Originally Posted by DC8DRIVER (Post 1766389)

Do a search of this thread to find the info you are looking for. International ops and weather are big and there are resources that are quoted here that will help you out. I'd tell you, but I don't want to misquote or omit any reference material as it has been a while since I used it.

If you get enough posts, I'll PM you the stuff I have which might help.

8

Originally Posted by flyinturbo (Post 1755552)

Hey all,

I interviewed on oct 7th and was tossed into the pool on the 16th via an email. No call yet to go to class.

I thought I'd touch a bit on my process and quals for others here:

I'm a 6300+ hr pilot with 2 regional FO seats (1 furlough) under my belt, some 135 air ambulance and most recently a CJ training capt flying 135 on demand around the US.

I thought my interview went very well and I was quite happy with myself for doing what I felt like a decent job! I'm sure the 3 letters of recommendation helped as well (thanks guys... really appreciate it!). I was pretty intimidated at the interview as I was surrounded by a number of very qualified and knowledgeable pilots from other heavy carriers (8 previous heavy pilots, I think?) with a couple of regional guys thrown into the mix.

I originally submitted my app on 7/15 and received an invite to do the online test on 7/30. Since I typically work 25+ days/mo with 13 - 14 hour, 5 - 6 leg days, I didn't have a chance to take the test for a few weeks. I finally took the test on a sit and scored a 78%. I thought the test was pretty tough and I used every minute to finish it (I had just over a minute on the clock when I did the last question!). I was then invited to the interview and given my choice of days. Since the 7th was literally my only day off, I chose that date. I had family fedex my suit to me and had it tailored on the road (it has been a while since I interviewed last...my jacket was a wee bit tight.. oops!). I also carried it around till the 7th in the nose of the plane I was flying. I worked a long schedule on the 6th, flying from LAX to TEB (fuel stop in MKC), then an airline to MIA for the interview. I arrived at the hotel around 1:30 am and got up at 5 to get ready. Needless to say, I was exhausted.

I kind of wished I had read this forum first but things worked out anyway. Looking back, I should have studied for the test, hoping for a higher score. I took the test cold and relied on knowledge to get me through. I think I got pretty darn lucky instead!

Reading this forum from about the 200 page mark, I see kind of what I expected to see... a mix of happy and unhappy pilots. There seems to be some really excellent information from quite a few really knowledgeable folks, thank you so much for the time and energy you put in here. It's good Atlas has negotiations coming up, perhaps a few of the complaints will get fixed. I've read a LOT about changes to schedules. 135 charter really has taught me about being flexible with schedule as the schedule I was delivered the night before was almost never what was factual. There were many times I'd get a sat phone call on a part 91 repo flight asking me to divert because a trip popped up. Change is the only constant!

I actually really enjoy the work I do now and have considered not leaving, but with no payscale, no retirement and a choice between QoL or decent pay, I think I'll be better off at Atlas.

I'm also quite humbled by a number of posters here who've been applying for what appears to be years and no phone calls. Sorry fellas, not sure how I got lucky, but I did.

Looking forward to class and getting online. The schedule will be a relief for me.. with 17 days being way less than I'm used to working. My QoL will be improved dramatically.

Thank you again for all the amazing information delivered here. I hope to pay it forward someday to someone like me.

Originally Posted by DoomedTX (Post 1768291)

With all the snow up there I thought they'd be going for MIA. ;) I am looking right now for how to get there while minimizing time away from my current job, how to get around while I'm there, etc. If anyone else would like to pool resources and share cabs, etc, please let me know. Right now I'm planning on the Residence Inn White Plains since I have enough Marriott Points to pay for it. With no hotel shuttle, it's starting to look like renting a car might be more cost effective, though I'm not fond of driving in unfamiliar cities when already stressing about an interview.

Originally Posted by SherpaDerpa (Post 1770584)

I'm currently deployed and scheduled to return in the next 45-100 days (thanks US Army) I am ready to submit my Resume and PAQ but my 1st Class has expired with no way to renew it until my return... Anyone willing to offer any advice, conjecture or speculation?

Originally Posted by C5nwhaleguy (Post 1770651)

I'd send it anyway to get your date of receipt started with the attached explanation above is fine and just update monthly. i'm guessing you have a current military flight physical equivalent? Thanks for your service and safe return!