Hillwood
 

I just saw an advert for Hillwood. Anyone have any gouge?

Cheers

Is that a part 135 near Atlanta?

121 Supplemental flying a 737 out of AFW I believe.

I’ve been wondering about these guys as well. I know they have, or did have, a plane flying for Air Côté D’Ivoire out of Abidjan as of a few weeks ago. Are Hillwood pilots flying that route?

I’ve seen their EMB’s in Libreville and Douala. The Ivorian ones.

Anyone have a PIREP on Hillwood Airways as of late? I've seen one of their 737s in and out of SJC as of late. How's QoL? Schedules? Pay? Their pilot job has been at LinkedIn promoted to the top.

Just heard one land on freq at LAX. I have read they now have 4 737-700s including 3 former AirTran birds and a cargo combi. Looks like worldwide operations and backed by some big money (Ross Perot Jr.) with a base at Ft. Worth Alliance. I imagine hiring in this pilot market isn’t easy.

I’ve yet to hear anything good about this department. Local chatter here is bad pay, bad schedule, and terrible pilot group. They’ve had postings up on LinkedIn for the last 2+ years looking for pilots.

Eastern Air Holdings Announces Intent to Acquire Hillwood Airways

https://newsroom.aviator.aero/easter...SG2egPYcB7RpoM

What % of former Hillwood pilots will stick around at Eastern? Any guesses?

My guess, 1/3 will stick around in a year.

Two buffalo were munching prairie grass in the cloudless, quiet morning, when in the distance came thundering hooves and a cloud of dust, which drew nearer and louder until a cowboy drew his horse to a stop nearby, and spat tobacco in the dirt.

God damn if you two ain't the ugliest, nastiest, smelliest, most stupid-looking freaks of nature I ever done seen. Yer eyes are too close together, yer backs got an ugly hump, yer half-bald and ya smell like manure dipped on dog ****. You look stupid, dumb, and ugly wrapped into one. I can't imagine more loathsome, disgusting critters than you." With that, the cowboy turned his horse about and galloped away.

As the dust settled once more, one buffalo stopped chewing and quietly said to the other, "You know, I believe we just heard a discouraging word."

Hillwood was/is part of the Perot Group or whatever the umbrella company is called. It was never a "money maker" for Perot but he did a lot of sports charters and military charters. Numerous free/no-cost wounded warrior flights and pro-law enforcement stuff. Never heard anything about "bad culture" etc. I do seem to remember that pilots were required to "come to the hangar office" on days not flying. This is circa 2018-ish info, pre-COVID, so who knows.

Hillwood is still a great place to fly
 

I'm not sure who or where some of these posters are getting their information.

I'm thrilled to share my positive perspective on Hillwood Airways and our exciting future! Having been part of this incredible team for over a decade, I can confidently say that Hillwood Airways has always been and continues to be a fantastic place to be.
Our journey here has been marked by numerous impactful philanthropic flights that I am truly proud of. In 2013, we had the honor of taking the Granite Mountain firefighters back home, a mission close to our hearts. We've also had the privilege of reuniting Blackhawk down veterans for their 20-year reunion, a heartwarming experience. Our commitment to history even led us to locate MIA pilots from Peleliu in WWII, bringing closure to families and honoring their sacrifice. And let's not forget the all-volunteer effort that sparked the air campaign against Ebola in Liberia—a true testament to the power of unity.
In addition to these incredible missions, we've been there to support our community when tragedy struck. We helped bring the fallen police officers from Dallas back home, standing by our heroes when they needed it most. The Perot family, who has been at the heart of our journey, has been nothing short of wonderful to work for, supporting us every step of the way.

Now, as we transition to becoming Eastern Air Express following our acquisition by Eastern, I'm filled with excitement about the immense potential ahead. Our Chief Operating Officer has a clear and promising vision for our future, and I believe we are on the cusp of something truly remarkable.

Our mission now is to establish Eastern and Eastern Air Express as the go-to choice for pilots seeking a career in the aviation industry. We are actively searching for qualified pilots who share our passion and dedication. It's true that many of our colleagues have pursued opportunities with legacy carriers, and I wholeheartedly support their decision. It's a great move, especially for younger pilots, if they can secure a position. However, we understand that legacy carriers are not the perfect fit for everyone.

Hillwood Airways has a rich history of excellence, and our transformation into Eastern Air Express represents an exciting chapter in our story. Let's come together, embrace the future.

Ok…. So, tell us more about Eastern Air Express. Will you continue to operate 737-700/BBJs? Where will pilots be based? Still at Ft. Worth Alliance? What type of flying will you do? Ad hoc charter? Scheduled routes? Please tell us more.

Given how Eastern was firing (not furloughing) pilots mid-training because they have no work to do just some months ago, all that prose seems really cute. Hillwood will go down the drain with Eastern. Sad really, as I have some friends there who really liked it.

Off topic, rumor around DFW is that one of your guys was arrested for his little vacation at the Capital on Jan 6th a few years ago. Any truth to that?

The current plan. Is to operate our current fleet of 3, 737-700 and 1 BBJC flying VIP charters from the west coast to Maui, Sports teams and DOD flights. All of these are recession proof contracts that fly regardless of the economy. Early next 2024 we will be adding a couple of 737-800s to the fleet.
All supplemental.
The Celtic ate will move to KMCI but all pilots and mechanics will be home based. 18 days on 13 days off per month not consecutive.

We are looking for resumes for both Captains and FOs

I have spoken with Eastern managment, this is not the case and they have good plans for the narrow body airplanes.

Yeah Eastern management is well respected for it's innovative and industry leading management style. LOL

No they are not! They are new to Eastern, they know they have an issue and they are wanting to change it. Change is sometimes painful.

Talk to people that worked for your "new management". corrupt thieves

I was there: I was the first on that fire and the last off, at Yarnell Hill. I worked directly with the Granite hotshots, up to the time the fire blew up.

The Granite Hotshots were part of the Prescott Fire Department, and only one of two non-federal HotShot teams. I was there when they went home, too...by hearse, passing through Yarnell on their way back to Prescott.

Your assessment of Hillwood and Eastern is considerably rosier than...anyone else.