Air Wisconsin Airman trainee program/intern
 

Does anybody have any experience with the Airman Trainee Program at Air Wisconsin? Good? Bad? Benefits? Thanks.

Nobody has done this?

Sounds like pretty easy money to me. You complete an IBT (internet-based training) module once a month, and update your hours with the company. The IBT is supposed to take 2 hours, but can usually be done in much less time. For doing this, you get a bi-weekly salary and travels benefits on AA as well as United in the near future.

Too good to be true is my thought.

They are just hoping to reel you in to eventually becoming an FO. There is zero commitment to joining AWA as an FO when you do reach your ATP-mins, but they are hoping to have convinced you to come by then.

Their way of 'developing' potential hires for them. And I've heard the money is minimal, like $100-$150 a month, so they can legally say you're employed by them and allow the reserving flying.

Anybody know if the travel benefits are any good? What do "travel benefits" entail? Free flights every how often?

It's for standby/non-revenue travel. The priority is AAC - "Non-wholly owned regional affiliate" or something like that. With United, it will be the same priority as other UAX/United Express carriers.

It's unlimited. You have to pay a $1.50ish fee to list, refunded if you don't make it, and taxes if you go somewhere internationally (usually less than $100). I have had decent luck getting business class going to Europe.

Honestly, the Airman Trainee program is such little work to get the same travel benefits you would get as a pilot (apart from Jumpseat privileges).

There is also a sign-on fee to be enrolled in the travel benefits. $75 for us. But yes, you would get unlimited flights in the American system

Ok gotcha. So you'd recommend it?

Airman Trainee
 

Scheduled for the "Airman Trainee" interview soon. What has everyone's experience with this been? How is the written? Is the interview the same as one for an FO position? And for those already in the program, are you seeing a benefit to the training modules? Anything else? Thanks!

Did the interview yesterday in philly. Pretty straight forward. They took us into a room to give us a company overview and to answer questions. Then we took the written. Written was about 12 questions pretty easy if you know your stuff. FOs got the 25 question written. Afterwards they did the 1 on 1 interviews. Interview questions were mainly HR type questions. Then they came back with the offer. If you accept, they will finger print you and drug test you that same day. If you have a laptop, you could stay and do your background check stuff online. I didn't have mines so I did my background check stuff this morning.

They buy lunch and give you a 100 dollar gift card for the troubles of traveling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is this the only interview you do with AW (i.e. once you meet the hours you go directly to class) or do you have to do another FO interview when you have the min hours?

You have to do the technical portion still.

Thanks! Wondering if it would be a good option as I get my last 100 hours... or just go ahead and do the whole FO interview.

If you are within a hundred hours I would just do the FO interview. I think you can count your sim time in training towards that if you get the CJO.

If you need the multi time you can count 25 hours in the sim towards the 50 hour minimum, thats what one of the guys in my class did.

I have the interview for airman trainee this coming week. What kind of questions should I expect?

How many rivets in the wing of the CL-65?

:D:D

Would appreciate a report in here when it's over.

Hey guys (and girls),

First time poster, long time lurker here. I'm a CFII at around 530 hours, and I just interviewed at AWAC about 2 weeks ago for the airman trainee program.

1) They said I was going to be non-revved to PHL to interview, but when I checked in with the AA gate agent, she said there must have been a mix-up, because I had positive space seats, and she handed me my tickets. That was a pleasant surprise.

2) I had to pay for my own hotel in PHL, and while they recommended a couple, I found one on my own that was a 5 minute walk from the building where I would interview for much cheaper (~80$ after fees).

3) All of the applicants gathered in a room together and talked with each other. Everyone was a bit nervous, of course. An AWAC employee came in and gathered everyone's documents that they were supposed to bring, so they could be reviewed to make sure all the paperwork was in order.

4) Next, the PHL Chief pilot came to give a power point presentation about why it was great to work there, handed us a printout of the slides, and then administered a (short) written test for us. The FO test was 25 questions from what I gathered, and the Airman Trainees were given 10 question tests. It was all multiple choice. It ranged from things such as aft vs forward cg effects on performance, runway markings, and reading approach plates (i.e. what is the TDZE on this runway). There was a couple about how to read a TAF, another on max speed under a bravo shelf, etc.

5) After that, they collected the written tests, and started calling in people to interview 1on1 with a 7-year captain, but these were 100% HR questions. Very basic questions for us Airman Trainees. Things like, "What are the 3 most important qualities a professional pilot should possess".

5) After that, I was told to wait in the break room until a decision was made. I was given an offer, asked to sign the CJO that states I'm not committed to join AWAC unless/until I take part in their CTP/ATP course, and was welcomed to the team. They handed me a $100.00 gift card as a way to thank me for my time there. I was not expecting that. I've never been paid for my time to interview before.

6) Next, I had my finger prints taken, and had to do the whiz quiz.

7) They served us pizza for lunch, we all chatted for a bit more, then went our separate ways.

All-in-all, very low stress, and extremely easy.

After I got home, they emailed me another bunch of forms to fill out to complete my background check. They will fly me back in the beginning of July for orientation, and provide both positive space and a hotel. I'm guessing they will also pay me for my time there again, though I'm not expecting them to. Can confirm this later once I go.
Once I finish orientation, I've been told I'm allowed to enroll in their travel benefits program, which would take place about 2 weeks (16 days someone said?) after I enroll. So, I'm looking to gain travel benefits somewhere late July at the earliest.

