Twin Wasp

That depends. The IRS says commuting expenses are not deductible. That being said, I've heard pilots who have a side business in their residence city can make it go away. You balance the tax on a hotel versus the cost of a crash pad. The tax on a ticket versus the hassle of jumpseating to work. ANC is an extreme example. Why all new hire -400 F/Os get sent there I don't know. Lower 48 tickets are more reasonable. If I get hit with $70-$100 tax for going to work, at least I didn't have to worry about a jumpseat. And if the trip starts with a DH, the flight from my house to the plane isn't taxed. For me that's been about 25%-33% of my trips.

WhiskeyKilo

But during the trips the hotels are not charged as imputed income correct? Just during training and if you request a flight/hotel from the company to get to your base/trip. That is what I gather from all of this.

portfo

Hotels are not charged as imputed mid pattern, nor during training. True. However, if you sit reserve in your base, then that hotel cost is imputable. Also, any travel from your home to anywhere other than your base to start your pattern (alternate travel) is not taxable.
Then remember there is also the 50/50 factor. There's a 50% chance you'll get charged, as there are many months that go by that guys don't get hit with it.

DC8DRIVER

That is correct. Just prior to and after the trip will you get imputed.
Then, to be on the safe side for your financial planning, deduct that from the first year monthly minimum guarantee of $3982.00, subtract some federal and state taxes, subtract some health insurance and maybe a little donation to your 401k (because Atlas won't donate unless you do), and a percent or two for the union and, voila! you are rolling in the big bird dough!

After the $1600 a month for 4 months of training, this will look like a windfall!

So, before any deductions (taxes, health insurance, imputed income, dues, etc., etc.) you'll have 4 months at $1600 and 8 at $3980 ($79.60 x 50 hrs) for a guaranteed first year Atlas heavy aircraft income of ...

wait for it ...

here it comes ...

Thirty eight thousand, two hundred and forty dollars !!!!!!

wooo hoooo

awesome

Whale Driver

If you sit R2 (Hotel Reserve) in base you should not be imputed. The CBA definition of R2 is 'Hotel Reserve'. The status is required by the company, so it is part of your job required and not taxable. Also the before/after gateway hotels in base are not taxable if the stay is short (under 18 hours??).

Whiplash6

Yes and no. They're not supppsed to be imputing that, but folks in purchase are on edge lately and the taxable travel department are trying to impute anything they can. If they impute you it's up to you to know what is and isn't legit. Yes, that's right. As a pilot you have to be a taxable travel expert to avoid being screwed. You'd think the department that's sole job is to know taxable travel would know taxable travel, but TIA, mate..... This is Atlas.

WhiskeyKilo

That sounds just annoying enough to keep most people away. I already have to watch my flight time at my current company to make sure they actually pay me for what I flew. I don't need to be getting into another job where I have to watch the company like a hawk.

akfrtdwg 57

Then this place is definitely not for you. They will try to bend every rule in the CBA and leave it to the member to know the ins and outs of the CBA ro correcr the problem. Duty day, hotels, travel, catering etc etc. They just do what they want and whatever isn't caught by the crew members sticks. So eyes open and heads on a swivel, you need to pay attention to every change they make to your schedule as you never know when they might try to sneak something illegal or some sort of contract violation in. It's up to you to know what is and isn't allowed. Deadhead after a 14 hour flight. It's up to you to count the hours and minutes after to ensure your not busting your crew day and they have the appropriate ticket for you. Imputed income...I've heard of guys that live and base in Anchorage magically have inputed income show up. Up to you to keep an eye on it. This list goes on and on. This company cares as much about the CBA as you do. Well. Less than you. They will still on occasion tell you to pound sand when you ask for compliance. Personal experience from travel.

Ludicrous Speed

Due to the very reasons you stated, ANC is the most junior base. Atlas management doesn't determine where new-hires go, seniority does.

Twin Wasp

By controlling the number of vacancies management does control where new hires go. On the -400, ANC has 200 F/Os for 72 Captains. CVG has 87 F/Os for 84 Captains. And JFK has 37 F/Os for 56 Captains. So at least 19 F/Os get pulled out of their base (which can be a good thing to avoid taxes) to be paired with JFK Captains.