What's happening at Horizon and Jets?
02-15-2018, 09:31 AM
#2981
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2015
Posts: 196
Originally Posted by FlyingOliver
Been voraciously reading this forum all freaking night and I must sleep! It's 4am and I need answers.. So before I stay up till 8am going back thru the rest of the thread I'm going to simply ask the information.
Quick intro: I'm 29, living in Miami, FL. Used to live in Vancouver. Currently a Lear-35 F/O doing middle of the night air ambulance ops. 950 hours TT, 730hrs Turbine. I love the PNW and I desperately want to move back/fly/enjoy life. I have an interview date for Feb 28th with QX. I am also considering Envoy and others but like I said - my heart is in them mountains over there.
Don't ask me why but I manage to start reading posts you guys were making back in september of 2017 (page 230ish)... SCARY STUFF!!!! Man... I want to love this airline, but I need some reassurance.
Snacky or Griever or whoever! please 1. give me a quick update on the status of QX... 2. Is management still deferring jets to skywest? 3. Is QX still severely short staffed? 4. Any other relevant info.
Sorry if I'm way out of the blue here. Just hoping to save some time. Thanks a ton for everything you guys and others contributed to date! These forums help us newbies tremendously.
Quick intro: I'm 29, living in Miami, FL. Used to live in Vancouver. Currently a Lear-35 F/O doing middle of the night air ambulance ops. 950 hours TT, 730hrs Turbine. I love the PNW and I desperately want to move back/fly/enjoy life. I have an interview date for Feb 28th with QX. I am also considering Envoy and others but like I said - my heart is in them mountains over there.
Don't ask me why but I manage to start reading posts you guys were making back in september of 2017 (page 230ish)... SCARY STUFF!!!! Man... I want to love this airline, but I need some reassurance.
Snacky or Griever or whoever! please 1. give me a quick update on the status of QX... 2. Is management still deferring jets to skywest? 3. Is QX still severely short staffed? 4. Any other relevant info.
Sorry if I'm way out of the blue here. Just hoping to save some time. Thanks a ton for everything you guys and others contributed to date! These forums help us newbies tremendously.
In Jet, we are over staffed at the moment, especially FO. I spoke to few FO’s who flew less than 2 hours in the past 30 days.
Now, I have a question for you. What’s so attractive about PNW? I live here and don’t know why people are soo drawn to this area. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice...but I wouldn’t sacrifice “better” things for sake of coming to region.
02-15-2018, 09:42 AM
#2982
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Position: E175 F/O
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by DashAviator
First, get some sleep. For a brief answer to your questions:
(1) Horizon status: Not much change, still motoring along. You indicated that you'd like to return to the Pacific Northwest. Horizon would be a good place to work for two or three years. I wouldn't plan on staying here permanently.
(2) Jet deliveries: To be perfectly honest, no one knows. Most of us suspect that Air Group management has been transferring some of our jet deliveries to SkyWest. The pilot union sued the company and the Air Group has been ordered to turn over the documents, but I haven't heard anything more on this issue. We currently have ten jets on the property.
(3) The jet appears to be overstaffed. The training pipeline is also "plugged" at this time, with people waiting weeks for IOE trips (not enough airplanes? Not enough trips?). The Q400 is still short-staffed. The training department seems to be catching up, but most of the new hires are still experiencing delays in training. Most of the new-hires in the Q400 are taking three months (or more) to get out on the line. Horizon is also "close to" hiring street captains for the Q400, due to the lack of upgrade-qualified FO's. At the present time, we do NOT have an FAA-approved program for this, so new hires with previous Part 121 experience have to do both the FO and upgrade training programs.
(4) Other: The jet base is Seattle. Q400 bases are Portland, Medford, Boise, Seattle, and Spokane. A lot of guys/gals are getting Portland right out of training.
You will most likely be offered the Q400. The trips are hard, but we do some interesting flying. If you want the jet (and are offered a job), you may have to wait a few months for a class.
(1) Horizon status: Not much change, still motoring along. You indicated that you'd like to return to the Pacific Northwest. Horizon would be a good place to work for two or three years. I wouldn't plan on staying here permanently.
(2) Jet deliveries: To be perfectly honest, no one knows. Most of us suspect that Air Group management has been transferring some of our jet deliveries to SkyWest. The pilot union sued the company and the Air Group has been ordered to turn over the documents, but I haven't heard anything more on this issue. We currently have ten jets on the property.
(3) The jet appears to be overstaffed. The training pipeline is also "plugged" at this time, with people waiting weeks for IOE trips (not enough airplanes? Not enough trips?). The Q400 is still short-staffed. The training department seems to be catching up, but most of the new hires are still experiencing delays in training. Most of the new-hires in the Q400 are taking three months (or more) to get out on the line. Horizon is also "close to" hiring street captains for the Q400, due to the lack of upgrade-qualified FO's. At the present time, we do NOT have an FAA-approved program for this, so new hires with previous Part 121 experience have to do both the FO and upgrade training programs.
(4) Other: The jet base is Seattle. Q400 bases are Portland, Medford, Boise, Seattle, and Spokane. A lot of guys/gals are getting Portland right out of training.
