Does anyone know about PenAir, in Alaska?
 

I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about PenAir. I was curious of how much does a new FO make? Are they going to be hiring in the near future? What is the average upgrade times? Is Anchorage its only domicile? If anyone can answer one or all of these questions, I would appreciate it a bunch. Thanks for your time.
Dan

I am currently a pilot for Penair. Pay is decent, upgrade time to Multi-turbine captain is 5 years at least. You have to spent time flying in the Bush in a single engine piston to upgrade. Must love cold weather, scud running, and flying in bad WX. If you haven't been to Bush Alaska, you better visit first. I would suggest spending a month in Cold Bay. hehehe I've lived in Alaska 6 years, and at PenAir for 2+. I am on this forum to get some gouge on other airlines. Does that answer your questions? Oh yeah, you will become a good pilot. We still look out the windscreen and fly by rivers, NDB's and that thing called a wet compass.

Just out of curiosity, are they hiring? What kind of sched for new hires?

I don't think they will be hiring anytime soon. We have a bunch of guys already in the pipeline if spots open up. It is possible we could get a few more codeshare flights with Alaska Airlines, but I am not holding my breath. We have two operations. Part 135 guys fly 10 on, 5 off. Part 121 guys are 4 on, 3 off. We average about 100 block hours per month.

Hey, thanks for the info. Where are the domiciles? It would make sense to me that the 121 pilots fly the S340 and the metro out of ANC, and the 135 pilots fly the single engine and light twins out in the bush? The reason that I have that assumption is those are the only two Penair aircraft ive seen at ANC. Do you have any payscale info? You said you were on here to look at airlines, are going to stick with Penair or are you looking to get out of alaska? I know that bush alaska can make a man crazy:confused: I appreciate your time, thanks.

dittidano

akpilot7...

Is there a guy at PenAir Rich Reinecke?

Dittidano has the basic schedule correct. We fly the SAABs & Metros out of ANC. We also have 135 bases in Dutch Harbor, Cold Bay, King Salmon, and Dillingham. As for pay, there is no union, and no contract. Pay is close to some of the better regionals, but nothing is published. I am looking around to see what other jobs are out there, but really haven't made my mind to move or not. Yes, bush alaska WILL make you crazy!

Oh yeah, Rich Reinecke is one of they guys you need to impress to work here.

PenAir is a great place to work. They will not hire anyone not living in Alaska.
there are alot of pilots who hire on and don't consider leaving.
good schedule, decent pay, and home with your family every night.
The flying is awsome and you see some neat things.
I would recommend them for a career especially if you like the outdoors and hunting or fishing

i was just wondering, since it is always said when talking about flying in alaska, that you need experience. how does someone from the east coast of the united states go about getting experience up there? i have heard about just packing a bag at the beginning of spring printing out a bunch of resumes and heading up there. what kind of opportunities should u look in to with your CFI & II and about 500 hours TT. i would appreciate any advice anyone could provide. thanks in advance.

get a job at a florida school instructing. you have you instructor rattings Use them! if you can get a job down here and get your MEI (about 1200 bucks) youll build time quick. You will also learn somethin too.