I've read through the thread about the Westwind Captain job ad. Just wondering how much pertains to the FOs. I'm curious about the schedule, flying, pay and why they're always hiring. Upgrades was covered fairly well in the captain thread.

I know they're good questions to ask in the interview, but I'd like to have a rough idea before hand.
Can PM me if you'd prefer.

Just curious, did you get an interview? I thought that position would be filled internally.

Got a call from HR.

How do you feel about Kraft Dinner?
On cheque week you might be able to cut up some hot dogs into it.
When you make Captain you might be able to spring for the real Ketchup instead in Catsup.
Saskatoon is just a shade less expensive than Calgary at this point so bear that in mind.

*Pats AllClutch on the head*

Your sarcasm really answers that question... The majority of turbine fo jobs in canada are low paying so thank you for pointing that out .. On another note, any response that would actually be of use would be greatly appreciated. I am also interested in information (other than the salary), on the west wind fo ad. Schedule , hours etc.

Haven't been around wwa for a while but I think pay is around 31k, schedule is pretty much to cars min. As the new fo learn to love yvc and yvt. Morale is low, really low and it's a long haul to the left seat. If your happy settling into the right seat for a couple years and hating your life you'll fit in around there.

31k
hope people wont accept that position

Whoa settle down guys, $31K is not accurate. The scale is $36K to $42K. You will fly a lot so if time building is your goal you'll be in the right place. If you are looking for a 3 day a week cushy lifestyle you won't find that as a 704 FO at WWA. Actually, I haven't met a whole lot of 703-704 FOs looking for lifestyle. Lifestyle usually comes after you have some marketable time in your logbook. Saskatoon is an expensive city to live in so unless you have a sugar momma, plan on living with roommates for a while. WWA is a good company overall and a decent place to hang out and build some good time. Unfortunately moral in the pilot group is a bit low right now but I'm certain it will improve, it always does.

So why is moral so low right now, and what makes you think it will improve?

Sounds like it pays better than Encore and people are flocking to that place.

Morale is low because there are a lot of long term guys who are from Saskatoon (and surrounding areas), wishing to stay close to home but who are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Either they work for Westwind, well beyond their expected overtime limits (and just inside the CARS - 704 only need be concerned) and make an average dollar (Westwind pays on or just above par with regards to aircraft size, but not with respect to the amount of actual flying done). Or they consider moving their families (most have wives and kids to think about) to either Calgary or Toronto to work for Westjet Encore or Air Canada Rouge - and make significantly less than what they make now for the next 2-5 years.

Westwind isn't really growing the way it should for it's size and market and thus isn't providing career (lifestyle) opportunities for the current group of pilots. It's a combination of low morale (caused by the older expectations of the low EFT schedules at Westwind - see lifestyle) and reality settling in (which combined with the morale is a causing a bit of funk amongst not just the 703/04 guys but some of the 705 guys too).

I don't think a lot of F/O's are too low on morale - some are tired, and some are excited to move on. Most are making 'hand over fist' with overtime and quality time in their logbook. It's mostly just the captains that are in a career rut. It sucks.

For now they've got a decent team of young guys and girls on the 704 machines, but there is only so long that you can run an engine at redline before it starts to show wear. It'll take a little bit for the new management to find a sweet spot between attrition and overtime before Westwind will settle into it's new groove.

In summary - it's tough investing 10 years+ into this industry just to hit restart on your salary and seniority somewhere else.

Westwind and this horribly addictive industry in a nutshell

S.

Hello,

I'm looking for an update on the B1900 F/O side, specifically YXE based:

- What's the current salary?
- What's the schedule like?
- How many hours are flown per month on average?
- Do pilots fly both the C and D models?
- What's the expected upgrade time?
- How is the overall morale?

Thanks for your time!

Blueshift wrote:Hello,

I'm looking for an update on the B1900 F/O side, specifically YXE based:

- What's the current salary?
- What's the schedule like?
- How many hours are flown per month on average?
- Do pilots fly both the C and D models?
- What's the expected upgrade time?
- How is the overall morale?

Thanks for your time!

I'll pm you.

Also curious about the same questions as the previous poster.
PM would be appreciated.