AirGuardianC141747

Just curious, if retiring active duty do you still have a year for the paid for move/final pcs if you will to most anywhere you choose? (Might be based on your initial active duty entry point?) Or was it just having your goods in storage for one year and being able to extend every year up to five years if you submit your request on time? *UPS may still move you on their dime to base? Or was that FedEx, or both? Congrats on those moving into their newly chosen career destinations. Enjoy the differences and we’ll done!

Bottom line like SocialD stated and many others - If the aircraft is not doing what is required or what you want, turn OFF the automation. All of it if need be. Fly your aircraft! Valid videos. *Previously we weren’t allowed to hand-fly specific departures ever. Now we are allowed if the crew agrees and amount of busy-work/congestion is manageable. Slap automation on when required; otherwise, maintain your proficiency as best you can. It’s not easy in the Heavy world when we fly long legs (1 maybe 2, rarely 3) with 3 or 4 pilots on a routine basis. Must keep vigilant.

Well, I was considering a jump to our 777s - not now… kidding of course, but 5G is what we’re definitely watching out for as our -8s fall into some restrictions. Our older 74s do fine as I examine our tails # on a list every time I fly them. I don’t even have a 5G phone so I guess I’m alright correct? 😂

No worries, it was never taken that way. This lifestyle is basically a niche in the industry. Well compensated (not extremely well), interesting and fun flying job/hobby touring the world on very decent schedule (not the duration, but it is less compressed). You are undoubtedly correct, the majority of the world has great responsibility and $$$ creates freedom and security; therefore, it is prudent/logical to plan/prepare your family’s future with the best investment/opportunity. The driving factor is to chase the most coin for the least amount of effort. Over time Big 3/Purple/Brown have provided these attributes hands down and are the most stable in this cyclic industry. Nothing is solid, but they are the best bets. *Like the premier question from a High School counselor decades upon decades ago: “If you had a million $ (Use $5 Million today), what would your occupation be if you must choose one?” My Answer - Flying Pirate - I would still be here (specifically) only because it meets my needs/wants, I get bored too easily and this provides enough adventure to stay awake. Honestly, with $5 Mil I would do something else if I couldn’t do this vagabond flying pirate gig. If you can, fulfill your priorities not someone else’s - everyone needs to find their niche! You only have OneLife, make good choices - make them count!

Just my take purely for me and my wife. ACMI - Beauty IN the Beast. Bottom Line Up Front: To be fair, if it weren’t for paid tickets and hotels and I didn’t have a pension, etc. I would have left long ago. Unless living in base, half of your pressure/work is getting to your job. I could bail right now only because of the many friends at FedEx/UPS, but I have lived in the Far East, went to High School in Japan (fluent speaker) and have family there as well as in Europe. No other company gains me access on a regular basis to both regions and international travel (even during virus max ignorance, it’s getting better) is a huge priority and I enjoy it. Already lived in 13 states, visited 30 others and if I ever travel beyond 65 it will be in an RV or renovated school bus (lived in HI, routinely in AK so it will be easy) to the remaining seven or other noteworthy Americana. We are a great stepping stone to other goals while you wait, but I have more than a decade of seniority what little control it gives me and have figured out what little nuances in the contract pay forward a long way. We are not as regimented/controlled as others and operationally things we do here (not safety related) would most certainly get a pink slip elsewhere. I actually come to work happy and leave it behind thankfully - it gets long no doubt. Don’t have a strong household working relationship with the better half, have young kids, despise long haul hours in a tin can, mediocre airline food, prefer McDonalds/KFC during layovers, love the monkey suit, want FA’s, abhor change (schedule wise/has calmed down quite a bit) and of course demand an industry leading or even on par contract in a few areas, do not come here. *I do suspect more cheddar will be thrown our way as others start leap-frogging each other’s contracts. It’s just reality. Couldn’t believe LTD was offered however that turns out and a 2% DC was given to us. Many were disgruntled at the mere 2% compared to 15-16% DC or more at other carriers. I don’t think they realize that it’s the foot in the door and now there’s a crack of light no matter how small. We definitely require more. At least the 100% match on your 10% contribution has solidified. Profit sharing doubled in size compared to last year, but that can be adjusted so be aware. At least we are seeing some of the same types of verbiage in other contracts being used in ours. Bail if you need too, stay only if you like it - always a flying adventure compared to any other civilian operation and a grandiose scale of travel. Everyone’s priorities are different so choose wisely!

