TimeTraveler

Hello all...long time follower here.

I do not yet have enough total time for Atlas (#1 choice but got a TBNT), or Kalitta or National or Western just yet. But I qualify for, and have two interviews (in hand) for ATI and NAC (Northern Air Cargo) upcoming; and if I am willing to wait a bit longer, then ABX as well.

From past APC forums, and ALPA newsletters, I have done my research and I am aware of the current ATI strike-talk situation, along with ATSG company position, cargo contract trends etc. However, there is not much info about NAC on here...or at least recent on-goings.

I have done regional flying in the past and want to check out the cargo scene before I decide on my final destination to retirement.

ATI is home based but low starting pay. With NAC, I will have to commute to Miami but a 'little' better starting pay. The NAC HNL-LAX looks like a great overwater time+experience builder but MIA is closer to commute to. These are about the only differentiating points I have, as an outsider, looking in. Of course, pay isn't evertyhing for me right now. The opportunity is. So whoever offers the first class date will win, unless they are a week or two apart, and I understand these are only my stepping stones to Atlas (or the like) unless pay and QOL stuff improves, or the widebody PIC opportunity presents itself.

If you are flying for ATI or NAC, and a recent FO hire, it will be great to learn why you went with your choice (especially if you also had the same dilemma) and pointers (things I should consider as a 1st timer to cargo ops) that could help me decide between these two carriers (benefits of home basing vs. not/type of flying dom-int/amount of flying once off IOE/time to hold a line etc.)

And hopefully, this post can prove insightful/useful to others after me who are in a similar situation as well. If I, in return, can help someone out down the road, then I will be happy to share what choice I went with and the why's, or the regrets, if any.

~Thanks in advance

Reactivity

I wish I could have grown up in the industry at a time where $70K for barely meeting the hiring minimums for a job flying widebodies was considered "low pay".

Given that ABX is now hiring people who don't yet have an ATP but meet ATP minimums, I'm curious what ABX is requiring that ATI is not.

astray

ATI is terrible to work for with absolutely useless management. I'd sooner commute to a regional than go back to working for them. Schedules are trash, flipping your circadian rhythm 3-5 times per trip. Don't forget they can extend you infinitely off OE, can assign open reserve with no off days, no open/premium time, and you're already starting off with the lowest pay in the industry, making less than RJ drivers.

Go to a regional, you can find one that's a one leg commute, crank out your time and ATP, and hop over to Atlas/Kalitta if that's what you want.

CaptTX

I was at ATI for 10 months, now at Southwest. PLEASE for the love of god don't go to ATI. It is a toxic waste dump. If you want to go cargo, go to Atlas.

hercretired

I believe ATI has been "working on their new Pilot contract" since 2020

PineappleXpres

Go to NAC. Second to Atlas. The rest are no bueno.

goinaround

Atlas is now doing an ATP course for new hires.....mostly to the 737. Please put your effort towards this if you're looking to do some ACMI flying. I would urge you to not consider working for an ATSG company. I've gotten around a bit in the ACMI world and they were the worst I have experienced.

Clue32

Was the TBNT an automated response from the computer shortly after submitting, during the phone screening, or did you fully interview? There is a difference.

If it was an hours qualification issue, why not go back to a regional? You may earn as much money or more, fly more, might upgrade sooner. Los of folks come to Atlas shortly after OE or consolidation at a regional.

Feel free to PM me.

Good luck with whatever you decide in the near term, and keep pushing forward. We are all just numbers on a corporate spreadsheet, so don't feel obligated to stay any longer than is necessary to reach your ultimate career goal.

Reactivity

And you know this...how?

PineappleXpres

Contacts at both. Length of longevity at each. Career progression is a tie though.