Hopefully this is helpful to someone.

Thanks BF! Be sure to keep us updated as you go along.

Blindfayth, that is helpful information!! Keep us posted on what the day-today job functions are. On their website it makes it seem pretty minimal. Pretty easy way to make a few bucks, and get the travel benefits.
I know you said you have 530 hours, and you're just starting the program. I go to one of AWAC's affiliate schools, and by December I'll have my commercial multi, and about 230 TT. On their website, one of the eligibility requirements is written as "Must have 500 hours unless from a partner school or university." As near as I can tell, that means I would be eligible by the end of the year. Do you know how frequently they hire new people for the program? I would love to join the program around January!

Hope that works out for you.
I was given the conditional offer May 5, June start day didn't happen, not sure how the July is going to play out (it's the second Monday of the month).
Nothing wrong with the company, but Sterling who does the background check isn't really well versed in anything outside the box.
"That company you indicate you owned, we need a W2" "There's no W2, I owned it, I wasn't employed there" "How about a 1099?" "Here's the company registration for you, annual reports with my name all over them and whatever else I can come up with to show my affiliation with the place for the specified period" ".............hi, I'm the new guy your case was dumped on, can you send me proof that shows you were with the company you indicate you owned?"

Again, nothing against ZW, but there was a mention of a percentage of applicants who don't pass background check in other thread, well that might not necessarily be on the truthfulness of the applicant. I can totally see how that could play out this way especially when you can't get a straight answer on whether the submitted paperwork is sufficient or if there's anything else you could provide.

If you have to, send them your tax returns...

As Jeff Foxworthy says, "Here's Your Sign."

As it sits right now, I asked ZW to ask Sterling if they need anything else, because I sure couldn't get an answer.

The world isn't perfect and I understand that the people do the minimum they were trained to do for the wages they are paid and all that.. so I'll hold the "Amen" back, but I totally see where you're coming from.

No need to provide your corporate tax returns. That information is simply no one's business but your own, and your business partner(s).

I ran into the same thing, Sterling wanted our corporate tax returns for the past 4 years. A deal killer for me.
Scenario: a heavily accented voice from an unknown NY number calls and tells me I "MUST" provide my corporate tax returns "because AW REQUIRES I do so". OK, No red flags there.

I called AW and the simple solution was a letter from our corporate counsel stating I did own my business. I provided an emailed letter to Sterling. Easy solution from AW.

100% of our class had issues with Sterling. Also, 100% of our class immediately began getting loads of spam once we provided information to Sterling, and I'm still getting it on a daily basis.

AW's response was immediate. Several corporate folks came to our class to gather details and hear our personal experiences. AW heard the concerns of our class, they took our concerns seriously, and were equally displeased. My guess is they are in the middle of finding a solution to Sterling. If there are problems, just let the company know. I got the clear impression the folks at corporate wanted the on-boarding experience to be positive for the new hires and they were clearly not pleased to hear of our Sterling experience.

That being said, welcome aboard!

Sterling is a big pain the ass for sure, I will definitely make my comments well know. Whenever I get a opportunity as well. Plus, my current supervisor has dealt with them as well as a few of his other guys went to AWAC and has a displeasure of working with them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sterling has been the bane of my existence - what on earth compelled them to use them? :p

But seriously having to educate them on 1099s, DBAs, EINs, etc... send in pay stubs and W2s because they won't call previous employers to verify ... a real pain. Who have you all been contacting at AirWis about Sterling? I feel like I should give them a ring about my experience as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, I'm on the waitlist for the July 10 orientation, so heads up - if you're expecting July 10 and haven't received the call yet it is likely to be August 14.
Orientation in Philadelphia, they will fly you in on the 9th, hotel paid for the night, fly you out in the afternoon on the 10th.
Filled out the background check paperwork on May 5th, so figure the process took just shy of two months.

Did you ever get this sorted out? I just submitted my background stuff to Sterling (with some self employment in the mix) last week. I went ahead and included W2's, a few signed contracts, 1099's, etc. in the hopes that it would avoid a bunch of back and forth. How long did it take them to let you know they needed more info? Did AW let you know when everything was done?

I need to give notice at work ASAP but I would prefer to wait until the background check is complete if possible. If this thing is going to take a month I might as well just give the notice and hope for the best.

I ended up just speaking with Lorena and going directly through her. She's awesome (AirWis employee who liaises with Sterl). I wish I could give you her direct extension but I was transferred over and neglected to ask. If you have issues, she's the person to chat with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey everyone,

Do the travel benefits extend to any immediate family like a spouse or just the trainee? Also, are they looking for a certain amount of flight time per month? I have a full-time non-aviation job and instruct at night and on weekends. I'm also having a child in October so might take October of from flying. Good luck to all that apply.

I went months ago for the interview and it was the actual interview minus approach plates. Did paperwork, finger prints, everything. Finally got through all that and headed back up because week for indoc. Excited for the flight benefits and basically once you hit mins, you can be an FO since the interview is already complete!

If you have anyone who has any connection to airwis, use it. The 500hr rule is flexible. I know someone who got in at 250

If you are up front with them they will work with you. Sorry that's not a specific answer but ask the team when you interview.

Who did you speak with to get this sorted, I am going to make some calls after the holiday to check my status


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I talked to Katrina about that since she was my primary point of contact HR-wise from before the interview. So basically whoever it is you are working with

You still have to do the same technical interview once you reach ATP mins.