Any info on Gama/WheelsUp?
Looking for info on WheelsUP/Gama. Lowish time and some jet. Will this make a difference? Are they hiring into the Excel, or coming out of the King Air. How's the QOL and morale?
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Originally Posted by slipslide
(Post 2205696)
Looking for info on WheelsUP/Gama. Lowish time and some jet. Will this make a difference? Are they hiring into the Excel, or coming out of the King Air. How's the QOL and morale?
I believe the minimums are 2,500 hours for First Officer and 3,500 for direct entry Captain. I would say that most, if not all of the hiring is for the King Air. There are plenty of highly qualified pilots flying the King Air right now who are waiting for their number to come up to move over to the Excel. |
Last I heard from guys at WU, only guys with BE30 types in hand and the 3500 TT get hired as direct entry captains. Turnover is about what you would expect. Those that I talk to live it since the schedule change last year
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I'm loving flying for them. But it's not for everyone. Slinging bags, vacuuming, restocking the supplies, and removing the "honey bucket" (lav) are just a few of the things that keep you moving during an 8 day tour. Along with having a company credit card, you must reconcile said card on a regular basis. Also the captain of record is responsible for doing all of the daily paperwork, which isn't a lot if you keep on top of it, but it is time consuming.
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Originally Posted by EMAW
(Post 2205892)
I'm loving flying for them. But it's not for everyone. Slinging bags, vacuuming, restocking the supplies, and removing the "honey bucket" (lav) are just a few of the things that keep you moving during an 8 day tour. Along with having a company credit card, you must reconcile said card on a regular basis. Also the captain of record is responsible for doing all of the daily paperwork, which isn't a lot if you keep on top of it, but it is time consuming.
1. For those transitioning to the Kingair without that specific experience, how do they like flying the KA350? Easy/fun to fly? Are pilots flying both the PL21 and the ProLine Fusion Kingairs? Will all Kingairs use Fusion eventually? 2. For someone meeting minimums as an FO, what is the likely upgrade time to Captain on the KA? Seems like you guys are expanding quite a bit. 3. Lastly, any new rumors regarding potential larger jet aircraft than the Excel? I would expect your customer base wants nonstop transcon capability at some point............ |
Originally Posted by David Puddy
(Post 2206210)
Some questions:
1. For those transitioning to the Kingair without that specific experience, how do they like flying the KA350? Easy/fun to fly? Are pilots flying both the PL21 and the ProLine Fusion Kingairs? Will all Kingairs use Fusion eventually? 2. For someone meeting minimums as an FO, what is the likely upgrade time to Captain on the KA? Seems like you guys are expanding quite a bit. 3. Lastly, any new rumors regarding potential larger jet aircraft than the Excel? I would expect your customer base wants nonstop transcon capability at some point............ I didn't have any 350 time coming in, and only about 100 hrs KA time coming in. I like it, not as fast as the Piaggio I flew before, but a good solid aircraft. Some people are doing differences training at there scheduled training event (I did) but I think once you transition, you get a few tours in the Fusion before being scheduled back in the 21. However, I haven't flown the Fusion yet. No not all the KingAirs will be Fusion. The rumor is that textron will be transitioning to a Garmin product in the near future. I started in late February, I've only flown just under a couple hundred hours and I'm in the upgrade process. A lot of weight is put on merit. I also have quite a bit of 135 PIC experience, though. There's always rumors of different aircraft, but we aren't in charge of that. We don't own the aircraft. Wheels Up does. We work for Gama Aviation. The customers like flying on the KingAirs, I flew a couple from NC to Fresno, CA a couple weeks ago. |
It looks like the guys that started on the 6/3 schedule are really happy with the change to 8/6, but I'm a little worried that it may be a little long to be out there. I also saw in another thread that there was a lack of communication and the line guys are kept in the dark. Has this changed?
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Originally Posted by slipslide
(Post 2207711)
It looks like the guys that started on the 6/3 schedule are really happy with the change to 8/6, but I'm a little worried that it may be a little long to be out there. I also saw in another thread that there was a lack of communication and the line guys are kept in the dark. Has this changed?
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What are First Officer minimums as of right now?
I've heard some pilots graduate college and instead of flight instructing they fly for Wheels Up King Airs. Is that true or is this a company that wants more experience? |
Originally Posted by Jland0413
(Post 2252441)
What are First Officer minimums as of right now?
I've heard some pilots graduate college and instead of flight instructing they fly for Wheels Up King Airs. Is that true or is this a company that wants more experience? |
Originally Posted by Jland0413
(Post 2252441)
What are First Officer minimums as of right now?
I've heard some pilots graduate college and instead of flight instructing they fly for Wheels Up King Airs. Is that true or is this a company that wants more experience? 2,500 total time, 1,000 PIC, 1,000 Multi Engine, 500 Turbine. Whoever told you that hour builders are coming here instead of flight instructing is jerking your gherkin! |
That's what I figured haha Thanks guys.
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Originally Posted by Das Auto
(Post 2252637)
The official First Officer minimums are:
2,500 total time, 1,000 PIC, 1,000 Multi Engine, 500 Turbine. Whoever told you that hour builders are coming here instead of flight instructing is jerking your gherkin! |
Originally Posted by 60av8tor
(Post 2253199)
I promise I'm not trolling, and do not mean this as inflammatory, but I have always found the FO mins interesting... In reading a few other posts about "kissing the ring", lack of seniority list, 81k for CAs, etc. What makes someone sit right seat in a King Air with way more experience than required to sit right seat in an RJ - especially, at the moment at least, with the future 121 hiring outlook? I guess I can see more varied flying, etc, but at the end of the day most flying jobs become a bit monotonous - trading a terminal for an FBO. Respectfully asking out of pure curiosity, nothing more.
