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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I don't want to turn this thread into another version of 'Flightinfo.com'. Lord knows, there's more than enough of that around already. I do want to say, "Yes, I do enjoy life here". That doesn't take away at all from what you say, Jerry. There is more than enough room for improvement in work rules, pay, life style, and the rest. It doesn't change the fact that Atlas remains a place where I am pleased when it's time to go back to work each month. To my friends on the 767, I know things aren't the same there as they are on the 747. I can only speak from what I know, however. I will stand tall with everyone here as we work to improve things. That doesn't mean that I have to decide to be miserable along the way. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "Most folks are just about as happy as they have a mind to be".

 

not so sure this is the case anymore, a good friend is 8 yr guy lives in and bids atl reserve and they are utilizing reserves more now where he used to be only called 6-8 days a month and picking up overs on his off days he's now working more like 15-16 days now and more in the summer. To each his own and living in base for a legacy now would be necessary to get the most time off. The great thing about what DAL AA UAL FDX UPS, as they raise the bar for us even more in 2016 the further we can feel comfortable about meeting and exceeding what they negotiate going forward. Things can be ok here but don't let the bosses know, keep on asking for more! When we are fat dumb and happy, we've lost all negotiating power to improve our position!

 

osupilot, congrats if i read your thread right. did they tell you what equipment will be taught in the june class?

 

Thanks. I knew I forgot something. 747

 

The MIA rumor mill says all 74 classes until the 76 seat locks start to expire this fall. It appears that the company is going to over staff the 74 so that they can control the flow off the 76.

Another example of the over micro managing that occurs at Atlas every day. Just like our CBA requires that new hires bid for equipment when vacancies are open on more that one A/C, but this management will start two classes a day apart so they control who goes where.

 

The past year: For me, it has gotten better. Less problems with hotels, ground transport and scheduling. I just asked for and got alternate travel to start my next trip, no problem. I am on the 74, which, for most pilots, is better than the 76.

Atlas IS the best airline, for certain people, and it is totally unacceptable for others...it depends on what is important to you. It is good that a number of pilots are presenting differing opinions on Atlas, which gives potential new hires more information to decide about Atlas.

We lowered our minimums, recently, the fourth time in 4 years w have done that, so it is obviously harder and harder for Atlas to get the numbers they are looking for, which is good news for negotiating our next contract.

If u r thinking of coming here, read up and make an informed decision.

 

Guys, I'm sorry to have tossed a hand grenade into the conversation...I have been thinking (and actually talked to at least one other member here) that the information here is certainly useful, but it may also be perceived as seen through rose-tinted glasses.

Atlas is a fine company, with a bright future. But I have been increasingly frustrated in the last year or so with the constant battles with management...their disregard for following the CBA has become a chronic problem that is causing some of us to rethink this thread and the direction it has taken.

My opening salvo was not intended to create a rift among the Atlas guys that post here...my intention was to make sure that we present a more realistic view of the struggles we face. I hope to have done that and I hope to have sparked a debate that is more fruitful and ultimately more productive (for the intended audience, the applicant/new hire, etc).

All the best,
Good luck to those still seeking employment at Atlas.
744driver