starship

Why is Atlas posting on the orange site for FO's but postponing interviews and hiring? Just filling up a pool of candidates for the future?

Twin Wasp

Yes, we got the new contract.

The Orange site a lot of times has no connection with reality.

Luv2avi8

Pure speculation here but my impression is that Atlas (particularly HR and training) are contending with some some very difficult yet positive challenges that I, quite honestly feel fortunate that I don't have to sort out... unprecedented growth, acquisition of the 767s and 747-800s, impending retirement of the "classic" and having to meld those pilots into the -400 pipeline, and who knows what else... it's no wonder things often appear disjointed and reactionary.

I believe you are correct... having read every page of the blog over the past year, I sense that a common practice is that HR builds a pool of quality candidates upon which training can draw from (those that really "nailed the interview" are usually offered a training slot right away, the rest "go for a swim"). Once the pool is drained to a certain level, the interviews resume to fill the pool as needed.

For those of us that are "swimming in the pool" and those that are awaiting an interview, it can no doubt be extraordinarily frustrating but there is something that is repeated quite often in this thread and worth mentioning... from the folks who have succeeded in joining the Atlas family as a line holder, it really is worth the wait - good jets, great people, challenging flying for the professional pilot and getting to see the world in the process (some awesome places and some... well... not so much), etc... just got to keep the faith that call will come... hopefully this holiday season, it will be sooner than later for everyone!

744driver

Good analysis...I think you have the right ideas, and most importantly, the right attitude.

Most likely, those have served you well in the past, proven by the fact that you are currently practicing your best swimming techniques.

JonnyKnoxville

744dri....errr 763driver,

Is the 767 flying a lot or sitting? When is the second one coming on line?

captainv

mostly sitting, but it's out flying now. other one should be out in a week or so.

744driver

I have spent the last 6 weeks at home after I finished the Type Rating course...minus a few days last week for Captain-specific classroom stuff in Miami.

The first 767 has been flying charters and therefore getting the Check Airman qualified on the airplane.

The most senior line Captain is likely going to start OE either this month or early next month. There is a new-hire FO on OE right now on several charters that started yesterday.

After that, the plan is to train a mix of Captains and FOs as flights are assigned. There seems to be a lot of interest in the new product (767). The second airplane is likely coming out of heavy check and paint shop in Miami on (or about) Dec 20th.

As for hiring...I think the training pipeline is clogged up right now, and likely to remain so as 200 pilots transition to the 744 or 767. IMHO, the Classics are likely to stay until the B747-8 delivery schedules are firmed up by Boeing and Atlas.

They have already re-started the differences course for the 744 pilots (and some new hires that finished the normal 744 course last week) to get 747-8 qualified...1 day in the classroom and 2 days in the electronic training device (fixed sim).

Hope that helps...744driver...sorry, 763driver!!

Malex4u

Yes. A lot of it was resolved through an arbitrator. It is a five year agreement, which averages out to really be ten years.

Maxcackel

Sec 24 say's bumping rights apply so I don't think many 200 peeps will go to the 767.

744driver

That is true...thanks.