Sure would like to know where you heard that! Last year, when ERA was for sale, PenAir wasn't interested. I hope that we get 3 more SAAB's, (can you say upgrades ) but I kinda doubt it. I think ERA will use chapter 11 just like all the major carriers. They can get out from under their debt, and start paying their employees less. Sound familiar anyone??? I have a friend over at ERA, I guess I should give him a call and get the real scoop.

 

I used to fly for Grant Aviation in Bethel. "Chicken" pay is $152.00 per day (housing included) Sleds pay $182. They also have Caravans, navajos and a couple of King Air's. They hire pilots with no Alaska time a lot, it's a good way to move into a different carrier who may require Alaska time. They tend to only hire people from "outside" in the spring tho'...instead of throwing them to the wolves in the winter! Schedule is 20 days on and 10 days off.

 

I've always been interested in PenAir....is it the kind of place a guy could make a career out? I'm an old guy [42] not interested in job hopping. Any idea how long it would tke to hold ANC?

 

there are a number of guys that have made PenAir a career.
to make captain in ANC is probably 5 years with some of that time out in the bush
I intend on making a career here they pay is decent and the prospects look good for PenAir to continue growing
good management and great flying

 

Thanks 185flier....whats the standard progression? 135 to 121 or 121 f/o to 135 then back to 121?

Also how long does one stay in the bush before being able to get to ANC?

One more - while in the bush is it possible/practical to keep the family in ANC and get back to them on days off?

Thanks

 

depends on where you start
if you start in the 135 it is quicker to get back to Anchorage by probably 2 years
some stations work week on week off so leaving a family in Anchorage is ok.
summers are busy i don't know if you can hold a week on week off schedule
watch what happens at ERA I know PenAir would like to expand and if they go under PenAir will be hiring

 

[QUOTE=185flier]depends on where you start
if you start in the 135 it is quicker to get back to Anchorage by probably 2 years
some stations work week on week off so leaving a family in Anchorage is ok.
summers are busy i don't know if you can hold a week on week off schedule
watch what happens at ERA I know PenAir would like to expand and if they go under PenAir will be hiring[/QUOTE

Which station is week on, week off? Dutch Harbor maybe? AKN and DLG both have 10 on, 5 off. So, not counting travel time, you will spend two-thirds of your life away from your family If your wife isn't comfortable living in the bush, forget about it. Also, seems to me that upgrades go mostly by senority, so I don't know how starting in 135 will get you a quicker upgrade. Oh yeah, Do you KNOW PenAir wants to expand, or is it just rumors and wishful thinking?

 

Interesting about what I read about Era and Penn Air.
I heard Penn Air laid off 5 Caravan drivers, of which 3 are to be in ERAs next class.

 

Any chance you can PM me his e-mail address?

 

Not me, I have not posted 25 messages, thus no PM allowed. Sorry