With every major/legacy hiring indefinitely in large numbers, it will be interesting to see what happens to the younger generation of Giant pilots. I've already heard through the grapevine mgmt is concerned with what many will do when hiring floodgates open industry wide. Will the contract here at Atlas stay the same for another 4 or so years while other airlines make their contracts more attractive? Or will a crossroads arrive that will force many to reconsider whether or not Atlas will be in their long term plans. Atlas is a great place to be - no argument there/here. But I believe the pilot / hiring paradigm will soon shift allowing the pilot to be in the drivers seat as to where he/she would like to be forcing companies to actually listen to what the pilots groups want. The current contract here is better than it was based upon my experience, but has it "arrived" - I cant say that it has. Even a union-tree hugger can't say its everything they have ever dreamed of (understanding perfect does not exist). I understand that many reading this will say "well, it's better than my former/current brand X airline," but as professional aviators, it is in everyones best interest to make the company/industry even better and more competitive. Atlas is still a 747-driven union/mgmt company with a fraction of the attention to the light twin community - although it is improving, i.e. how many months went by before "open time" trips were offered up IAW the contract? Looking at the UCAL contract there is a lot that can be benchmarked from it - and yes, I do understand there are significant differences between the two companies. The bar has been raised here at Atlas, but we must strive to continue to raise it as employees and future candidates.

Please no poo throwing - this is not a rant but intended as re-group and re-attack.

Why did it take so long? Did you come aboard before or during the process?

Rhino12, excellent post. Been saying the same things myself. All valid points.

Funny that they are worried, but yet not calling lots of guys that have been doing ACMI for many years and prefer it over the other parts of the industry. Yes, I'm one of those pilots and I am 744 qualified. Have submitted my stuff twice since Aug and not a peep. Oh well, maybe it's a sign that I should go to the other side as ACMI is an ever revolving door. Maybe it is an experiment by your HR for future reference to see what percentage of non prior ACMI pilots will go to the majors when they open the floods. Then again, I don't think we lost many ACMI newbie pilots from World, but there hasn't been any significant hiring for many years.

Unfortunately, the hiring boom hasn't even started yet. Buddy of mine was in the same boat - took 1.5 years to get a call.


Rhino - dude, you're smarter than you look!

V - you are! Not everyone can be Atlas' best looking FO of the year - two years running! You set the bar high!

We could start a whole new thread on what went on and why it took so long. Really don't want to stir that pot. I was around for a good part the process and all of the negotiations.

It's already happening. I heard we are losing at least one a month to greener pastures. FedEx and SW so far.

Should I leave a LCC for Atlas if offered the job.??

Just curious to see what some opinions are as to someone leaving a LCC for Atlas. I am a commuting junior line holder first officer (hate the commute). But I am also a little unsure of the long 17 day schedules at Atlas. I am just really on the fence with this one.. would like to hear some thoughts from others....

Obviously you're going to have to figure out what works for you. We'got 550+ pages saying this is not a 3 on/4 off 4on/3 off airline. I will say about half the lines in the JFK bid packs have been 60 day lines. The 60 day lines have you going to work three times. This month and next I'm only working 15 days. Three off, work 6, 12 days off, work 14, 7 days off, work 10 and 8 days off. I don't know if the other bases have as many 60 day lines.