JetJock16

Does anyone know anything about ABx and Astar Cargo? I'm looking for factual information and not BS from through the grape vine. Please, no opinions and no fights. All I want is information on:

1. Stability?
2. What a typical line is like?
3. QOL?
4. Pilot attitude?
5. Company Attitude?
6. ETC?

Once again NO BULL S@#T!!! NO OPINIONS! NO FIGHTS! If you wish to waist your time then waist your time on another tread, I’m only looking for facts.

Thank You

Jetjok

You have an interesting way of asking for help.

MX727

Dad must be proud.

RedeyeAV8r

While I can appreciate your need for information..............

Pilots are Pilots and have that "Unique Type-A" personality. Come on you gotta already know this if you are a Pilot..........right??

This post is just asking for Smug remarks from the peanut gallery.

If it were me, I would start a simple thread on the Cargo section.

Simply Ask "Are there any ASTAR or ABX pilots here?"

When you get a positive response, ask your questions. You will no doubt get a few smart a$$ remarks. It comes with the territory of an open anonymous forum. Roll with the punches and you will get what you are looking for.

Good luck in your quest............I can't help you with Astar or ABX, but might be able to give you a pointer or 2 on FDX. Good Luck

Rama

Good one MX!

JetJock16

Yes, I have reposted in the cargo section. As far as my "WAY," I'm sick of starting a tread and after the first two replies it becomes a ***** fest of opinions. I just want facts.

Thank you.

JetJock16

Thanks! I really appreciate the help.

RedeyeAV8r

Just can't take friendly advice can you.

How bout this.......

If there are any ABX or ASTAR pilots lurking here.................JetJok needs
your Help and wants to talk with Line pilots who can answer his questions about each company.

Any help would be greatly appreciated......Thanks very much in advance

767pilot

What are you, Sgt. Friday?
Does it matter, they aren't hiring anyway?

jetset

ASTAR

1. Stability?
Pretty good, depending on who you ask. We are in negotiations, so the company wants us to think we can be replaced. We have 99% on time performance 44 cargo aircraft and can't be replaced overnight. DHL can't afford another service disruption since then ILN fiasco. Not too many carriers can take our place. Then there is the scope issue (currently in the courts).

2. What a typical line is like?
7 on 7 off. Most weekends have long layovers (Get in Saturday morning, leave Monday night). Trip trades with OT, other pilots, out-station trades, bidding to be home (or near home) on weekend can increase QOL. Most pairings are 2 legs, but we do have some ball-busters where you fly 4 legs in a night.

3. QOL?
Excellent. Expect more days off than any other job, especially with vacation. Commuting is easy, book J/S 30 days out.

4. Pilot attitude?
Unified (see www.astarlabortalks.com) and not backing down. We all still wish our paycheck said DHL and not ASTAR though. Being an AMCI carrier and having our Scope treated like toilet paper sucks!
Everyone is a blast to fly with, great group of guys.

5. Company Attitude?
Typical airline management. Don't tell us anything, won't negotiate fairly, won't commit to growth, etc.

6. ETC?
If you do get hired here get ready to be in the back seat for 7 years or more. When guys "retire" they stay on the list and come bump you down a number in the SO seat while you wait forever for an upgrade. If we get any more flying or aircraft this could change significantly. With only 500 pilots it won't take much. That is what the back seat guys have been hanging on to for 7 years!
Pay is good but much lower than ABX, FDX, and UPS. We haven't had a raise since Dec 2002!
Expect to make $35-40k 1st year, $65-70k 2nd year. There are guys who work the system and make over $100k in the back seat, but you will have to work hard to do that. Defined contribution to 401k is nice, health benefits are average, no A fund, lots of sick time, vacation is average (2/3/4 weeks depending on YOS).
If you have tons of PIC turbine try to go somewhere else first, once you are here you will not remain current and might have trouble leaving if you don't like it.
If you don't have tons of PIC turbine, get some, try to get on other places, then come here if you have run out of options.

Hope this helps.