Experience Level of current new hires

[77W]

Just wondering what levels of experience are coming into the current 737 ground schools? I ask because I am very interested in working at Westjet for the rest of my career. I'm a 2300TT type with all but 250hrs being multi turbine time. I've got about 600 multi PIC on a 703/4 turbo prop. What are my odds of even getting a phone call? I realize there are guys with PPC's and 705 time, but does that count as much as one would think?

I've got friends at WJ who can't stop saying how much they love their job. Even the way they treat non-rev travellers has impressed me and I always fly them over the other guys if I can.

I have no glass or FMS experience. I'm scouring various aviation stores to see if I can find a book or two just to familiarize myself with using FMS.

I've considered Encore, but I'm unsure at this point if I can financially make it work. I'm by no means saying "I'm better than the Q400", in fact I think it would be a pleasure to fly! I have a mortgage and family to support though.

Your comments are greatly appreciated

77W

[Lateralus]

I was hired last summer with about 5500 hours, almost 3000 hours jet (RJ), around 500MPIC, and about 1700PIC time total. With some right seat Multi turbine in there. I would say the average in the class was around 4500 hours, mostly jet experienced but few guys/gals from 1900s.

Good Luck

[twinpratts]

Usually a nice mix of Jazz/ Cargo/ Bizjet/ 1900/ Air Force and 737 typed folks.

[Bede]

On my course 3 years ago the average was 7000 hrs. Everyone came off a jet except 1 dash 8 guy. I heard usually the average is around 5000 hrs.

I wouldn't focus on the TT. The reason that it's 5000 hr guys getting hired is that they have flown 2 crew, 705, efis, jet, etc Whatever they look for these days. It takes time to get time on those types of aircraft. So don't worry about getting your total time: worry about getting time on the airplanes that airlines hire from (see lots of previous posts). Also go somewhere where you will meet lots of guys who will eventually go to WJ (internal references).

I heard a rumour that eventually most of our guys will come from Encore. While you may not be able to afford the pay, holding out for mainline in the future may not work out. Just something to think about. Even though the pay seems bad at first glance WJ is kind of an under-promise/over-deliver type of company. When I started at WJ my take home pay was way less than Jazz. This year, I spent half the year as a second year FO and the other half as a third year FO. I just got my T4 and was really surprised at just how much I made last year.

Cheers and good luck.

[loopa]

I have heard of guys with as little as 3700 hours getting hired, probably even less but not that common. Straight from B1900/King Air 200 gigs as well if I recall correctly.

Since their website says 1500 hours, I would go ahead and put in an application and update it every 500 hours or 6 months. Guys get hired without internal recommends. Ask Bede!

[Howitzer]

I don't think anyone has went right off a King Air 200 without larger aircraft experience or glass time in a long time. 1900 yes.

[FriendlyBear]

It seems that WJ does create a nice mix of experience/background in all the hiring rounds... I still have faith that my 10 years of left seat Q400 experience, education, and character will catch WestJet's attention for Encore at some point.... not to mention my experience in post production Q400 acceptance flights, including Q400 fleet ops steering committee participation etc etc will help me get noticed...
If you want a shot at WestJet Encore... keep the faith! Good things do happen to good people!
Never stop believing in yourself and your abilities.... and never compare yourself to others... your turn will come, just be patient!
FB

[Expat75]

I still have faith that my 10 years of left seat Q400 experience, education, and character will catch WestJet's attention for Encore at some point.... not to mention my experience in post production Q400 acceptance flights, including Q400 fleet ops steering committee participation etc etc will help me get noticed...
:

You and me both brother.

I have 9000hrs including the B737NG along with other Boeing and Airbus, lots of PIC AND and a decent longterm senior management referral. Still waiting for my status to change from "in progress".

Not the end of the world as I have a high paying great job on the A330, but I would really like to get in on the ground floor of Encore. I would think they have some very experienced and well rounded guys in the first few rounds that they can trust to play ball thru any hiccups. I would.

Patience is a virtue. Good luck.

[Johnny#5]

Haha, yeah if Encore doesn't hire you with that experience then we're all screwed!

[Expat75]

I don't think its experience with Encore or Westjet.
Its fit and trust that you're the right person for the job.

Flying isn't hard. You've got loads of guys with 500hrs or less flying B737 and A320 in Asia.
Experience is one thing, being savy, trustworthy, and responsible are completely another.

[tiguan]

3000 hours seems to be the bare minimum. I know guys with only king air or 1900 time that have been hired as well as dash guys with no previous jet time. All in the 3000-5000 hour range.

[77W]

Thanks for all the input! It's really helping me paint a picture of the experience level they are looking for. Encore will no doubt throw a curve into the situation but there's no harm in trying.

[El Comat]

Those of us that started on Jan 28 had ~4500-6500 hours I believe, with a mix of 704/705 backgrounds. We had one returning expat who was overseas for ~15 years, so he may have been closer to 10,000 hours.

[fundi]

77W,

I'd agree with most of this info. To generalize, before Encore was around, you probably have another 2-3 years of experience to go...and the time frame would likely shorten up if you had some time at Jazz, Georgian, Calm Air, etc. Although it's nice to see a person focused and have a goal, don't miss the rainbow looking for some pot of gold. Enjoy what you are doing and learning now. You'll always look back at this time!

The future looks good for pilots though; the supply and demand curve continue to get closer. We need to all work together more, promote our industry and profession.

Don't burn your bridges, and remember its a small industry.