I cannot speak to North American but based on several friends here from Evergreen it was a far cry from being great. Some folks from ATA and Gemini are glad to be here as well. Kalitta is going thru turmoil a bit right now, but ACMI’s as a rule tend to have IBS no doubt. Primary frustration here at Atlas is everyone knows it could be the Best outfit to work for hands down, but that unfortunately will never happen across all scales. It meets and in some cases exceeds some folks priorities but most definitely can be better. It has some of the better work rules of other ACMI’s, gateway is better than most but could be better like home basing. Unfortunately some other gigs have 15-16 day vs our 17 day runs. The 76 guys do enjoy their split schedules though. We have them on the 74 but it’s the commuting that keeps me doing 17 day runs and getting weeks at a time off just something I prefer and I never think about this place until I leave for a trip. Much more tenable if you choose to live overseas, many of our pilots do. Flying is diverse, not as many cookie cutter runs, pax runs if you like those (AMC, NFL charters, etc), international heavy on the 74, 777 predominantly. 76 maybe a third do international. 73 is a startup still and we’ll see how far that goes. Totally agree, if you’re young you have many options and it’s never been easier than before to choose your final destination. Longevity wise it is great advice to look elsewhere as ACMI hasn’t been known as holding an everlasting future like FedEx/UPS, some LCCs and of course the subsidized Big 3. We will fail by government standards long before the others. Had some Gov cheese thrown our way, don’t know why but the company didn’t give it back is my understanding. Long haul our way is not for everyone, compensation is just OK comparably speaking (higher than most right now, but that is short lived for pandemic reasons). You can make a lot of extra clams but it will cost you some days off during normal times. We have scheduled freight lines, customer specific lines(variable), Pax Charters, AMC, Amazon (not a good profit margin as it looks like our initial aggressiveness towards it has throttled back), plenty of other airline support (FedEx/UPS/NCA, etc), Titan leasing, etc, etc, so it’s extremely diverse for success or to our own detriment but has been working for a few decades now. Nothing is guaranteed in our profession no matter where you are. Just set your goals, choose your priorities and make it happen as best you can. No one knows if their career was the right choice until looking back and I pray your “outlook” is good - 8 Ball.

On Point totally. “New Contract” has a few no- brainer variables that need to be fixed. We are hoping the rest of the industry gets even better contracts to help bring ours up. Hemorrhaging talent helps our situation immensely as seen in December with the additional LOA’s. Personally, for those who enjoy what we do and have their priorities met we’ll keep on pushing for better additions. The others looking for the polo shirts of the Big 3, etc. I wish them the best on their future endeavors. They need to have what fits their lifestyle/priorities as soon as possible as many of the outfits have been flooded with new hires. Sooner the better to get that seniority number under their belt for quicker upgrades and equipment basing, etc. Jump quick, the rollovers to bigger and better deals will only be delayed if you don’t.

Totally agree on both accounts. Had a physical a couple of months ago and a Delta guy was there and who was totally worn out with it (his schedule). Nothing like the good times before the panic. The lack of crews is bleeding them dry (lifestyle wise) and with the “optimizer” wreaking havoc it can’t be fun. Even some of the cargo world suffers from this, but hopefully the constant hiring will alleviate a lot of it. That “optimizer” thing, geeeesh. Heard plenty about that from my friends and they mentioned they aren’t even given compression socks… it’s more like a body sock.

Looks like a good trend towards booking summer trips for many pax haulers. 20% pre-Covid levels maybe even 15% and even out by the end of the year hopefully. Unfortunately War has taken over the headlines but a good by-product if any is that the virus has taken a back seat for now. Elections will hopefully help to overshadow virus spikes when that rolls around. High hopes for 2023 and some decent projections for 2024 which remains to be seen. All information from articles; therefore, nothing but best guesses except for fuel prices which are affecting airlines now and will continue to hamper faster recovery as this has always had a ripple affect. Profit sure, just less profit and if passed to the customer Sandiegosurf is right on the money!!! *Insanity continues: Just flew to ATL from my home state TN today. Older couple next to me flew out from AZ to TN a week ago on SWA. They tried to return this weekend on round trip ticketed flight and it was canceled. Tried to rebook, unable, tried to call their help/ticketing desk, nothing, etc. Ended up on my Delta flight to ATL to return to AZ. Cost them $1,100…EACH!!! So unhappy. Something isn’t right in the neighborhood this weekend. It seems every few weeks some carrier(s) are restructuring/hiccuping/experiencing business related compressor stalls. *Just my analysis after be-bopping around talking to many pax crews these few months: Until I find any crews happy that their schedules are like they were before the viral debacle, it’s not stable or cool runnings if you will. Takes time to bring back everything to normalcy but at least it’s rising from the terrain.

