SealingStemBolt

ANC is kind of a bad example when talking about Gateway because it's just so hard to get to for most non-locals. So keep in mind even though it's the junior 74 base you can out of it sooner rather than later. It's easy enough to find a base that you can get to easily and not have to come in a day or two ahead.

And yeah, 17 is the max but most schedule are less.

Split lines sound appealing to airline guys that aren't used to these long trips but I think most Atlas guys after a while see the benefit in doing their whole month all at once. You get longer stints at home and only commute once vs multiple times. The long-haul schedules are pretty relaxed and you get plenty of time on layovers to rest and enjoy where you're at. It's not max duty, min rest for 4 days like at Brand X.

Mostly I think people that don't like it here its due to a lack of imagination. They try to apply airline rules to an operation that's unique to itself. Yes you make some sacrifices with being gone a long time but try to remember you're also gaining a lot: like a vacation every time you come home and completely forgetting you fly airplanes for several weeks. My home life is amazing and better than it ever was working anywhere else, but it's different. But then, I enjoy being different.

Elevation

As you say 17 isn't terrible. On my fleet, 17 days of a secondary line often turns into only a week from home all month. Things could be a lot worse. 17 days when I was junior in ANC was another kettle of fish. The only thing I'd say is somebody's preference for split lines may not be from a failure of imagination. Kids, at least my kids, seem to get into less trouble with lots of small trips versus a few big ones. If you have a farm you can put a lot of things off for a week and get things done well enough when you get home. Two weeks can miss certain windows entirely, meaning you're going to be hiring somebody to get something done.

As your needs change there are plenty of ways to find a schedule that fits well enough for you. Of course that can all change in a few months' time, but change is possible anywhere.

mhaviate

Thanks for the insights. Nice to know there is a wide variety of schedule options, not just the standard 17 in a row plus commute.

SealingStemBolt

Indeed not saying doing the whole month's flying in one shot is the end all be all. If you want to play Green Acres on your off days or your kids just prefer you being home more often that's valid. Just pointing out to people not familiar with Atlas that there's a reason long trips generally go senior and why. For someone who has only known the airline world our schedule looks pretty awful, but many here wouldn't want it any other way. Definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to our long haul lifestyle.

But like you said the nice thing is Atlas is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book. The bases and fleets are all so very different that you can usually find something that works for your personal tastes.

Elevation

You sum it up nicely.

Swakid8

I will say that as a former Atlas Guy who did pax flying prior to Atlas and left back to Pax flying. I do miss the ability to work a 17 on 13/14 off schedule especially with the fixed pattern line. The FPL and Gateway were the only items that made it a difficult to leave back for pax flying.

Ive flown with Captains here at United that would ask me about the schedule who thought it was terrible. But once I explained to them the details and how I it worked for me and family. I liter had to pick random weeks for vacation because my normal schedule time off covered birthdays and Anniversaries, and Holidays without using vacation…. They were like, damn, that’s a sweet deal.

With the 17 on 13/14 off, it’s very easy to get a long of time off especially with conflict bidding with line bidding cards what we deal with PBS…. I say, the biggest thing I have going for me at my carrier now is that I managed to hide on reserve and haven’t seen a airplane since mid February and my recurrent next month pretty much lined up to when my Landings expired….

CRJJ

Do you regret leaving Atlas?. It’s taking me a minute to make up my mind.

Swakid8

The only thing I regret is giving up my Fixed Pattern Line and Gateway travel.

But overall I am happy with my decision. Upgrades are quick, I could hold NB Captain in my base of choice by the end of the year if I want it. A lot of options for variety of flying, better schedule flexibility, better schedule control with seniority, better retirement. Atlas is will be 1.5 contract cycles behind after all 4 majors get new contracts unless Apollo will bring it up to par with the legacies.

Elevation

Lots of people will have advice for you about this. Trust your gut instincts, but be honest with yourself about your reasoning.

CRJJ

Heart says stay, love the whale and the type of flying. Head says leave. Everytime JD opens his mouth makes things crystal clear, no F* s given, so no faith when it comes to that, specially after Apollo’s fella would look at him like….whatever you say boss, business as usual.
No kids or wife, but family with obligations, so numbers do matter.
Tough choice for sure.