OrionFE

However, you know this prior to accepting the job! Actually, 121 ACMI has improved over the years. If you are new, then it is probably a culture shock for you. The union's have gotten better (your own guys negotiating and fighting for your benefit. And you can surely jump in anytime and offer your talents) Still away's to go, but Atlas has the best CBA among the ACMI carriers flying. Look at some of the other ones. Remember, ACMI/cargo is up and down...very volatile industry.

StartngOvr

Any recently hired pilots at Atlas (5/19 class perhaps?) have any insight into what the schedule footprint looks like for initial training? i.e. how long in ground school for basic indoc, systems etc.? Is there generally a break between end of ground school and start of FB and SIM training?

THX....

baam7700

Everyone and I mean everyone, please take heed to what 744 is saying! It's impartial and on point. This job, like all others is a livelihood and not a brotherhood so lets be realistic. You build integrity by honoring your word whether you're a 'pilot' or the 'company'.

Quality of life - which includes pay - is a fundamental aspect of current and or prospective employment and most certainly deserving of serious consideration when job hunting. And the promise of things getting better on the next CBA is just what it is, a promise...its either here for you now (as your decisions are being made) or its not! Habits in aviation, like most other things, have a way of repeating themselves.

Long story short, its quite ok to provide factual information for the benefit of those needing to make informed decisions. If anything, its the right and just thing to do!!!

The company's responsibility is to ensure profitability and value to its shareholders. Their motivations for doing what they do is entirely different from what pilots need to do to feed themselves and their families and have some QOL to go along with it. Remember, everything scheduling does comes from the top...trust me. If they are desirous of a different outcome then their actions will definitely prove it.

Again, my sincerest thanks to 744, Fr8dog and others who do the right thing by being honest...hats off to you for 'keeping it real'. Keep providing factual information - not opinions - to help others make better and more informed decisions for themselves.

captainv

747 initial training runs about 9 weeks. Indoc is about a week, systems about two weeks (and can be done online), two weeks sim prep, two weeks of sims, about a week of wrap-up classes/sims/LOFT.

maybe two or three days off here and there, maybe more if you're in the schoolhouse during a major holiday.

I did my 767 training in 7 weeks, start to finish, but i think they've made it slightly more humane since then.

Keep in mind that, as with all things Atlas, if you're flexible, you're too rigid, You need to be fluid. Things like sim sessions, days off, Orals or even type rides can and will be changed at a moment's notice.

osupilot

Long time reader, first time poster (here).

At least one call has gone out for a June 9 class.

Been applying for over three years. Took the test, phone interview and interviewed successfully in Feb.

4500+ SIC EMB-145, 7000 TT, ZERO PIC.

osu

JerrySpringer

Depends on your base. HSV, ANC, CVG it is absolutely possible.

Of course knowing how this differs from purely scheduled 121 is important, but I've seen enough of your posts to know you enjoy FunBux™.

Never forget that this is ultimately a job. This is how you generate money to pay for a life outside work. So it is far more important that people understand what they WON'T get in comparison to other jobs flying 747s and 767s at other profitable & successful 121 operators.

JerrySpringer

They also used to listen to tone in the good old' days. Doesn't make it acceptable today.

You're correct in ACMI is changing. Time stands still for no one.

As to what I do, or don't do, you have no idea. What you need to know is that this isn't my (or most of us now!) first 121 rodeo.

As it stands, it is not acceptable. We WILL fight for conditions that are acceptable. Until that time, like 744driver, I can not recommend this airline over any legacy, FedEx, UPS, WN. I'll even toss in Spirit as well (a group that fought hard for amenable T&Cs. Hats off to them!)

Sirecks

Jerry, as a new guy, I was strictly speaking about the time spent away from home. That's all. The actual flying schedule.

I don't know enough (surely, don't know half as much as you guys do) about this business yet. So I don't want to act like I do. I'm really desiring to learn, and to see what this business is all about. I wouldn't dare debate on the issues you brought up. I actually don't disagree with what you said. However, I didn't mean anything deeper than what I said about scheduling.

As far as my time spent away from my family, I still stand by what I said is best for me and my family . . . . . . so far.

JerrySpringer

Plenty of legacies where you can be home 20+/mo. Don't need to be a super senior pilot either. Or you can go work 17/mo there and make almost double what you would here. As an example, a Delta 717 FO on 3rd year pay makes more at guarantee than a 7th year FO at Atlas, plus they have over 15% retirement contribution.

As we know domestic flying is boring, but math doesn't lie. Then taking into account scheduling rules, they may only fly 12 days. Way more money and time at home. Then you could always bid an international seat and grab long trips that still give you more time off in a chunk than you have here.

Sirecks

I completely understand your point, sir. I also appreciate your wisdom on this matter. You should always want the best for yourself, for your family, and fight for it. No doubt. Make the best of your work place and demand to be treated for what you are worth. I guess the level of what someone is willing to accept or put up with is based on what they feel is important for them. Each having their own priorities and set of needs. Again, you are truly wiser than I on this matter. I appreciate your position.