tritofly

So the latest job listing I saw for FO's doesn't have any times listed. Anyone have a guess as to what are good total and multi times to apply for the job?

David Puddy

I presume the addition of 8-10 Citation Xs will generate some movement on the list...

Do the XL crews work as hard as the KA crews?

Das Auto

That's the problem, there is no list.
The King Air guys will tell you that they work harder than the XL guys, but truth be told they work hard in both fleets. However, the XL has an APU, an external servicing lavatory and easier on the back when it comes to loading and unloading bags.

The X is nothing more than an idea / rumor right now and I would be very surprised if they pluck non X type rated King Air drivers to staff it.

David Puddy

Given the numerous issues discussed and the projected growth rates, how does WU/Gama expect to have enough pilots with the better deals offered at the regionals/majors? Why stick around? Is it the schedule? Is it the variety of flying? No doubt flying the KA up and down the East/West coast would be a great experience builder for a newbie, but at some point the airlines beckon with far better deals...

brocklee9000

This has been my question for them and many other 135 operators. I see jobs with minimums all over the place. One outfit wants a Lear SIC to have 3000TT and a LRJT type. Others say something along the lines of "2500 preferred but no less than 2000 and only for the right person." Often these are light jet and turboprop flight departments, and not a big name like EJM or whoever. The other one I can't get my head around are all the jobs that say the minimums are [arbitrary number, let's say 1000 or 1500] and at a minimum require an ATP written. The days of guys clinging to their writtens under the old rules are long gone, and I do not know a single individual who is going to go pay for their own ATP CTP course, certainly not with all the regionals paying for it and a type. I count at least a dozen ads a day on the orange site for entry-level that expect at least the written and usually more multi time than any MEIs that I knew when I was in training. Something's gotta give. I know a guy in my neighborhood that flies the KA and he seems to enjoy his job more of less at Gama, but he says if he had started out now instead of 8-10 years ago, he would absolutely go through a regional after instructing. He stays because he's worked up to a decent enough schedule and doesn't want to start all over somewhere else.

Das Auto

Great question. For me its being flown to and from the city I live in, AKA no commuting (which I forgot to add to the list of pros) and the health insurance is very good. I still have my irons in the fire though. Some guys have left for Spirit / Frontier etc. but it I'm content to hold out for something a little more attractive for now.

Gama is a great job, but there is zero career progression. Considering the time and money we invest to get where we are, its normal to look for the best bang for your buck. Short term it could be here, long term its elsewhere.

SOTA

Per an email from the mother ship a few months back any city with reasonable and reliable airline service can be added. Apply and request the city you desire. Everything is negotiable.

Ag89

How long does it take generally to upgrade in the king air for someone coming in as a FO?

When you travel home on your eighth day, this is done after your 12-14 hr duty day? Do you every have to travel on your day off?

Per diem rate? Typically 16 days per diem per month?



Thanks

EMAW

Upgrade is effected by a bunch of variables and there isn't a set formula.

We don't typically start travel after a 12-14 hr duty day, but you may finish late depending how long your travel takes. Never forced to travel on a day off and if you land in base after midnight it's an extra $500.

$59 per day domestic 65 per day international. Not pro rated for partial day 1 and 8.

Ag89

Thanks you!