Air methods guys out there?

Reply Subscribe

Page 2 of 4

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

05-12-2017, 03:58 PM

#11

Walkeraviator

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Feb 2008

Position: Airline Captain

Posts: 540

I'm curious if they are having issues filling positions with the shortage. Their pay is a smidge on the low side.

05-13-2017, 04:34 AM

#12

JLTD

Line Holder

Joined APC: Oct 2011

Position: Chair flying

Posts: 54

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadstick35

Lol. So the company SOP is to scud run. Got it.

LOL Well for most of their choppers that are not IFR certified (and for them, flying into a cloud layer is an emergency) scud runs and landing in a farmer's field is normal ops. Just pointing out the mentality of a helo based business with some fixed wings around.

05-13-2017, 04:41 AM

#13

deadstick35

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Apr 2007

Posts: 867

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLTD

I know. I'm a RW pilot, too. It just points out the dangers of having both assets lumped together in the minds of the HQ staff and the associated shortfalls in the training deptartments.

05-13-2017, 05:17 AM

#14

JLTD

Line Holder

Joined APC: Oct 2011

Position: Chair flying

Posts: 54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edgewoodrx

Applied to fixed wing side of the house and I got the first interview call from an HR guy who said he would send it up the chain for the next step. If it does go up, what can I expect for the technical interview process, i.e. what should I study up with on? Some thoughts:
1. Do they do an in interview sim check? If so, what kind of sim?
2. I read somewhere that VFR basic weather/visibility stuff is a big deal. Probly a rotor wing culture thing....?
Not looking for anyone to spoon feed me. Just a rough idea of the pilot side of the interview.
My highlights: ATP, 3600 total, current Part 135 freight employed.
Thanks!

OP, sorry I didn't answer your questions up front.

The guys I know did NOT have a sim session for the interview. They did have a thorough scenario-based situation thrown at them - thinking on your feet, tough decisions etc just remember to remain legal and safe and you will be ok. They put you in the middle of a situation, and one guy told me he said, "well I wouldn't be here in the first place because I did "x" before I took off". It's true that you will have questions on airspace and VFR cloud clearances, so make sure to review all that before you go in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadstick35

I know. I'm a RW pilot, too. It just points out the dangers of having both assets lumped together in the minds of the HQ staff and the associated shortfalls in the training departments.

Right. And you have to be cognizant of the 135 rules also, if you've got non-Methods nurses in the back. Some of the mgmt doesn't get the distinction and wants pilots to fly Part 91 repo flights...but you can't if it's not all company personnel.

05-13-2017, 05:42 AM

#15

deadstick35

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Apr 2007

Posts: 867

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLTD

Some of the mgmt doesn't get the distinction and wants pilots to fly Part 91 repo flights...but you can't if it's not all company personnel.

That's sad that there is somebody in management with such a poor understanding of their own operation.

I believe CAMTS requires all flights be conducted IAW 135 rules. All of our bases only do 91 flights for maintenance, training, and repositioning.

05-18-2017, 05:42 PM

#16

Aubieflyer

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Jan 2015

Posts: 144

All managers are VFR rotor pilots. Let that sink in. Questions pm me. I can answer them

05-20-2017, 11:08 PM

#17

NxNW

Line Holder

Joined APC: Mar 2017

Position: Shaky.... at best

Posts: 48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkeraviator

I'm curious if they are having issues filling positions with the shortage. Their pay is a smidge on the low side.

I haven't seen any issues with getting guys for the PC-12 bases. I'm not sure what you'd consider low pay when considering the QOL. Generally you work 7 on 7 off, 12 hour shifts and you're home every day if you live near your base. It's a union pay scale so you should be able to poke around and find the current CBA online somewhere to see what all the benefits are. Working it out on paper you'd get paid for 168 hours a month regardless of how much you fly. It sounds like a lot of hours and time but I would say roughly 50-70% of it will be spent watching TV or sleeping.

PM me though if you have any specific questions. I've enjoyed working there.

05-21-2017, 03:52 AM

#18

Walkeraviator

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Feb 2008

Position: Airline Captain

Posts: 540

Quote:

Originally Posted by NxNW

Oh I get it. I spent 4 years flying a King Air for Air Methods. The QOL is unmatched. I considered applying to go back to the JVY base when it had an opening. But at this point in my life, going back to $60k/yr isn't feasible, unless I can crack 6 figures after just a few years of gaining seniority (a la airline pay scale). The pay scale at AMC doesn't do that for me.

I think you are right, they won't have an issue filling spots, but I do think the days of career guys at bases may be over. Turnover will increase.

I would love to retire to the JVY base one day when I hit 65 and get the boot from 121

05-21-2017, 08:47 AM

#19

Boris Badenov

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Sep 2007

Posts: 279

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkeraviator

I would love to retire to the JVY base one day when I hit 65 and get the boot from 121

I did three years in the PC-12 for Methods and live in SDF. I guess I'll see you at JVY, because I'll be applying, too! Best retirement job imaginable.