I ran into one of their "standards captains" the other day in the FP room at an FBO and he was pushing hard for me to come work for them. I don't know if he would get a referral bonus or if they are super short on staffing, seemed like a nice guy though. I actually posed this question to him, why sit right seat in a small turboprop if you could sit right seat in a jet, for similar pay? He went into their benefits package etc, but yea, seems like high mins considering the state of the industry. In any case I wouldn't be interested in trading the left seat of a 200 at over $500/day for the right seat of a 350 for $60/year or whatever they are paying. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Originally Posted by 60av8tor
(Post 2253199)
What makes someone sit right seat in a King Air with way more experience than required to sit right seat in an RJ - especially, at the moment at least, with the future 121 hiring outlook?
Part 135 companies generally have higher minimums because they need pilots who already know the basics of operating a turbine powered aircraft for revenue. Ideally, they want someone who has worked at another 135 or 121 company before. |
I find the F/O minimum requirements extremely high. It is far different flying than airline schedules though but none the less, I agree that with that amount of time I'd rather be flying right seat in a shiny new RJ.
They are a good operation though with some rough spots that will hopefully smooth out over time. |
Originally Posted by LRSRanger
(Post 2253386)
I ran into one of their "standards captains" the other day in the FP room at an FBO and he was pushing hard for me to come work for them. I don't know if he would get a referral bonus or if they are super short on staffing, seemed like a nice guy though.
I actually posed this question to him, why sit right seat in a small turboprop if you could sit right seat in a jet, for similar pay? He went into their benefits package etc, but yea, seems like high mins considering the state of the industry. In any case I wouldn't be interested in trading the left seat of a 200 at over $500/day for the right seat of a 350 for $60/year or whatever they are paying. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Can you imagine someone actually wanting to fly a King Air rather than an RJ if the pay were the same?;) |
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
(Post 2253810)
I know!
Can you imagine someone actually wanting to fly a King Air rather than an RJ if the pay were the same?;) |
I think WU/Gama is a great opportunity considering the growth. The planned growth in membership will require many more pilots. That said, with regionals like PSA, Envoy and Piedmont offering $60K to start in the right seat as well as a legacy airline flow, Gama's starting salary and benefits seem less compelling. 121 flying isn't for everyone, but it certainly is a lot more attractive these days if you can find a pilot base location that works.
Bottom line: if WU/Gama wants to attract and retain pilots, compensation will have to increase to achieve its own growth targets... |
I have 5250 Total flight hours,4000 multi-engine,turbine,jet and King Air time,4000 pic time, Part 121 ,91 experience and can never here from them.Gama would be a perfect fit for me, living in Orlando FL.
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Originally Posted by mrski
(Post 2253793)
I find the F/O minimum requirements extremely high. It is far different flying than airline schedules though but none the less, I agree that with that amount of time I'd rather be flying right seat in a shiny new RJ.
They are a good operation though with some rough spots that will hopefully smooth out over time. |
Originally Posted by mojo6911
(Post 2257087)
Also, most of the time in the right seat isn't valid flight time for the FO.
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Originally Posted by mojo6911
(Post 2257087)
Also, most of the time in the right seat isn't valid flight time for the FO.
Source? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Originally Posted by GreenWater
(Post 2257140)
Source?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
The gentleman is correct folks.. Personally, I feel any plane that utilizes an FMS, down between the seats should require 2 pilots anyway...especially operating in busy areas like TEB.
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Originally Posted by Starbucks
(Post 2257148)
OP Specs require two pilots. Loggable. SIC is required on most everyone's type rating and recurrents. Loggable. Then you get into sole manipulator of controls. It's all loggable in one way shape or form.
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Originally Posted by mojo6911
(Post 2257269)
The FAA has ruled if you have A015 Ops Specs and use the autopilot, the SIC is not a required crewmember and cannot log the time. The only way an SIC would be required is if the PIC has a restriction on his certificate. How many captains have the SIC required restriction?
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Originally Posted by mojo6911
(Post 2257269)
The FAA has ruled if you have A015 Ops Specs and use the autopilot, the SIC is not a required crewmember and cannot log the time. The only way an SIC would be required is if the PIC has a restriction on his certificate. How many captains have the SIC required restriction?
You are just wrong. Sorry. |
Originally Posted by mrski
(Post 2257213)
The gentleman is correct folks.. Personally, I feel any plane that utilizes an FMS, down between the seats should require 2 pilots anyway...especially operating in busy areas like TEB.
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Originally Posted by Starbucks
(Post 2257148)
OP Specs require two pilots. Loggable. SIC is required on most everyone's type rating and recurrents. Loggable. Then you get into sole manipulator of controls. It's all loggable in one way shape or form.
I agree with you. I was asking the gentleman that said "it wasn't loggable" for his source. He is indeed wrong. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
The 135 Regs require an SIC for passenger carrying under IFR (135.101). 135.105 and OPSPEC A015 together (which we don't have) allows for the use of an autopilot in lieu of an SIC. So even w/o being EOD, which we are, a SIC is required.
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Originally Posted by mojo6911
(Post 2257269)
The FAA has ruled if you have A015 Ops Specs and use the autopilot, the SIC is not a required crewmember and cannot log the time. The only way an SIC would be required is if the PIC has a restriction on his certificate. How many captains have the SIC required restriction?
Gama opspecs require an SIC and all type ratings issued for the last 2 or so years stipulate SIC required. Long story short, we are not authorized to operate the aircraft without an SIC. |
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