AirGuardianC141747

Bottom line up front, industry wide mil reservists pilots have duty they must perform/requirements. Many times it conveniently chops things/balances things out. Having mil leave within a pattern doesn’t necessarily mean you lose the pattern. Most of the time they just create new lines that plug holes within the active schedule. i.e. You have a pattern you bid/won for 10-26 May 20, but have a mil leave request that is 13-17 May (5 days of mil duty whatever it may be). Most likely get 10-12 = R1 (Home Reserve) unless a quick trip in/out is available. Not likely on a 747, but a 767 if you lived in base is possible. Away from base with travel and rest required in a 3 day period not probable. They will build trips after your 5 days or whatever if enough time remains; therefore, this conflict bid does have some goodness if you catch my drift. Just don’t be predictable if you will. Regarding pure 17 days, contract indicates you owe the company up to 17 days. I have a 15 day trip tomorrow and the 1st day happens to be a DH on AA so that counts as Day 1 working day. Sometimes 14,15,16,17 and if your on a 60 Day Line it can be split up with smaller duration trips. 10 off, 12 Fly, 6 off, 15 Fly, 12 off, 5 fly as an example. Or bank $$$ and do mil during off days and fly 17... not always 17 so there’s that gentleman.

Fantastic and we appreciate your efforts. So many TALCE’s working including ours. It was a great show of force and long long days of non-stop dedication. Will always remember HH-60 assessment flights and the Aegis cruiser being different colors on each side (like it was sandblasted), 60ft yacht miles inland by itself and railroad tracks pushed inland 20-30ft or more. New Orleans was a disaster, but mostly a man-made one. Hurricane was a direct hit/smashed MS with its right front quadrant. So many units, so many heroes. Thanks again to all who came on a dime and saved many!

Example: During Hurricane Katrina as Chief of Scheduling/Air Guard HQ Combined Forces Lead Planner within my State, I burnt over 50 crew members (max allowable flying time) in less than 7 days running evacuation ops. Had the iron, desperate for bodies. I called Alaska ANG (C-17s) for crew members that might be hanging around and interested in helping out? AKANG Response: We are all here wanting to help, but AD took ALL the remaining jets a few of days ago to the fight without us. My Response: Can you help? We’ll pay the bill - Commercial Tickets, Per Diem, whatever you need. I need a minimum of 12 Pilots/8 LMs. AKANG Response: Packed and Ready! Thank You AKANG to this day! *I understand that AD was ready and ran out the door the next day and it takes a couple of days to recall ANG folks at times. But 0 ANG taken, that’s a deplorable in charge and the friction of shared/rented iron. Still much friction on iron usage most likely. God worked it out for us and them. They were greatly appreciated. ANG - One Call that’s all. We had so many ANG units show up without a call as well. Great credit shout out to the Kirtland Rescue Squadron/Special Ops Crews/PJs as well who were in the Air already when they called. Despite media crushing FEMA etc, military folks volunteer support was phenomenal.

You got that right. Never share iron with the AD if you have a choice. Plus your jets are pridefully maintained and clean if you will. One of my best friends still in one of my old Guard units (formerly part-time) landed himself an AGR position and just started 1 Apr. Told him it was the best move he could have made. He especially believes me now as he was at United with 5 years of seniority and like most he was unsure what the future holds. He remained in good standing/great worker/known quantity and was a previous Technician like myself there! Wish all the best for those doing the Guard thang. Nothing like a true safe haven during tough times. More points for retirement and he got a signing bonus - nothing beats that, good for him.

Good place to jump to FedEx/UPS when you get the chance and/or if your young and haven’t invested quite a bit of time in Atlas and built seniority which provides a manageable lifestyle you enjoy. We are being given some compensation for some Asia flying, per diem bump for the time being. Word on the street indicates a 10% bump in normal pay without strings attached. We’ll see what the outcome is...?

So true, so true. Time to unF*ck one’s self and F*ck up the others responsible.

now I enjoy the variety and it’s very similar to AMC flying when engaged in change. Much better layovers for the most part, very nice hotels, decent support overall. Nothing like flying the Queen of the skies in the commercial world. I will admit I prefer the upper deck of the pure cargo birds vs the pax conversion freighters. True separated rooms vs the bunk garbage. Long trips but always interesting on the 74. Welcome aboard and it’s definitely what you make of it. Plenty of time to have fun or complain, it’s what you choose. Lady 747 will take you around the world faster than any other jetliner. She also will take you to most any airline of choice when hiring so there’s options. Not many if any other can provide a better steppingstone from the military to your 1st choice, it’s a smattering of everything. It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure. Well, it’s a job so there’s that again.

Guard Rocks!