Guess I should review some movie. Unless previously mentioned: Last Duel was entertaining, well - entertaining while on a business class run from Europe to Chicago. Matt Damon as a scruffy wronged hero vs Star Wars long haired jousting wife stealer Kyle Ren to include a weird Ben Affleck take all comers type of Mid-Evil Hunter Biden. If you need to kill time take a gander; if not, don’t waste your time on this he said, she said and then he said movie scenario.

That is Awesome! This sequel won’t be nearly the draw Top Gun had in the eighties for new wanna-be fighter pilot recruits (like myself as a Senior in High School), but it should do fairly well as the Navy is once again the support group / advocate. It flooded the market with recruits for many years and it didn’t help my cause when I was deep in ROTC during Desert Storm and the immediate after math of 1200 pilot slots dropping to 100 nation wide for ROTC and the Academy suffered as well. The massive drawdown and banked pilot alternate AFSC was mind numbing. Turned out well in the end. *I did finally snag a slot after 7 years as a MX Officer to include an age waiver and the trip was a blessing to have been a heavy driver for most of my remaining decades in the service. Still driving heavies in the civilian world globally and grateful for the amazing opportunities. Nice to fly into Dover, Charleston, Ramstein, etc and see birds I flew. Good times. Still haven’t seen any F-14s lying around as I tool around in the desert from time to time. Cruise is such an adrenaline junkie thankfully.

You’re right, nothing lasts forever getting it while you can. We can make coin but that’s normally reserved for overtime, extra duty if you will. Right now the trough is full and piling high during normal duty. When the well dries up, some of the herd will move on to greener pastures. Such is life and I wish everyone the best as you only have OneLife! Despite this industry being cyclic, find your niche/happy place!

Phew, glad it didn’t. At least our outfit passes the buck/cost of fuel to the customer. Unsure when customers would stop shipping, but they just pass it to the consumer anyway. Dang media lied again…

Just a little training this week at the MIA puzzle palace, been a chill month. Next month it’s 4 GSP-HHN runs, MIA-ICN, ICN-DEL-ICN, ICN-HKG-ANC, etc. Normally don’t beat myself up like this but harvest while you can, lay low while you cannot. Hopefully CDC levels maintain although I’m sure changes will arise.

Nice Aero Precision and Scorpion Brabus. Serious can envy. Talked to one of our dealers and he mentioned maybe this summer the wait times would get better and better with the efile thang. Went to help a friend choose a conceal carry type and I couldn’t resist and walked out with a Beretta 1301 tactical and the personal upgrades were pricey but worth it. That’s how it always works, planning on leaving with nothing or at least minimal local support items and left with a “Bang Stick.”

Speaking of which, the MIA to ICN is over 16hrs so the 25% override is ok, but maybe not worth it as we are spoiled having additional 75% extra on top thanks to the cdc… time limited of course but harvest it when the going is good. I suspect before this fall/peak, company will offset the hemorrhaging with hopefully some substantial consistent cheddar. See you on the road, unless you go to greener pastures that meet your needs.

17R is outstanding. A lot easier, but I don’t mind the taxi across China if I can beat block. PVG has been good for the extra extra extra $ while it lasts.

In all walks of life - to work little and get paid a lot is the goal at its most purest form, no doubt. Flying cool stuff is awesome or the ability to fund any hobby and do it well is outstanding. *Best case scenario still includes passion or enjoyment in whatever you might be getting paid well for. Just my take personally. When you enjoy going to so called “work” it is a blessing. Not all airline “jobs” are created equal by any means so hopefully a schedule/work lifestyle fits the bill. For some it will always be work and for others it becomes better with seniority. Lucky for you if it starts out that way, but most have started at X and end up at Y so usually gets better. Do your research to fulfill your priorities which is normally work little, paid a lot I will not deny. If you actually jump on board going somewhere with folks quite happy with the work they do it makes all the difference at times rather than falling back to “Well at least the pay is good/at least I don’t have to work much!” Cuz it’s exactly that, Work… Sometimes it works out not to be.