You will most likely be offered the Q400. The trips are hard, but we do some interesting flying. If you want the jet (and are offered a job), you may have to wait a few months for a class.
I certainly don't plan on being a Horizon lifer (does anybody?). I just want to make the a good informed decision. Right now its a toss between Horizon and Envoy. To be honest I want to end up at either AA, DL, or AS... From what I hear, upgrades at Envoy happen quickly but the flow thru program is like 6 years to AA. I want to do this for as you say 2 to 3 years.
The Q-400 sounds fun. I would prefer the jet but I don't care that much. Turbine is turbine is turbine... Right? Anything different that these 3 hour call outs in the Lear-35 to wacky airports in the Caribbean.. Looking forward to some more craziness!
Cheers
02-15-2018, 09:47 AM
#2983
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Position: E175 F/O
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by Taylor814ce
No more deferral of the Jets is my understanding BUT things can always change.
In Jet, we are over staffed at the moment, especially FO. I spoke to few FO’s who flew less than 2 hours in the past 30 days.
Now, I have a question for you. What’s so attractive about PNW? I live here and don’t know why people are soo drawn to this area. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice...but I wouldn’t sacrifice “better” things for sake of coming to region.
In Jet, we are over staffed at the moment, especially FO. I spoke to few FO’s who flew less than 2 hours in the past 30 days.
Now, I have a question for you. What’s so attractive about PNW? I live here and don’t know why people are soo drawn to this area. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice...but I wouldn’t sacrifice “better” things for sake of coming to region.
wowTo answer your question about why I love the PNW...
Simply put I fell in love with hiking and the mountains - recreational paradise. I mean don't get me wrong. I have felt the winter depression and the dreariness factor. Lived in Vancouver for 11 years. Its the summers and camping lifestyle that I miss. Got lots of friends up there and looking to bring back some adventure into my life.
02-15-2018, 10:13 AM
#2984
New Hire
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by FlyingOliver
Thanks for the response Dash...
I certainly don't plan on being a Horizon lifer (does anybody?). I just want to make the a good informed decision. Right now its a toss between Horizon and Envoy. To be honest I want to end up at either AA, DL, or AS... From what I hear, upgrades at Envoy happen quickly but the flow thru program is like 6 years to AA. I want to do this for as you say 2 to 3 years.
Cheers
I certainly don't plan on being a Horizon lifer (does anybody?). I just want to make the a good informed decision. Right now its a toss between Horizon and Envoy. To be honest I want to end up at either AA, DL, or AS... From what I hear, upgrades at Envoy happen quickly but the flow thru program is like 6 years to AA. I want to do this for as you say 2 to 3 years.
Cheers
02-15-2018, 11:57 AM
#2985
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2016
Posts: 268
I don't think Flying Oliver has the time to be a street captain, but could probably meet the requirements to upgrade in about 2 years. The Q400 FO's tend to fly a fair amount. I'm a mid-junior captain and fly about 650-700 hours a year. My best year as a FO was 840 hours.
I'm currently based in Portland. Were I a new hire, I'd take a hard look at Boise. Great town, less expensive than Portland and Seattle, and fantastic outdoor activities.
I'm currently based in Portland. Were I a new hire, I'd take a hard look at Boise. Great town, less expensive than Portland and Seattle, and fantastic outdoor activities.
02-15-2018, 12:30 PM
#2986
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Position: E175 F/O
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by DashAviator
I don't think Flying Oliver has the time to be a street captain, but could probably meet the requirements to upgrade in about 2 years. The Q400 FO's tend to fly a fair amount. I'm a mid-junior captain and fly about 650-700 hours a year. My best year as a FO was 840 hours.
I'm currently based in Portland. Were I a new hire, I'd take a hard look at Boise. Great town, less expensive than Portland and Seattle, and fantastic outdoor activities.
I'm currently based in Portland. Were I a new hire, I'd take a hard look at Boise. Great town, less expensive than Portland and Seattle, and fantastic outdoor activities.
I'm game for whatever. As long as I can jump or stdby to a place on my days off it doesn't matter to much. I imagine living on base is the best though. Thoughts??
Also wondering - How do they decide who gets what at interview.. Does prior jet experience play into it? I'm looking at some gouges now on airlineinterviews.com and most e175 new hires had some jet time prior.
02-15-2018, 02:12 PM
#2987
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,203
Originally Posted by FlyingOliver
Boise... I've done a little research on rents in Medford, Portland, and Seattle. Havn't looked at Boise yet. I'll check into it though. I figured even with higher rents, sometimes a roomate situation can be affordable (SEA in case I get the e175). I have family and friends in Vancouver.. might be able to get away with very cheap rent if I work something out. Any stories of people living in Vancouver and commuting?? I have PR status in Canada still.
I'm game for whatever. As long as I can jump or stdby to a place on my days off it doesn't matter to much. I imagine living on base is the best though. Thoughts??
Also wondering - How do they decide who gets what at interview.. Does prior jet experience play into it? I'm looking at some gouges now on airlineinterviews.com and most e175 new hires had some jet time prior.