Makes sense, to the point or not, perfect - nothing really is, but something is better than nothing. Our state is slowly coming alive as well as others so whatever it takes. Useful, not useful, doesn’t really matter right now - folks need to get back to work and be responsible if that’s what it takes, plenty slackers as always. We’ll see just how many return to work quickly vs having an unemployment check worth more than what they were previously earning despite bailouts. Are unemployment checks time limited...? Maybe if previous employment or better is proven to be available? Definitely too detailed to chase down, just another rabbit hole. Overall, discussions on virus infection rates, fatality rates, masks/gloves effective or not are past productions of wisdom. Just do what the hero health workers (working, Hello) and actual essential personnel are mostly doing and get the work churn going. Definitely easier said then done, totally get that. Lazy out, reborn enthusiasm in. Time for Merica to get back working responsibility and effectively. If the “Safety is Paramount” slogan was believed in any line of work, no one would do it!

Although not a perfect defense against this situation, Untied supposedly will be handing out masks to passengers in May. Business is business time to get back to work and do what you should do. Guess I will put United to the test in May and hopefully get a free mask. Can’t take credit for this image on APC, but it does simplify it for anyone. Too funny and so straightforward.

Looks like Flynn is back let the conspiracy theories solidify. Time for Deep State to be revealed, just give it some time. DOJ/FBI just unbelievable if true, we’ll see. Once we get the economy rolling forward again it’s time for Mr. T do his work.

It’s has always been and always shall be bean counters, budget and the color of money/pots that cannot be allocated to other sources unfortunately. Only a few things can be shifted. Additional funding has always been resourced via “the process” if above and beyond the funding from the initial Program Objective Memorandum (POM) - hashed out 2 years prior to execution. It’s a bunch of patch work or infusions if you will. Truly sucks fighting for funding of future programs and current ones week after week after week. Mind numbing, so don’t go Staff....ever. Unless for a retirement of course, then hells bells Gina! *End Strength does control a lot as mentioned before.

Good advice right there. In my case they did not allow me to get my official “Retired” card until the day after my final date. They warned me that Retirement pay/benefits process would absolutely not start until I turned in my Active Card (AGR) for the Retired Card. It was about 3 days after my final date that I swapped cards and I actually was paid within the following month. Heard 2-3 months is normal and retroactive just so you know. I was fortunate I guess.

Definitely not apples to apples; therefore, what would the numbers be if we hadn’t. Nobody knows but an educated guess would be significantly more. Totally agree there will be lessons learned on what to protect and shutdown first, etc. Probably won’t go super draconian or anything and we hopefully learn from the shutdown and how we restart this all back up. Good test certainly for something totally hideous which attacks everything much more violently. Just learn America...and all states are not created equal which is known but not so soundly proven until now. Baby steps, then start running in strong areas hard which you all know already.

So true, and so many other bills that we’ve all bought into literally. Although, many are substantiated some are not. Everyone creates they’re own destiny per say and this may be a moment of clarity. It’s a good thought and everyone’s situation is different. That sounds like a former airline gig with a bit of seniority. Things will return, changed in some fashion perhaps, but return. Overall, enjoy the slower pace while you can as others have mentioned before. Get to know your families again, do some yard work if you have one, read a book or two (or on a reader, your choice), do something in your favor, chill and re-emerge with vigor once again. Overall, as a side note this is a good reset opportunity to see what’s important in your life and if you deem you have enough time, venture out and do those “bucket list” items you have always put on the back burner for some reason or another. My motto: “ONE LIFE!” Just think about it. There is only so much you can supposedly control so why not focus on those that make the difference.

Makes you really think, especially when you serve. So many great points being made and history will reveal itself as it always does. Nothing like 20/20 hindsight and “What if” something to death. In some states this thing will work out, some obviously hurting more than others so not so much. Amazing how different effects are so vast from East to West so if nothing else, one size does not fit all. Just one of many examples of needing to rise up when “they expect us to do as they say without question.” VA Gun laws attempt. They’ll be back. $$$ for projects tactics vs the business owner relief bills being held hostage - this is all messed up no matter what the topic, as long as we let them know by vote, letter/email/petition or protest, etc that they work for us. It’s easy to see true colors come out these past few years. Keep them , get rid of them it’s our decision. Orange has always been 🍊

Agree DB. If you look like Superman, be Superman rather than Mystery Men. Both Good movies though serious and not so serious. Although with all the mentioned queep, it’s easy to be “The Shoveler!” At least he’s trying.

“Plenty of non-ILS landings in the Caravan in Afghanistan, but I digress..” But Homestar, I am pretty dang sure you could TLAR pretty much anything without a magenta line or even DME necessarily. You probably hand flew your gas can more than most while we hooked up. 141 specialized crews were spit out far more than the Barrel Body Globetrotter slipstream/ bow wave and all, . Stick and Rudder ain’t a bad skill to have at all. Heck we’ve been doing non-ILS into Bagram lately in a 74. It’s not as fun like it was on NVGs playing supposed tactical games, but we have our moments Whale riding. No pilot shortage now or for awhile, so might as well enjoy the fun flying before you get some more pay to be boring neck-tie and all.

