Great Lakes Air (not the 121 airline)
 

Hey I was wondering if anybody had any information on Great Lakes Air out of Michigan. I was on thier website and can't find too much info on them. Thanks.

Great Lakes Air has 2 piper 6's, 1 be58 and a partinavia (sp) they do a fair amount of on demand charter stuff. and alot of flying people and freight to the island (MCD) with the 6's. what are your times like?

I've been wondering about the same company... It seems like they've had an ad on climbto350 for quite some time now. I don't have the time yet but would like some more info also.

I've met them - seem like nice folks. Their challenge is that they are in St. Ignace, Michigan. You need to drive about 75 miles to back to the middle of nowhere. Nice scenary....but it gets really cold in the winter (which lasts a long time!).

The Cherokee 6 flights to MCD are funny - about 5 minutes max. Never seen anyone do a weight and balance, and the tails are near the ground frequently.

ya the 6's ride really tail low all the time even empty. Im sure they do w/b stuff, they kinda have to for the FAA ya know. Do your home work before you go bashing. The winters are long but they do alot of flying back and forth to the island. Some people live on the island all year long and when the lake turns in to ice the boats cant go back and forth well. so great lakes ends up taking every thing from hot pizza to doctors to the island. real small outfit. your not going to be a number at great lakes if you or anyone wants to fly for them. ( well you might be a number but it would be like #4 or #5)

your right about the middle of nowhere and the area.

I fly for a charter outfit in northern michigan we do some work for them.

I'm pretty sure you actually don't have to do W&B calculations each flight for single-engine. I remember reading it in the regs that it only applies to multi-engine operations that a copy of the weights and pax/freight be on board etc..etc..

OMG, so wrong.... Think a little... come on dude...
even the part 91 folks are responsible for doing a W&B for every flight....
and you think an air carrier certificate is going to get you LESS paperwork?

:eek::eek: Would this apply to the Caravan and Pilatus? Scratching head over what reg stated this. :confused:

The scenery in the "Upper-Lower Peninsula" of Michigan is absolutely gorgeous...if you like golfing/skiing it is a great place to be located.

Ok, so I found what I was thinking about....(its's long, but it's what I was thinking)

135.63 Recordkeeping Requirements:

(c) For multiengine aircraft, each certificate holder is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of a load manifest in duplicate containing information concerning the loading of the aircraft. The manifest must be prepared before each takeoff and must include:

**Edited out the details, if you really want to read it click here**

(d) The pilot in command of an aircraft for which a load manifest must be prepared shall carry a copy of the completed load manifest in the aircraft to its destination. The certificate holder shall keep copies of completed load manifests for at least 30 days at its principal operations base, or at another location used by it and approved by the Administrator.

Part 91 only specifies under 91.103 Preflight Action that you must become familiar with weight, performance, wx etc.. under expected situations, but it doesn't have to be kept with a record.

I still haven't found anything where it mentions a Load Manifest(Written W&B) is required for anything but multi-engine aircraft under Part 135, but if someone finds it on single-engine, please, share instead of flame, even though flaming is much easier to do than actually learning something:rolleyes:

Sorry if what I portrayed was taken wrongly

I always see these guys on climbto350 but I never get a response when I send in my resume. :confused:

Great Lakes Air
 

I worked there for 1 1/2 years and still talk to the owner quite a bit. Any specific questions?

What is the work schedule like, people, and routes? I'm really puzzled why I havent heard from GL. I exceed 135mins and have experience as a Capt for my current company which is 135 operator.

During the summer time it is mainly charters to mackinac island. The flight within 75 are usually done with the six's or P68, anything further than that is usually done with the baron. Schedule vary's a lot with the flight that you are doing. They also do various surveys for the DNR and Fire Patrol for the state of MI. Winter time is a different story because it is the only time that major construction can be done on any of the islands and one the ice forms the planes are it. You work from 6am to 6pm flying mainly workers and supplies. Sometimes up to 40 trips a day per plane.

Paul the owner is really good to work for and will do anything he can to help when its time to move on. The cost of living is really cheep and there is a lot to do and see in the summer. The winter can get kind of quite but if you like the outdoors it is a great place to live. If you're looking for a big city life look else where.

I think this sounds like a job for me. I'm originally from Portland so the outdoors is something I definately miss.. Do you happen to have a direct contact or email? I really appreciate the info you've shared.

Aileron

PM me and I will give you all the info.

[quote=mogley68;458635]Aileron

Thanks for the info I really appreciate it

Ten years later, anyone have new info on this shop?

Low timers will do a lot of people, mail, food, and freight to the surrounding island communities. Very busy in the winter when the ice gets thick and the ferry(s) stop. Also scenic flights on occasion.


Good down to earth people, that appreciate a pilot who doesn't think he is the "ace of base."
The flight legs to the islands are short, but there are alot of them during the day.
You have a good chance of starting around $34k and change for a 500TT pilot.
Charter, fire patrol, and charter opportunities as your TT allow.
Finding housing could be a challenge since its a tourist area.
Challenging flying going into the island strips, but very doable. Bring your stick and rudder skills.
Be honest with them and you will get the same.
It's part 135 on demand air taxi. Be prepared to work.
The owner isn't shy about buying dinner after a long day, but he expects you to work.

Great Lakes was sold by the owner of 40ish years, several months ago. The new owner let some employees go and others left.
GLA was idled last time I checked.
Another operator has filled the void/entered as competition.

A whole new ballgame from and ownership and management standpoint.