Cargo job/lifestyle questions
 

I'm former military pilot (F/A-18 and C-12) currently doing jet contract work with the DoD. I've got my ATP, Class 1, 5000+ hours, current and qualified, etc... I've got about 10 years left for commercial flying and am looking at different options. Ideally I think I'd like to go passenger, but cargo is looking more and more interesting as I investigate my options

If anyone can pass any info my way about the cargo world (specifically Kalita or Atlas since I've already got a lot of info on UPS and FedEx), the hiring, the job, the lifestyle, etc.., I'd really appreciate anything you can pass my way.

Thanks
PR86

With only ten years left Kalitta may be a good fit for you. Others have better retirement but that’s not really applicable to you. If you like people and providing customer service, do passengers. If you hate people and their BS, fly cargo.

With your experience i wouldnt even consider Atlas or Kallita.
Atlas you’ll get abused with no pay, while Kallita may offer more pay but your still going to be abused under the poor work rule contracts.

Long duty days at Kallita = believe they have a max duty day of 30 hours? I might be confusing with Southern Air.

No line guarantees. Meaning. A scheduler can take your 80 hour awarded line for the month and wipe it out to min credit of 62 all while being on the road for 17 days (Atlas).

The big problem with atlas and I would imagine Kallita too is senority at these carriers doesn’t help make the job easier as you get older. Constant shuffling of your pattern, days on offf, bouncing all over the world (multiple time zones) from day to day with these carriers, the job will be as hard day 1 as day 359 turning 65.
Something like UPS, OR FEDEX, your senority will help you hold lines that would be easier as you get older, more time offf, better patterns for you personally YOU can choose. Not at the whim of half as scheduling operation.

I’ve been flying cargo for over 20 years. I love it waaaaaay better then pax. Hands down not even close.

Apply, hit the job fairs, get recommendations. You’ll get a call from the big boys on the block.
Atlas you may be called and you may get the bait and switch to join Southern Air instead. Really bad move.

It’s a frustrating process trying to get hired at a major but it will be worth the wait vs being abused.

Please do not speak for Kalitta. Most Atlas pilots cannot wrap their heads around the fact that we are completely different operation from them.

I’ll speak for Kalitta and Atlas. Try like hell to get on with FedEx or UPS. Even with 10 years left you’ll be much farther ahead financially and with respect to quality of life.

Pax... meh. Good jobs and quality of life but all those people tho.

ACMI last resort.

By all means if you can get on with Fed Ex, but Kalitta is good too. You will make six from the start on the 747.

With no retirement....UPS or Federal really the only option. Stay away from all ACMI carriers.

Is that you, Lugar ?

How is retirement "not really applicable"? Is he dying the day he turns 65 of a massive stroke?

Don't get me wrong I'd take a job at K4 in his situation but I'd leave for FedEx or UPS the second they offered in his situation. At UPS 10 years would equal a $40,000 a year pension plus whatever the 12% Direct Contribution is worth. Plus far more pay and much better work rules.

Take a job at K4, Spirit, Omni, or ATI and then see what happens...

Hmm, good point. He should already be collecting a decent pension, no?