Atlas Polar
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
I think the union says BS on AABO not sharing in the furloughs, but the legalities may say something else. AABO is a bargaining chip that the company wants to keep.
Won't be the first time on this issue.
I think the remaining crewmembers will be taking this into account the next time they are asked to jump through hoops to move an A/C by the company.
Also heard the system chief pilot will be returning to the line. Don't think it was voluntary. MBSCP for life. Current replacement being the ANC chief pilot. I wouldn't expect much of a change on how they lie to and beat the crews though.
Won't be the first time on this issue.
I think the remaining crewmembers will be taking this into account the next time they are asked to jump through hoops to move an A/C by the company.
Also heard the system chief pilot will be returning to the line. Don't think it was voluntary. MBSCP for life. Current replacement being the ANC chief pilot. I wouldn't expect much of a change on how they lie to and beat the crews though.
Last edited by nitty-gritty; 8th January 2009 at 16:29.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
ahem, as a former Atlas scheduler
Whaledriver is on point as usual, and although I sympathize with JT he has no clue how hard the "SR" guys work. They've earned their stripes. I've said it a million times the newer pilots just don't know what the SR Atlas pilots went through, the amount of flying they've done, days they've been extended into (ABSOLUTELY they get extended EVERY month), how many holidays/birthdays/special occasions they SR pilots have missed. Most people think that schedulers don't care about the pilots, maybe alot of the newer schedulers don't. But I was at Atlas for quite some time, and naturally I established a good working relationship with most of the crewmembers.
Does that mean from time to time I didn't hang up the phone and curse them out, of course I did. But the business model that is Atlas is a monster, they chew up EVERYONE and spit them out. I'm getting off topic, so I'll just say out of the airlines I've been with, including the one I'm with now no one comes close to those SR Atlas pilots, they make everyone else look like punks. I've never seen any pilots work as hard, as long or roll with the punches and the ever changing flight schedule like they do. For the most part they are older, but they work circles around these new pilots that are in their 30's-40's. Of course as a father I understand what the newer guys are feeling being away from their families so long, but like or not that is Atlas, and it will never stop being that way.
Quite honestly, customers come and go but they generally come back to Atlas because no other company has the crews, work rules or infrastructure to adapt to the constant changes the marketing department pushes on the GCC. Sadly, I was told that 40 crewmembers were furloughed this week, more to come. And what makes Atlas so successful is how hard those pilots work, quite simply they make it happen, beyond all logic and reason they just make it happen.....it always amazed me
Does that mean from time to time I didn't hang up the phone and curse them out, of course I did. But the business model that is Atlas is a monster, they chew up EVERYONE and spit them out. I'm getting off topic, so I'll just say out of the airlines I've been with, including the one I'm with now no one comes close to those SR Atlas pilots, they make everyone else look like punks. I've never seen any pilots work as hard, as long or roll with the punches and the ever changing flight schedule like they do. For the most part they are older, but they work circles around these new pilots that are in their 30's-40's. Of course as a father I understand what the newer guys are feeling being away from their families so long, but like or not that is Atlas, and it will never stop being that way.
Quite honestly, customers come and go but they generally come back to Atlas because no other company has the crews, work rules or infrastructure to adapt to the constant changes the marketing department pushes on the GCC. Sadly, I was told that 40 crewmembers were furloughed this week, more to come. And what makes Atlas so successful is how hard those pilots work, quite simply they make it happen, beyond all logic and reason they just make it happen.....it always amazed me
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: 104E
Atlas Jeff Carlson
I know Jeff Carlson well and he should be filling the VP of Ops position at Atlas. He was the VP of Ops at Spirit Airlines for a few years. He is a straight shooter, work with him and he will work with you. He came from Northwest before Spirit and was a training pilot, DO etc. I like the guy..!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA/USA
Furlough
I got the call from Lew Allen on 30 December. The 10 furloughed then included my class, 3 of the older 60 guys and one of the "Classical-Glass" class members. My effective date of furlough is 30 January.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
sorry zerozero
SR 5Y pilots would be the guys with hire dates in the 90's and as late as 2000. Now I see you're and ANC guy, and those guys are workers too so you may be the exception to the rule. I meant no disrespect, I merely wanted to point out from an insider the SR guys have built 5Y to what it is. Perhaps its the pride the carry from their part in making Atlas what it is, or what it was in its best days, it was all them. And in my opinion they are owed a huge debt of gratitude and how can anyone say they shouldn't get the better schedules based on seniority alone, not even factoring in the work they put in already. I'm just saying. Honestly anyone that sticks around Atlas past a couple years already gets my respect, the flying is insane the affect on one's personal life must be staggering and hard to adjust to. All respect though.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA/USA
Thanks for the info, gents.
I think that Atlas is still the best place for me in the long run. This is a good company and I'm glad to be here.
Of course, if I'm still here in Happy Valley in the Fall and the unemployment is running out, I'll think differently!
I think that Atlas is still the best place for me in the long run. This is a good company and I'm glad to be here.
Of course, if I'm still here in Happy Valley in the Fall and the unemployment is running out, I'll think differently!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: USA
Furloughs
As an FE I've already been furloughed as of Dec 31. How are the pilots being selected ? By seniority or, as in the past, by fleet, completely ignoring seniority. Some of the 400 FO's have only recently joined so they should be the first to go and I hope that the Teamsters will make sure that will be the case. Set the guidelines with the company at the start so they know where we stand. However, I'm sure Roland will try and make sure his ABBO boys maintain their super seniority. The interesting thing is that to get rid of the AABO guys they will have to be terminated as there are no furloughs in the UK. That is why the AABO FE's were terminated but have a case against the company as under UK labour laws you are entitled to compensation (redundancy pay) for the time you worked.