Originally Posted by
Panzon
Yute and Grant are pretty much bottom of the barrel (sorry if I'm offending anyone). Bering Air is probably at the top of the heap: it has a very good reputation. They don't hire too many low time guys, and they really prefer guys who will live full time in OME or OTZ. After Bering, Hagelend is probably next best. Hageland has had a poor safety record the last few years, but has made many structural changes to correct their problems. They also have a good pay package and a good schedule for commuters. Ryan doesn't pay very well, has had (and may still have) a training bond, and doesn't treat their pilots very well. But you will learn a lot of good stuff from Boyuck and Lee, so it may be worth a look. Then comes Grant and Yute, and below them is Renfro's Alaska Adventures.
A trip to Bethel isn't warranted: most of the companies have offices in Anchorage (not certain about Renfro's or Bering) and I don't think any pilot hiring decisions are made in Bethel.
It pays to come to Anchorage to distribute your resume. You can call ahead and try to schedule brief meetings with the various Chief Pilots. They are all super busy, so don't be put off if they can't meet you or if they can't give you a lot of time.
I also applied to Bering Air and Ryan Air, but no luck.
I have no preferences at all honestly, although I obviously prefer the better employer I could find. But at this point, I'll get the first job that is offered to me.
When you say they prefer guys living full time in Nome or Kotzebue, what kind of schedule do they have? I understand full time means no 15/15 or 20/10, right?
I'm an off-road guy, I'll move to Barrow if they want me to