Lionhaart

Cheers!

Atlas Pilots also having seen much of the unseen world can also choose to retire in the many places where had a layover.

Sofia Bulgaria, Zaragoza Spain and even Hanoi Vietnam come to mind.

Again its not how much we make but how much we keep that determines our retirement imho.

I'll be going later in the month to ZAZ

united20

Just a quick curiousity. Is is possible to drop/pick up trips at giant?

I know there are open times but thought they are provided by the company not by fellow pilots dropping it on the purpose as their options

Atlasvet

It is ironic that one of the posters mentioned that you might not be as "rich" as other pilots in retirement. A couple of counterpoints;

I spent 25 years under the previous retirement contributions and am set quite nicely, with today's contributions wealth accumulation should be pretty simple over the long run.

Using ones ample time off and priveledges of Gateway, one should be able to lead a successful economic lifestyle with sensible investments in real estate, outside activities, etc.

Maintaining one's health is also possible through good medical benefits and ample time for exercise, at home and on the road

I am certainly "rich" in memories, touring the world, flying unique missions, great friends, etc.

So while being senior at Atlas certainly provided me with advantages, I believe that the majority of current Atlas crews can become very comfortable, if not "rich" with a career here under current conditions.

astray

Yes, there's now a system to offer up trips to other pilots and to drop trips if there's enough reserves. Unfortunately contract language is very weak and picking up trips do not pay above guarantee, and gateway is not provided unless it starts in base, so not much incentive to pick up.

C17B74

Honestly, I haven't seen this for a long time (at least five years) where I ran into a few of our senior pilots getting ready to retire normally within a couple of years in panic. The world travel brings on a lot of extracurricular activities and side action expenses if you're not careful to include unforeseen responsibilities. Many have enjoyed such lifestyles care free with little or no concerns beyond everyday life until closing in on forced retirement. There are catastrophic instances regarding, divorce, health or death within your family circles (other anomalies include economy, 9/11, pandemic, etc.), but lack of planning shouldn't be an issue as one progresses through this profession. Pay it all off, stack some of that cheddar, invest in yourself in whatever order or all at the same time if possible. Not saying live like a pauper as most of us have especially during the early years, but you could after expenditures blow half and save half which will set you up quite well. Obviously the age old mantra of don't trust pilots financial, relationship or even career advice bodes well, I can only say across the board in any work force never ever miss the opportunity of a company retirement match deal - that's just free cheddar.

*Since the beginning of DC at other outfits (long before our trickle started) quite awhile back many many pilots will be saved. Unless AI does us in of course, but until then carry on!

C17B74

Thanks, Astray - definitely not much incentive out there, but a few pickups from the new folks if you're lucky gives you two great options. Time Off or more clams if you can make it work. Hopefully it will become more amiable in the future.

some

Hello, in their Info Flyer Atlas say: "Flying to hostile areas or areas with high rates of infectious disease continues to be voluntary. Those who fly into those areas will be compensated at 175% of pay."

Do you know how it happens in practice? What if in the middle of the trip (not in a base) a flight to a hostile area pops-up in the schedule and a pilot doesn't volunteer to fly it?
Thanks.

wingedmunkie

The system shouldn't allow a non-volunteer to be assigned to a hostile flight. If, for some reason, it showed up on your schedule, it would be a pretty quick phone call to get it removed. In practice, there just isn't that much hostile/hazardous flying going on anymore.

maxjet

I found that when I went to the ACMAi world and it's extended schedules Thai I was left a with much more money at the end of the month. Long stretches home and extra money gave me time to invest in rental real estate. With everything paid for before retirement, it is a nice average 5k net every month.

some

Is covid vaccine still required at Atlas?