The Air Canada OTS thread

[Jetlifer]

Ok’ wondering if I can gleen some insight as to the method in the madness of Air Canada’s hiring.

I applied in March, update my application every month, at the time of my application I was a new captain on a 705 turboprop operator. I’m now standards captain with roughly 430hrs command on 705 operations.

I’ve had some internal pilots at AC write references on my behalf as well.

I’ve tried to find some hr contacts at air Canada via LinkedIn or suggestions, to see if there’s more I can do to make my application stand out, but haven’t been able to connect with anyone.

I do have offers from Jazz, and a few other 737 operators, but in my heart of hearts I just really want the chance to shine at Air Canada!

Is there some glaring thing I’m missing? Should I stay the course, or just go to Jazz and hope I can get there that way?

Thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts,

2300 TT
1200 Turbine
1303 PIC

[Jean-Pierre]

Ok’ wondering if I can gleen some insight as to the method in the madness of Air Canada’s hiring.

I applied in March, update my application every month, at the time of my application I was a new captain on a 705 turboprop operator. I’m now standards captain with roughly 430hrs command on 705 operations.

I’ve had some internal pilots at AC write references on my behalf as well.

I’ve tried to find some hr contacts at air Canada via LinkedIn or suggestions, to see if there’s more I can do to make my application stand out, but haven’t been able to connect with anyone.

I do have offers from Jazz, and a few other 737 operators, but in my heart of hearts I just really want the chance to shine at Air Canada!

Is there some glaring thing I’m missing? Should I stay the course, or just go to Jazz and hope I can get there that way?

Thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts,

2300 TT
1200 Turbine
1303 PIC

Good one.

[Jetlifer]

Ok’ wondering if I can gleen some insight as to the method in the madness of Air Canada’s hiring.

I applied in March, update my application every month, at the time of my application I was a new captain on a 705 turboprop operator. I’m now standards captain with roughly 430hrs command on 705 operations.

I’ve had some internal pilots at AC write references on my behalf as well.

I’ve tried to find some hr contacts at air Canada via LinkedIn or suggestions, to see if there’s more I can do to make my application stand out, but haven’t been able to connect with anyone.

I do have offers from Jazz, and a few other 737 operators, but in my heart of hearts I just really want the chance to shine at Air Canada!

Is there some glaring thing I’m missing? Should I stay the course, or just go to Jazz and hope I can get there that way?

Thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts,

2300 TT
1200 Turbine
1303 PIC

Good one.

Sorry what’s so funny here?

[Jean-Pierre]

Oh I am very sorry. Nothing.

[link821]

Ok’ wondering if I can gleen some insight as to the method in the madness of Air Canada’s hiring.

I applied in March, update my application every month, at the time of my application I was a new captain on a 705 turboprop operator. I’m now standards captain with roughly 430hrs command on 705 operations.

I’ve had some internal pilots at AC write references on my behalf as well.

I’ve tried to find some hr contacts at air Canada via LinkedIn or suggestions, to see if there’s more I can do to make my application stand out, but haven’t been able to connect with anyone.

I do have offers from Jazz, and a few other 737 operators, but in my heart of hearts I just really want the chance to shine at Air Canada!

Is there some glaring thing I’m missing? Should I stay the course, or just go to Jazz and hope I can get there that way?

Thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts,

2300 TT
1200 Turbine
1303 PIC

If you’ve got a good quality of life and a good paycheque right now with your 705 gig I’d stay put. But if you’re looking for a change then swoop, flair or Cargojet for the jet time would certainly help.

[Daniel Cooper]

I'd get an education if you don't already have one. It's too late for a 3 year Aviation College so you're going to have to get a 4 year degree. I agree it's kind of funny that we are talking about someone with 2000 hours getting hired but perhaps that's a sign of the times.

[Jetlifer]

I'd get an education if you don't already have one. It's too late for a 3 year Aviation College so you're going to have to get a 4 year degree. I agree it's kind of funny that we are talking about someone with 2000 hours getting hired but perhaps that's a sign of the times.

I’ve a diploma in business that I could upgrade to a degree, but if that’s the strongest option, then maybe going to Jazz is a better option.

I know I’m not wildly high on time / experience, and believe me I’m humbled at the opportunity I’ve been afforded. 5 years ago, 3000 hours wouldn’t even get you an FO seat on a 705 operator

[Vanguard]

Ok’ wondering if I can gleen some insight as to the method in the madness of Air Canada’s hiring.

I applied in March, update my application every month, at the time of my application I was a new captain on a 705 turboprop operator. I’m now standards captain with roughly 430hrs command on 705 operations.

I’ve had some internal pilots at AC write references on my behalf as well.

I’ve tried to find some hr contacts at air Canada via LinkedIn or suggestions, to see if there’s more I can do to make my application stand out, but haven’t been able to connect with anyone.

I do have offers from Jazz, and a few other 737 operators, but in my heart of hearts I just really want the chance to shine at Air Canada!

Is there some glaring thing I’m missing? Should I stay the course, or just go to Jazz and hope I can get there that way?

Thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts,

2300 TT
1200 Turbine
1303 PIC

Good one.

Sorry what’s so funny here?

Standards captain @ 2300TT. LOL. How the industry has fallen and got desperate.


Sorry what’s so funny here?

['97 Tercel]

[FL320]

Haven’t updated my application for years but been called twice for an interview and a starting date right away in december. Must be desperate I guess.
Asked the recruiter if they offer at least +250k/year working max 10 days per month for experienced pilots; why leave a job for less…but it looks like it’s everyone at 57k! That’s what a receptionist earns nowdays, even the recruiter may earn higher than a pilot…what a shame…seriously!