I'm game for whatever. As long as I can jump or stdby to a place on my days off it doesn't matter to much. I imagine living on base is the best though. Thoughts??
Also wondering - How do they decide who gets what at interview.. Does prior jet experience play into it? I'm looking at some gouges now on airlineinterviews.com and most e175 new hires had some jet time prior.
02-15-2018, 02:37 PM
#2988
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Posts: 60
How much time can I expect to fly?
New hire. Starting ATP-CTP with Horizon in Orlando on March 5. When (if) I get to the line I want to hustle and fly as much as I can.
Has anyone here tried that? Is it difficult to do in the Q?
Do th bigger bases lend themselves to picking up open time?
What's the current reserve time for FOs on the Q?
Thanks guys!
Has anyone here tried that? Is it difficult to do in the Q?
Do th bigger bases lend themselves to picking up open time?
What's the current reserve time for FOs on the Q?
Thanks guys!
02-15-2018, 04:40 PM
#2989
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2016
Posts: 268
MedSledDriver: The reserve time in most bases is 6-12 months on the FO side. If you want to fly your tail off, just stay on reserve ;-). Crew Scheduling is usually reluctant to let reserves pick up open time (even on days off), but it should be easy once you're off reserve. The reserves in Portland and Seattle get used a lot, as we have numerous flights passing through those stations. I think most of the reserves in the Q400 are averaging AT LEAST 50-60 hours a month. You should finish training in time for the summer flying season, so 70-80 hours a month wouldn't be impossible.
Flying Oliver: Vancouver, Canada, ehhh? For some reason I was assuming Vancouver, WA. There's a couple of senior flight attendants that commute from YVR. If you choose to commute, your best base choices would be Seattle or Portland (we have direct flights, and Air Canada/Jazz also has direct flights). Best NOT to commute your first year. My recommendation: Live in base initially, build up some seniority, and then decide if you want to try the commute.
Flying Oliver: Vancouver, Canada, ehhh? For some reason I was assuming Vancouver, WA. There's a couple of senior flight attendants that commute from YVR. If you choose to commute, your best base choices would be Seattle or Portland (we have direct flights, and Air Canada/Jazz also has direct flights). Best NOT to commute your first year. My recommendation: Live in base initially, build up some seniority, and then decide if you want to try the commute.
02-16-2018, 10:13 PM
#2990
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Position: fatigued
Posts: 1,397
Originally Posted by DashAviator
First, get some sleep. For a brief answer to your questions:
(1) Horizon status: Not much change, still motoring along. You indicated that you'd like to return to the Pacific Northwest. Horizon would be a good place to work for two or three years. I wouldn't plan on staying here permanently.
(2) Jet deliveries: To be perfectly honest, no one knows. Most of us suspect that Air Group management has been transferring some of our jet deliveries to SkyWest. The pilot union sued the company and the Air Group has been ordered to turn over the documents, but I haven't heard anything more on this issue. We currently have ten jets on the property.
(3) The jet appears to be overstaffed. The training pipeline is also "plugged" at this time, with people waiting weeks for IOE trips (not enough airplanes? Not enough trips?). The Q400 is still short-staffed. The training department seems to be catching up, but most of the new hires are still experiencing delays in training. Most of the new-hires in the Q400 are taking three months (or more) to get out on the line. Horizon is also "close to" hiring street captains for the Q400, due to the lack of upgrade-qualified FO's. At the present time, we do NOT have an FAA-approved program for this, so new hires with previous Part 121 experience have to do both the FO and upgrade training programs.
(4) Other: The jet base is Seattle. Q400 bases are Portland, Medford, Boise, Seattle, and Spokane. A lot of guys/gals are getting Portland right out of training.
You will most likely be offered the Q400. The trips are hard, but we do some interesting flying. If you want the jet (and are offered a job), you may have to wait a few months for a class.
(1) Horizon status: Not much change, still motoring along. You indicated that you'd like to return to the Pacific Northwest. Horizon would be a good place to work for two or three years. I wouldn't plan on staying here permanently.
(2) Jet deliveries: To be perfectly honest, no one knows. Most of us suspect that Air Group management has been transferring some of our jet deliveries to SkyWest. The pilot union sued the company and the Air Group has been ordered to turn over the documents, but I haven't heard anything more on this issue. We currently have ten jets on the property.
(3) The jet appears to be overstaffed. The training pipeline is also "plugged" at this time, with people waiting weeks for IOE trips (not enough airplanes? Not enough trips?). The Q400 is still short-staffed. The training department seems to be catching up, but most of the new hires are still experiencing delays in training. Most of the new-hires in the Q400 are taking three months (or more) to get out on the line. Horizon is also "close to" hiring street captains for the Q400, due to the lack of upgrade-qualified FO's. At the present time, we do NOT have an FAA-approved program for this, so new hires with previous Part 121 experience have to do both the FO and upgrade training programs.
(4) Other: The jet base is Seattle. Q400 bases are Portland, Medford, Boise, Seattle, and Spokane. A lot of guys/gals are getting Portland right out of training.
You will most likely be offered the Q400. The trips are hard, but we do some interesting flying. If you want the jet (and are offered a job), you may have to wait a few months for a class.
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