/from the airport closest to your home (as opposed to a "Gateway"...an airport that serves a number of cities/towns in a region). With Home Basing (or Gateway Basing), your base is your Home city (or you Gateway). There are no Pilot Bases with Home/Gateway Basing.
Gateways example: MKE used to be the only Gateway at Atlas, for all of NE WI and the Western UP. Now MKE and GRB and ATW are all Gateways...

 

R2 hotel is not subject to imputed tax - even if it is at your base.

If you were imputed, contact KC or the Union. It's an error. Don't let them get away with it.

 

Boy, I'd like the union reps to give a clear answer to this. KC is now saying it is imputable.

 

That is the problem. There is no clear answer on any of this. There are multiple letters, memos, and post it notes that are drawn from a hat and applied at the whim of whoever feels like it at the time...

The burden is thrown back on the crew member to carefully examine everything, including pay, to catch the mistakes. Many crew-members are finding pay discrepancies...

 

Atlas Air is a monstrosity. I can't believe people are still applying.

 

Unfortunately, KC and taxable travel has been consistent on this subject with me for years. I paraphrase from the 5 page document on taxable travel found in GlobalMess:

"Example 4: Crewmember is on Reserve Standby at Base JFK.
Transportation to JFK is TAXABLE. Hotel accommodation while sitting Base standby is TAXABLE. "

I've fought and lost the "it's required by the company" argument and have been advised by a tax attorney to NOT write these charges off or face possible audit. So, if you're based in ANC, plan to be charged about $7,000 - $10,000 per year in imputed income as I have in the years I've been based there (I live in Spokane). Your individual tax situation will determine the actual amount you lose from this benefit... but for most that's probably at least one mortgage payment. But at least I'm not paying for a crash pad... right? As a result, imputed income often becomes a determining factor in base selection.

Cheers!

Disclaimer: I am not a CPA, Tax Attorney or Certified Financial Advisor... just a dumb a$$ pilot that has stayed one too many nights at the pound cake palace.

 

WRONG! Bout 6 months ago, I was imputed for just this exact situation. I fought it tooth n nail! NO Help from Union what so ever!
Cost me $300+ in imputed taxes! (I pay about 38% in taxes because of other income). Total goat ******. Imputed income is the DEVIL!
Don't come to Atlas unless you can live in base