Originally Posted by Av8er1550

Are you happy w/ your decision to go with K4? I actually think that’s a great decision.


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Originally Posted by papashmouv

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forums here. I'm an FO at a regional carrier and just received job offers for JetBlue and Atlas. At either airline, I'd be living in base. I have to make a decision for where I'd like to go.

Here are my considerations:

JetBlue Pros:
1) Excellent company culture and appear to be people-forward
2) Competitive pay
3) Positive company outlook for the next several years (Europe flying, A220 in lieu of E190, etc)

JetBlue Cons:
1) Similar to a regional flying footprint with slightly longer flights.
2) Driving length to the airport is considerably longer than what I have to do now.
3) Very similar scheduling structure as to what I do now. 4 on, 2 off, 4 on, 3 off, 4 on, maybe 5 off, etc. and so separation of work vs home life can be tough.


Atlas Pros:
1) Immense variety of flying
2) Highly respected fleet
3) High aggregation of days on vs days off and so quality of time off improves

Atlas Cons:
1) Comparatively inferior pay although contract negotiations are in progress
2) Work schedules are grueling
3) Pilots vs Management have a toxic relationship

The big factors here are quality of life, pilot pay, long term prognosis for my career, etc. What feedback do you guys have? What other things to consider am I missing? I appreciate your input, thank you very much.

Originally Posted by Aeirum

Well I’m a little too new to say for sure but I do still have my doubts. I had a rough decade at the regionals so I’m very NE-commute averse even for a year or two. K4 guys are generally a satisfied bunch but I still see some old school ACMI-ness going on particularly in training, procedures, and scheduling. It also remains to be seen what sort of culture has evolved and is maintained once the expansion ends. Pilots are usually happy when companies are growing. The litmus test will be at the plateau and after. Again I’m new so my opinion could be different in 6 months. Take for what it’s worth.

Originally Posted by Air Stang 7

The bigger and shinier jet is more important than stupid little things like pay and QOL.

Originally Posted by Av8er1550

Very true! The biggest part for me is QOL. I actually just accepted a class date at K4 from a regional who had a guaranteed interview at DL. The thing is, they could pay me very well all day long but it doesn’t take the pain out of dealing with NYC and IROPS and making “podium announcements” along with “Galley Announcements”. I started in the freight biz working as an intern for ABX going thru college. So I know the nature of the beast. I live in-base for K4 so for me, it was kind of a no brainer (driving to work). DL is a great company and I hope they strive. I enjoyed the regionals but my fear was to settle there. Something I did not want to do. So, cheers to being onboard with K4 and I hope that it’s a smooth ride for new hires in this era.


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Originally Posted by goinaround

Welcome to K4. However, there is no such thing as living in base here.....except maybe once a year for CQ. Don’t count on driving to work.

Originally Posted by Av8er1550

Hmm? I know a couple people on the 767 in CVG and I’ve been told you’re home a fairly good bit if you live here.


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Originally Posted by tnkrdrvr

So definitely pick Atlas over JetBlue, if you’re even following this thread anymore.