I have run into several SATSair pilots at CHS and SAV in the past month or so during corporate charters. From what they've told me, several pilots have left the company or are going to leave because of their scheduling and operations. I don't know the particulars but I have been told that the company is having trouble filling a new hire class for March, now postponed until late April.

A friend who needs a job, had an interview with SATS and told me that he wouldn't sign an "employment contract" even though they are not legally enforceable. He met several pilots at their home base and was told that the company has a habit of "pushing pilots" to meet a constantly changing schedule and they complained of 5-8 hour "sits" at an FBO with no rental car or day rooms available. Flying a single in IFR weather might make it easier to understand why they can't find pilots at $ 27,000 per year.

The corporate world is hiring and even the airlines probably are a better deal, especially since the pendulum will swing back as the airlines economic conditions improve.

Just an ol' corporate dogs thoughts, but check it out carefully.