744driver

Commonly known as doing the Atlas Starburst...especially when you are on a heavy crew and the third or the forth guy is not needed for the next leg of the trip.

Example...

My last trip on the 744 as an FO before I went to the 767 CA training last fall...

CVG to BAH...1 CA, 3 FOs
DH BAH to DXB...all four of us DH to DXB.
Next day, DXB to HKG...1 CA, 2 FOs. 3rd FO DH with us on company airplane.
Next HKG to CVG...1 CA, 3 FOs.

Above is one example of the crew staying together...but most often, even if the trip is assigned/awarded that way, you are likely going to end up in a hub like DXB, PVG, HKG, FRA, etc, and all 3 or 4 guys will end up on other crews doing other things.

Skyjack

Thanks for the info luv2avi8.... Thay would be awesome to get a call to get an update at least.

atpcliff

Some "negatives":
It is possible to get a 17 days in a row schedule, with 3 days involuntarily added on...not likely, but possible. My last two rotations were about 1 week each.

Change (often dramatic, as in, no more SYD-HKG-ANC, instead airline to DXB, then Dakar-VCP (Brasil)-MIA) is constant and frequent. For guys that want a schedule set in stone, this is a negative (some guys think it's a positive, as it adds to the "interesting" factor).

The -400 training program could be a lot better (but it is improving).

Some guys think the pay is bad-terrible (I am not one of them).

Some guys complain that the company/mgmt does not care about them (as I'm sure you're aware, a situation in today's global economy that is unique to Atlas)

Some guys are burned out and want to retire (not very many).

Because of the nature of our business, things go according to plan less than at DAL/UAL/AA. So, more is required of the Atlas employees out on line. (For some this is a positive, as the job is more interesting and they get to do more stuff on their own).

Crossing a lot of time zones quickly can be challenging.

That is some of the stuff I could think of that would make certain people think twice about Atlas. It IS a good idea to think about what you like/don't like, and how a new job will fit with your capabilities. When you work in a job that you fit into better, it makes everything easier for everyone involved.

For me, it is good. I am glad I am here, and not leaving unless something bad happens, like a furlough or Chapter 7.

Good luck to you in your job search!

God Bless, and Namaste...
cliff
HHN

744driver

Nice to get a summary from a guy (like Cliff in the post above) that has been here for just about a year or so...

akaviator

Quote - "When you work in a job that you fit into better, it makes everything easier for everyone involved." Isn't that the truth?


Thanks for the "negatives". I currently fly 15 to 16 day schedules every month with a day of commute on each end so the 17 day trip is not out of line for what I'm used to, and works well for for me. I do live just outside of Anchorage and being based here on the -400 looks mighty nice, although it sounds like base may not have much to do with where you start your trip.

Paul

ultradrvr

I also have found a home. If Atlas holds up there end of the deal I will stay. One thing to consider though......The 767 is spooling up its operation. If you are hired on the twin it may be a few months before you get paid. (up to 4 months before full pay) The first class of F/Os have been sitting since early NOV on training pay. I asked HR when they called for a class date how long between school and the start of OE, her response was "we have aircraft operating now so it shouldnt be a problem". As the operation progresses Im sure the delay times will be shortened but plan accordingly just in case. All of us in the first class are established pilots with lives and bills and it has been rough. It would not have changed my plans to come to Atlas but I would have made different financial decesions. So I guess a negative that will turn positive soon I hope

BOGSAT

Heard a rumor of just a few more classes this year... Purely 76 plus up, 74 classes, or do you think that this is all speculation? Thanks

UP Pilot

Just a guess from a poolee, but I'd say if they were only planning a few more classes this year then they wouldn't have rescheduled interviews for Feb.

Again, just a guess on my part.

Boola Boola

Has anyone else been notified of any more interviews? So far I count 2 guys. It doesn't sound like the hiring flood gates have exactly opened up again. I was scheduled for a Jan interview and from everything I hear I'm not expecting another phone call until June at the earliest. Call me pessimistic, but I'm going to continue thinking the hiring has come to a halt until I hear otherwise. Too bad, I was really looking forward to it, gotta put my enthusiasm on ice now.

Luv2avi8

Agreed... it would be fantastic to get some definitive words... an approximate time frame... something... anything... would be really great... keeping the faith that the call will come soon for those anxious to join what I've heard is... overall... a really good gig