Speeding off to the airlines (already having been hired on the line) as a Reserve/Guard type, totally get it based upon you gotta feed your family and you are after all part of the Reserve component and normally there is a warm up period/sometimes not, prior to activation - kind of depends on what your currency requirements are. Not all MDS’s are created equal. But just lying in wait not doing your part (it’s obvious to that individual there is no doubt) and speeding off to the airlines when the call comes.... Well.... Nothing to say, cuz they ain’t no speeding off now. That door is almost shut (bar the cargo gigs for the most part) and if hired now or fairly recently the jeopardy is well understood. This isn’t a get above the bottom 15% and no issues anymore. There is no speeding anywhere. “Fate IsThe Hunter”, is not just a memoir...

Sounds like a lack of passion, lack of duty, lack of responsibility, ok a whole bunch of lackey that needs to be driven out by leadership top to the bottom and Instructors are where the rubber meets the road. As a former instructor I relished the responsibility given to us to motivate and propagate that passion, etc above to maximize training events with vigor and realism with imaginative “what if” moments to our crews and not so much if, but when you find yourself needing to push the flight envelope/long duty periods during crisis/wartime events. (Nice run on sentence) Granted it was a lot easier right after 9/11 broadcasting this sh*t is for real and folks are counting on us - better yet you need to count on each other to stay alive. This is only from a former 141, but mostly my C17 perspective. Went from lackadaisical 2+ hour locals maybe some tanker time, etc. to 4,5,6+ and 8.3 being the longest which was definitely excessive and thought I could have been to Germany by now eating Schnitzel dammit; nevertheless we did double of everything (Tanker run, LLevel, Day Assaults, Grd Ops, pattern work, LLevel, back 2 tankers (dusk), NVG Assaults, Grd Ops, night pattern work dog tired) Definitely pinged the Higher Risk levels and we didn’t do it often, but it’s something when you prove everyone can do it and we weren’t even doing airdrop - kudos to you guys. Learned a lot from former SOLL II guys who pushed us on those extra parameters (legal for them/not for us) which was quite impressive and just more tricks in the bag. So much queep/extra duty/filling squares/CBTs, etc. pushed to the forefront when it needs to be sidelined for your pilot skills which need to be honed/sharpened. It’s not airline flying, you are the tip of the spear when something does rear it’s ugly head and lazy instructors are giving you the shaft. Judas Preist it’s not good when currency is overvalued and not proficiency which has been a cyclic issue. Commanders do your job, IP’s pass your skills, AC’s demand proficiency beyond up and downs, co-pilots push to fly. It’s sad when a few folks become seagulls and you gotta throw rocks at them to fly. I even see that in long haul in the commercial sector which is dumbfounding. Screw it, I want to fly and will steal legs when hesitation presents itself. I want to be up front, that is where the wizardry resides and I want more. “Always play a better tennis player when given the chance.” Apologies, it truly sucks when I hear Instructors don’t give a $h*t. No cents given, just common sense as you all understand. Thanks for the time.

Additional note regarding “Gateway” privileges. Must be greater than 130 miles from your domicile to be eligible. Airport normally must provide a couple of flights by two different carriers daily to reach main hubs, etc to be moved to your domicile and also provides the company the ability to move you to any airport where the aircraft turns to start your “pattern.” Granted, so many airports are already on the list and most requests are granted very easily it seems. ***”Gateway” is the reason most of us stay with this Company as jump seating/finding your own way is not a worry at all in any way. 95% or more commercial pilots jump back and forth, have crash pads or reside at their domicile to ease this burden. While “commuting” to work is not ideal, the kicker is we Live Where We Want. If you live in your dream location that just happens to be a domicile, no argument there - you have got it made as long as that domicile remains open. Have flown with many folks who have never left their home town which is amazing if that is your thing. We move quite a bit so it’s been a blessing while we find our way to the greenest pastures. Scheduling works with several guys roaming around in huge RVs half the year/all year and gateway out of places they travel to across the U.S. and if their wife drives somewhere else, he flies into the nearest airport she went too. Granted, it’s a good way to lose your stuff if she hates you! Bottom Line: Getting to work is literally half the pressure of your career in the commercial world. It’s not just the ease of booked/paid for seats getting to work, if we do our part and at the airport ready to board the ticketed flight, no matter what happens we are not held accountable period. Flight cancellations, Weather delays, Maintenance delays, Flight Delays, etc. Not My Problem. Scheduling’s problem which takes a load off. No worries, rebook me, send me to a paid hotel, send me home. Challenging prior to the pandemic due to overbooking, others who get ahead of you, etc. vs pandemic now - advice is to book 3 flights minimum ahead as they cancel all the time due to no loads whatsoever. If we were to lose Gateway due to contract negotiations (not very likely due to our ever changing contracts), then I would consider jumping ship and at least get paid to be a scheduler, jump-seat, crash-pad and a responsible grownup to show up and work no matter what circumstances/environment we may live in.

