I got called for an interview with Satsair in Greenville, SC. Just looking for someone who's had any interview experience with them. Basically the stages in the interview, what to wear, etc.?

 

Its been almost a year since I interviewed with them. Since then the company has grown and I'm sure some things have changed. When I was interviewed I first had a phone interview, then they invited me to meet face to face. I was told I was supposed to have a 2 or 3 on 1, but nobody else was there that day so it was just myself and the assistant chief. The company is pretty laid back and relaxed about things. Mostly from what I have heard from others (and my own) they talk about how great the company is, and how hard the flying is. My biggest piece of advice would be don't make yourself look like an idiot, do a little research on the company. There are a couple other threads on this site. Other than that, I think they know you know how to fly, they just want to see how you would fit in. I wore the standard suit and tie, since I haven't been told different, I would go with that. As long as you look professional, I wouldn't be surprised if they really didn't care. Just relax and take it one step at a time, they are very understanding and open to questions.
Like I said, I've been here almost a year now, and I love every minute of it. Great QOL, pay could be better and I'm sure it will improve, fun planes and more on the way. If I were to leave the company, it most certainly would not be because I dislike the company or the people in any way.

 

Great info, JD. It'll help out a lot!

 

Ignore JD-nobody at SATSair likes him...


Just kidding!

He can give the best impression of line flying, and would be sorely missed if he were to leave for any reason.

All I can add is that I understand that they really focus on making sure you know that flexibility is king. You will never be kept out on the road into a day off (though you may occasionally be asked if you would like the extra day, but all you have to say is no), but they want you to understand that your schedule can and will change a great deal throughout your 4-5 days on. As long as you show that you are not a slave to a rigid schedule, and as JD said, come across as competent and professional you will do fine. They are very laid back (not to give the impression that they are laid back with the regs-I've seen the company interpret certain regs in a more conservative way than the Feds intend, and the pilot's decision is respected completely) and they need pilots, so relax and you will be OK.

 

Hello guys I'm wondering if you would be willing to share your ideas about which direction in flight training you think would put me on the most efficient path to a SATSAir operation. I don't really have any great affinity to fly the big jets like many, just my preference. All flying is great, but SATSAir is attractive to me.

I'm am just embarking on my PPL and I'm a sponge....please feel free to dump your knowledge on me!

Thanks

 

SATSair's mins are ATP minimums (1,500 total, 500 xc, etc), but they can hire with FAR 135 IFR mins (1,200 tt...). That said, very few pilots there are hired with mins. Most come from charter, airline, or military backgrounds with thousands of hours, but in todays job market a safe pilot with good customer service skills will stand a good chance.


Getting your private, commercial, and CFI then instructing to get the time may be the best route. Espacially if your instructing experience includes some good IFR time and if possible some Cirrus time (several of SATSair's pilots were CSIP instructors when they were hired I think).

If you're located anywhere near Greenville, SC it would also help to stop by to introduce yourself to the powers that be sometime.

 

Thanks flexthrust for the info. I have actually bypassed the ATP/DCA school route b/c in my humble opinion, I don't think it's set up the way I would like to learn. I don't want to just get a rating b/c I squeaked by, I want to get it b/c I know it from top to bottom. It might work for some, but it's not the route I desire.

Taking it slow and steady served me well in my skydiving career and I'm certain it will benefit me in my aviation career as well. I could always pick out the statistics when they went through AFF....in a big hurry....and usually gone in a big hurry.

Thanks

 

What sort of shedules do you fly.... Im about 2 hours from Pensacola and If I could fly for them there would be very interested. but I would have to be able to commute. New House etc.... moving is not an option.

Those look like great airplanes to fly.

FWIW.... 2750 total time, ATP, ME, SE, Inst, nearly all turbine, and all multi. 1000 hours of that is scheduled 121 time. flying ATR's.

 

I dont THINK they are hiring into PNS at the moment. Usually they want you within about 1hour of base, but they are willing to work with people, so you might be in luck.

The schedules are 4 on/3 off or 5 on/2 off. The salary is based on 4/3 so 5/2 pays more.

 

Well tell them to open a New Orleans base... closer for me anyway. lololol

thanks for the info.