I've spent a lifetime on the road less travelled. I highly recommend it. Few will listen, fewer will take that road.

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poe...road-not-taken

I don't need to reread anything, except maybe the OP's OP to confirm that you didn't answer the question. You redirected entirely to tell the OP his career choices are wrong. I don't think you get to make that call.

The OP is specifically interested in ACMI for the type of flying and schedules it provides. The OP specifically does NOT want to fly passengers. Taking those two criteria into account and filtering on the "fly your own brand", you're left with FedEx and UPS, neither of which is ACMI, and neither of which is currently hiring. Kalitta is an ACMI company that is in the business of flying cargo all over the world unlike ATI, which, under the ATSG umbrella, is in the business of supporting the leasing business. Based on all of that, in answer to the OP's actual original question, I'd say jumping to Kalitta would probably be a good move.

Two words: Nacho problem.

Here’s .02 Take it or leave it. I was a XJT guy for 15 years. Went to K4 for 4 years. I left K4 to take a Captain spot at a wholly owned carrier. I’m only 6 months in, but regret the decision to leave. ACMI has its issues, but no crashpads and no commutes really is worth whatever the difference in pay is at a major. At least at this current point in my career, I plan to finish up my contract at my WO and get back to an ACMI carrier. Commuting sucks. Living in most major airline hubs sucks. 2-3 days off between trips sucks. Dealing with gate agents, flight attendants, and passengers is less than ideal.

Not everything about ACMI is great, but it works for some people. Not everyone out there wants to wear a hat, shiny shoes, and a double breasted blazer.

Don’t be like me and try to compare yourself to other pilots and what they’ve reached in their career “status.” Do what’s best for you and your family.

This ^^^^^ 1000%.

After the first six figures people start looking at QOL or other factors. Some people would rather make less doing a job they enjoy. I haven’t flown for a major but I can imagine that the bus driving flying and FA drama they deal with doesn’t appeal to many people…myself included.

And it’s not about how much you make. It’s about how much you keep. Another strategy is to do an acmi job you’d love and live abroad where the QOL is better and COL is cheaper. Hell it might even make the commute easier!

Not sure about regionals nowadays but I barely talk to FAs, no issues with gate agents and commuting is a choice. With that being said, ACMI will always be the coolest job I’ve ever had. Now at a legacy feels more like just a job, that pays way better and which offers more control over my schedule.
God bless the queen of the skies :D

Great Wisdom here ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My old man was a pilot for years as well. I remember when I got into it he said he never knew an old man that looked back wishing he’d made more money and spent less time with his family.

You like corned beef on white bread with mayonnaise along with a glass of mild to wash it down? Go to a legacy.

You like corned beef on rye with a schemer of mustard and Russian Dressing with a Dr Browns Cream or Black Cherry Soda? Try the ACMI route. You’ll have the opportunity to experience different locations, cuisine and cultures.

There are those who enjoy a predictable schedule and those that enjoy “Hmmm… where to today?”

Yeah, it definitely seems like a cool gig and I looked into it a bit when transitioning to 121, but the schedule is just not compatible with my family's needs. Different strokes!

It all boils down to what you want outta the career. To me, moving is not an option. I also don’t want to be a lifelong commuter. Will you ever make $400k at ACMI? Probably not, but you can make a decent living there. My family and I actually prefer two weeks on/two weeks off schedules. 2-3 days off between commutes just doesn’t seem like enough time home. Again, different strokes, but good luck! I say again, do what’s best for you and your family, and try not to compare your career progress to Johnny Shiny Jet. All that matters at the end of the day is your happiness.