It’s been a long while since UPT, but there was a Capt type who washed out of T-38s who was in “Stars and Stripes” years ago who tried to get to the heavy side. I mean it was front page at the exchange on a rack. Turns out, no joy. I would think it’s definitely not an automatic assumption nor will it ever be based on what the criteria might have been to wash out. Either way, is this something new and if it is has it been going on for any substantial length of time? Never heard of it, but I haven’t heard a lot nor read the new/updated reg.

I will say the company definitely focuses on their business as these planes have never been cleaner since their production. We also have some $ compensation regarding the hot zones if you will. With restaurants and other food venues out of play they were covering $50 on top of per diem during hotel layovers for room service or outside delivery, etc. They took that away and just bumped up our perdiem which is nice and easier for them and us when doing our finance reports, granted it still saved them a little cash if you were in hotels for long periods. Nearly $100 a day isn’t bad, but I had a good time with $129 a day back at Ramstein. Like I said before, we’ll always find something to complain about. Business is good for now and we’ve been pulling planes back out of storage to meet demands vs parking them. Everything is cyclic so we pray everyone gets back out there. It has been very quiet flying around, especially over CPDLC coverage areas. I routinely do radio check-ins just to remain vigilant and the controllers are bored, want to talk anyway and happy to be employed as I am. Overall, it seems we have pulled together somewhat and keeping those “Air Bridge” missions going is our focus as it should be.

Yup, good to get a job rolling during these times and nothing is “immune” as said before but we’re doing well. We’re being flooded right now so it doesn’t bode well for a significant contract upgrade, but I am happy to be employed so no complaints whatsoever (not that I think it’s really bad as I have family across oceans on both sides, continent hopping and food still interests me), 73 side seems to be cutting back but the rest of our iron is steadfast at this point. 777s put into place for our DHL contracts dumping some 74s, but these are being contracted out to others so the demand is still high. Your buddy will get better experience than most and be that much more marketable when hiring comes around. I don’t have a yacht, Maserati, and 2nd, 3rd mortgage, (We have our fair share of pilots with 2nd/3rd X wives), but it definitely pays the bills and the flying in the commercial sector least boring of all long haul. Heck he may like it as much as I do and if not he’ll be set up for that shiny penny operation with hats and expensive cigars! I myself enjoy the 74, no bunks but 2 rooms dozing for a $ (unless converted Freighter/Pax Bird then bunks), mostly very nice hotels, catered food some good, some not so good but meals nevertheless, some phenomenal locations and others just OK, coming onto the flight deck taking your tie off and throwing on your pajamas with a baseball hat before departure - priceless. Cheap Cigars in Miami where we train so that’s something. All the Union/Management throw down mentioned before is right on the money and we have our issues as well. We definitely need pay parity, but I truly believe our pilots are very upset because it would be hands down the place to work if pay, retirement, overall contract compensation were even just near Big 3 or the 2 dominant cargo outfits. Even 10% below would sway many as long as we kept our no jumpseat gateway open. Pilots will always find some issue. 17 Days is the kicker though let’s not fool anybody it is a long stretch. I am senior enough to snag 14-16 day trips and have more than 2 months off a year, but 10-14 days trips once a month would be more my style. Our schedules change often, no cookie cutter flying, nothing you can count on, but as long as I leave and come back on schedule it’s nothing but an adventure to me. I still really enjoy going to work 95% of the time so I am lucky no doubt. *For those retiring now I have laid down a basic representation of what we’re about and we are hiring if you haven’t had a bite as of late. With your retirement it makes it very easy; therefore, I speak from a different survival perspective. Jump ship when your “dreamboat” floats by and get the most worldwide experience in the mean time. No one goes everywhere we go and I can substantiate that. It’s very USAFish but with some really good support in many cases and you’re already acclimated to change.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I know pic takes up space, but it’s glorious Bacon. Arg has it right. Self sustaining, if not close to it. Preparing Prime Rib right now, store bought but still a nice cut. Everyone else bought the Chicken out and ignored the Prime Rib at $6 a lb. Guess I’ll eat the Prime(s) x 4 for two weeks, too lazy to thaw my chicken. Thx Arg, that’s living - some will say it’s bad for us but we all pass and there’s nothing like being a carnivore. Sorry, derailed there - But it’s Bacon!