Your so right, tip of the iceberg on so many things. Sank the Titanic didn’t it. Collectively it seems like a strategy for everything to come crashing down, but either way if your vaccinated you probably will go up a line number unless you have been in the business over 20 years perhaps. Do not agree with any mandates, but this one will not be the sword to fall on for most.

I thought that was a Navy thing, thought wrong I guess.

Hacker has it right. I do September off with time prior and time after getting 45-60 days or so to myself/wife. September is great for all that was mentioned, it’s just a better time spent in the pool, chilling around suburbia, open range time, best weather ever. Winter in the U.S., might as well be somewhere else enjoying their beverages, eats and warmer climate or summer near or below the equator. Best thing about these aviation “jobs”(it is for some), I NEVER think about “work” at home til I need to get my ticket 24 b4, then I pack and have a beverage. No Queep/additional duties at least for myself. Truly amazing.

Great information over and over again. Seniority reigns King, although I would consider living in domicile a very close second if it’s really where you want to live. Those who have cities/towns they want to live/die in because it’s their Dream location and it is a domicile for Big 3/Purple/Brown/SW,JB,F9 whatever gig in aviation or not have a ton of options going for them and I envy as most would. Aviation has great $ opportunities and if DFW, ATL, ORD, etc, etc, etc, fits the bill you have somewhere to shoot for. This past decade has been the first time a pilot can choose a location and then consider the outfit which serves him/her the best for the most part. Adding international and/or commuting creates a more complicated situation. Heavy international takes more time within the pax ranks especially now. A lot of international is held by the cargo outfits early on in your career with wide bodies, schedules get better with time. Do you want international now or later, will it be 3-5 days or 10-14 days depending on lifestyle, children, independent spouse, etc. Domestic hub turns whether pax (just shorter turns vs cargo), day, night, day and night flying are all great questions. 3AM wake ups for 6AM departures day after day for 3,4,5 days 8-12hr days OR 7PM night departures hanging out at a night station(lounge chair/room) return by 7AM. Red eyes for junior pax folks or extra $ for the senior their is goodness in many outfits that you can do a lot of different schedules within a year on property. You may find daytime sleeping does work for you, maybe not - it is a huge consideration for some. *I don’t recommend 17 Days for the general public (I normally do 14-16, still long), but we do day/night and everything in-between. We are slave to the customer we fly for that day. Purple/Brown it will be night, tracks, good food, etc. 75% of the other time it’s random routes daytime and night time or reverse. AMC, DHL, Race Teams, Car manufacturer’s, Alibaba, clothing, Flowers, Lobsters for Asia, they just don’t care they just don’t want it there. Off for a couple weeks, commuting on company dime sometimes my time once a month living where I want to live and sleeping half or third the time just works for me as 74 cargo and 777 would work but don’t go to nearly as many locations. 76 guys like their schedules, 73 folks are starting to fly more. Regarding future longevity with several kids in tow, take care of yourself and go to the Big Players. Pre-pandemic adventure come on over the water isn’t super fine again just yet, pretty decent depending on your priorities. Everywhere has some greatness, some more than most but they ALL have fleas. Take some time and read the topics that interest you on APC such as schedules, class drops, pay, vaccine, contract woes, management styles, new hires, etc. Read the chatter from the line folks doing the deed and find where your priorities/interests lie to best best fit your future for you and your family. ***Very tough right now with the Pax folks and some cargo info as recovery is different at many carriers and today’s win or loss can be tomorrow’s dream or epic fail.*** I wish everyone the best and I push folks who are with us to move on as fast as they can if their dream job is elsewhere. Our variety is unmatched and will get you hired on a routine basis. Nothing guaranteed, but with Atlas blood in the water the Sharks are always near, or just do the flow thru programs for a few years or way less. Most Mil folks are ripe for the picking, especially with the latest changes of approach(folks) entering this profession.

Like nunya said: there are no constants. Commuting adds hours if not days back and forth multiple times a month. Big bases are the most solid, but things expand and contract due to the economy bottom line. Just ask Delta when they had a good footprint in CVG mid 2000s and many other carriers, they shrank heavily. But a lot of things come back so seniority is everything. Make your best guess as timing is a big part of it. Most places it is work, so maximize your pay for the maximum time at home as your happy place. Fly more make more, soft pay, etc. and know your contract.

Glad you put that out there in the universe. New Pay Scales retroactive 1 Sept along with new vacation accrual and new min guarantee. Union email came out yesterday. So there’s that.