Smash312

Hi, I'm currently working for a foreign LCC (not in the FAA system). Am a Captain on the 737-800 (NG/MAX). 11,000 TT, 5000 JET PIC. I feel that a furlough is impending, so I'd rather do it to myself than have it done to me (I think). I just applied to AtlasAir this past week. No word as yet. Are they still taking folks on?

What is the most junior fleet with Atlas? Am a family man, with a standard household (Mrs, kids etc etc). Any ideas on which fleet would be most family friendly? I understand that it's a cargo outfit where one may be away from 2 weeks at a time possibly, but given the circumstances, how would one play this hand the best they can (from a family perspective)?

RyeMex

Atlas is still hiring. That being said, the rumor is that we received about 400 new applications in a single day recently. Also, the sizes of our classes are somewhat restricted due to the CDC guidelines on social distancing. Best of luck to you with getting a call.

There isn't really a "junior" fleet in the sense that you would be more likely to be hired into one as opposed to any of the others. The 747 and 777 obviously pay more, however these fleets tend to have schedules which have you away from home for 17-18 days at a time. The 767 has both 17 day lines, as well as split lines. I believe that is also the case on the 737. In any case, on any fleet, you can very well expect that there will be times when you'll be away from home for 17-18 days straight, so it's important that you spouse / family be willing to accept that reality.

AboveMins

I'm on the 747 at Atlas, with about 2 years on property. 30 day lines seem to always be 17 days on, or you could a 60 day line where your trips are a few days shorter, but have 3 trips in those 60 days versus two. Days on for those vary, but they're usually somewhere around 10-12 day trips.

Family life can be a challenge. I have 3 kids and my wife is a stay at home mom. We seem to be able to make it work. She developed a great support structure at home with friends and family that help out when I'm on the road. As for the job itself, it's not bad. It could definitely be better, but as long as you understand what you're getting into, and manage your expectations accordingly, you won't be let down. It's true, this place is run by a group of self-serving scumbags at the top, but at least we know where we stand with them.

​​​​​PM me if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of working here...

atpcliff

I heard 650 in one day, mostly from Compass/TSA pilots.

Smash312

Ladies and Gents, Thank a LOT for the replies. Some really good info that is helping immensely. TBH, I'm looking at a job as opposed to no job, but all the same wanting a little sanity. Too may wants, but I understand flexibility is the name of the game. 17 days on is pretty full on. How many hours is one typically flying in that 17 days on? And down route are the hotels half decent or do they leave a lot to be desired? I've seen Atlas in some of the holes that I currently fly into. I'm not even sure some of these places even have hotels. But I guess the flying is varied so, worldwide pretty much means all over the place. I'd be alright with that.

RyeMex

It depends on the fleet. On the 767 (and I believe on the 737 as well), you'll never block more than 60 hours in a month. My understanding is that it's possible to block up to 90ish hours on the 747/777. That being said, the only constant thing at Atlas is change. Particularly on the 747, you won't know what your month looked like until you reach the end of it. You might have been awarded a 85 hour line and ended up getting paid 62, or vice versa. Also, for what it's worth, keep in mind that you can be extended an additional 3 days every month beyond the normal 17 days. This is more likely on some fleets more than others, but it can happen on any of them. You will get premium pay for being forced to fly extra days, but there is nothing that allows for you to recuperate the lost time off.

The hotels vary quite a bit depending on where you are. Domestically, it tends to be something like a marriott or hilton property. Internationally, it all depends on where you are. Some hotels are great. Some, not so much.

A job at Atlas is definitely better than no job at all. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure that your budget can handle you only making minimum guarantee. That doesn't mean that that is all you will make, but things tend to be feast or famine around here. The only pay protection of any sort that we have is minimum monthly guarantee.

BayBum4Ever

And don't forget that first year pay is only 50 hours per month.

BayBum

AboveMins

I've only blocked over 95 hours the 747 a handful of times. Seems as if when someone in scheduling notices high credit, stuff mysteriously gets moved around, and I end up back at CRT. It sucks, but my wife and I budgeted to live on min guarantee with some wiggle room so the sting isn't as bad.

kodiakallstar

this. Plan on min treat the extra as a bonus. The 777 seems to be the exception but as that fleet grows I have no doubt it will get managed more like the 747 where you start out blocking a bunch of hours then your schedule changes to dh and sitting around until your crt and block come out almost equal. No line guarantee either so youll probably get rig most months and 62 in training and vacation and sick months so figure at least half the year you are at min the other half maybe better but don’t plan on it.

Elevation

In addition to all the point made by everyone else, there are 26+ million Americans who have lost their jobs in the last month. Thats going to impact our schedules somehow. Unpredictable times mean you should only count on min pay.