A couple other things to consider when looking at Hageland or Grant from my perspective. Obviously I’m more familiar with Grant...
Work schedule, the flying, housing and transportation in the bush are going to be very similar between the two. Both companies have had accidents and incidents in the last few years, look carefully at that, and look carefully at yourself. Flying in Alaska requires good airmanship and a willingness to say no to flights and to stand up for yourself.
Grant:
-No CASS, but paid tickets from home to work and back (keep the miles, you’ll be MVP sitting first class in no time). This is a HUGE benefit in my opinion.
-Daily rate includes $94 tax free per diem (awesome for reducing tax burden).
-Airvans are all glass cockpit.
-Caravans are being upgraded to G600txi, GTN750/650 and GFC600 ap’s. Navajo’s will be next I’ve heard.
-Health insurance employee contribution is expensive, HSA is offered, but not much better. (Not sure what Hageland offers).
-Great pilot and employee morale right now, company is doing well.
-No training contracts
-No SIC program, applicants need VFR 135 mins.
-No good way to get ATP, although if you met all the requirements the company would let you do your ATP checkride in their own plane with the FAA.
-Great guys in management
RAVN:
-CASS and better jumpseating options.
-Big company with options for moving up to the 1900’s or Dash-8’s, which is a great way to get your ATP and on to Alaska Airlines.
-Brand new caravans coming online
-SIC program for low time pilots.
I’m sure there are some more plus’s at RAVN, I’m just not as familiar.
Bethel has actually improved over the years... there are some pretty good restaurants, a nice movie theater, and a very nice recreation center with a full size pool...