Originally Posted by
mattharpt27
Was curious if anyone else that had applied had heard anything back yet? With it being their peak time of year I had assumed I would’ve heard something.
I applied in December '21, interviewed in January, hired and started class by end of January. There has been another class after mine, with one more scheduled to start soon. Looks like we have enough FOs for the busy season without knowing how many FOs are in the new class. All the FOs are relatively new hires after a scramble to rebuild the pilot staff after COVID restrictions being lifted, and doesn't look like anyone will be moving to the next step in their careers for some time. From interview to IOE was about 2 months. They have been building up their staff for the busy season from the beginning of this year.
As for Captains... There is certainly a deficit in the roster for captains, again, not knowing how many are in the new class. 700TT is the requirement for Caravan CA VFR only, I believe.
Grand Canyon receives applications from all over the country. Most guys that try to travel and have families back home do not last long. Dropping in and saying hello in person goes a long way, as that will set you apart in the long list of applications. A visit will also give you an opportunity to meet some of the senior pilots which will give you an idea of the operation and help with the decision if their operation is a good fit for you before you even interview.
Hope anyone who wants to pursue the opportunity can deal with the warmth of Vegas summers while herding cats across the blacktop only to climb into a hot metal tube crammed full of people with an AC mounted in the back and is blowing ambient temps before reaching the cockpit. Fair trade for multi engine turbine time for a zero time pilot! Everyone in the company has been a joy to work with. Professional atmosphere with a ton of fun performing the daily duties. 1/2 of the job is working with guests, so being a people person is a MUST for this job. Visitors from all over the world; very fun to get some back stories.
Good Luck!