[JHR]

No need for them to raise the pay when lots of guys bend over and take it

[orangejuice]

Anyone hear of a January PIT course? / anyone been called for one in the new year?

[JoeyBarton]

I was 3 months from updating my resume and references doing their thing.
They hire in waves from different companies and regimes however, I was told I was in the "to call" pile about 2 months prior to getting the email.

Have you heard back?

[skyhighh]

I'd get an education if you don't already have one. It's too late for a 3 year Aviation College so you're going to have to get a 4 year degree. I agree it's kind of funny that we are talking about someone with 2000 hours getting hired but perhaps that's a sign of the times.

I’ve a diploma in business that I could upgrade to a degree, but if that’s the strongest option, then maybe going to Jazz is a better option.

I know I’m not wildly high on time / experience, and believe me I’m humbled at the opportunity I’ve been afforded. 5 years ago, 3000 hours wouldn’t even get you an FO seat on a 705 operator

No need for a diploma anymore. I wouldn’t worry about it. Unless you come from Jazz, Air Canada usually hire pilots with more experience than you (for now). Most of the guys have jet time, 4-5000 hours, come from overseas or if they come from props they usually have multiple 1000s of PIC time. I can be wrong but the reason you are not getting a call (yet) is because your experience on paper is lacking still. Keep updating your resume every 6 months. Your Standard pilot position is a big plus though, if you can get into the training department…better.

[DanWEC]

I was 3 months from updating my resume and references doing their thing.
They hire in waves from different companies and regimes however, I was told I was in the "to call" pile about 2 months prior to getting the email.

Have you heard back?

I actually declined. After weighing all the pros and cons, spreadsheets, and a few sleepless nights I realized I'm actually much better off where I am in terms of schedule, pay, seniority and equipment. I'd be doing a 20 year reset for no reason.

It was interesting to dissect the career-long, industry-wide mentality I had that regarding AC at the apex. If I was under 30 and trying to get off an RJ, then it would a different story, but for me, with barely 20 left years to go, already on a widebody with a great schedule, the step backwards in all facets just doesn't make any sense. I was actually a bit disheartened once I had everything laid out in black and white, as I always looked forward to AC but it's just too long of a game. Believe me, hitting send on that email was a weird one, but it's nice to feel settled and no longer chasing anything. Definitely the first time for that! Now I just hope that the gamble on job security doesn't bite me... This is aviation after all.

[FL030]

Good work Dan! The more that refuse the more likely they will improve compensation.

[JoeyBarton]

I was 3 months from updating my resume and references doing their thing.
They hire in waves from different companies and regimes however, I was told I was in the "to call" pile about 2 months prior to getting the email.

Have you heard back?

I actually declined. After weighing all the pros and cons, spreadsheets, and a few sleepless nights I realized I'm actually much better off where I am in terms of schedule, pay, seniority and equipment. I'd be doing a 20 year reset for no reason.

It was interesting to dissect the career-long, industry-wide mentality I had that regarding AC at the apex. If I was under 30 and trying to get off an RJ, then it would a different story, but for me, with barely 20 left years to go, already on a widebody with a great schedule, the step backwards in all facets just doesn't make any sense. I was actually a bit disheartened once I had everything laid out in black and white, as I always looked forward to AC but it's just too long of a game. Believe me, hitting send on that email was a weird one, but it's nice to feel settled and no longer chasing anything. Definitely the first time for that! Now I just hope that the gamble on job security doesn't bite me... This is aviation after all.

Very good reasoning. May I ask if it was a 20 year seniority reset from another good canadian 705?

[DanWEC]

Very good reasoning. May I ask if it was a 20 year seniority reset from another good canadian 705?

Yes, I should clarify however, I haven't been here for 20 years, but that's approx how long it could take before the schedule and seniority at AC would crossover with the trajectory here. Even if it's 15 years, it still doesn't make sense for me. Essentially, I'd have be a 50% Widebody captain at AC in 5-7 years for it to be comparable, and that's obviously untenable. I'd bet that 90% of new hires at AC for the last 10 years are younger than I am, so my goalposts would perpetually be moving away.
Yes, I'm gambling a bit with the slightly reduced pension and the viability of the company, but we'll see. One thing is certain however, I already went through the terrible initial payscales here and I'm not going to voluntarily do it again for what isn't much more than a lateral move at best.
Feel free to PM if you want to know any more. Cheers!

[joefo]

Anyone hear of a January PIT course? / anyone been called for one in the new year?

Called for Jan 2

[Gregg]

Anyone hear of a January PIT course? / anyone been called for one in the new year?

Called for Jan 2

OTS or jazz?

[Transition9er2]

Anyone hear of a January PIT course? / anyone been called for one in the new year?

Called for Jan 2

Congrats!!

When did you interview?

[CPT.HarshColdReality]

Anyone hear of a January PIT course? / anyone been called for one in the new year?

Called for Jan 2

Kind enough to share your previous professional experience/company?

[Curiousflyer]

Very good reasoning. May I ask if it was a 20 year seniority reset from another good canadian 705?

Yes, I should clarify however, I haven't been here for 20 years, but that's approx how long it could take before the schedule and seniority at AC would crossover with the trajectory here. Even if it's 15 years, it still doesn't make sense for me. Essentially, I'd have be a 50% Widebody captain at AC in 5-7 years for it to be comparable, and that's obviously untenable. I'd bet that 90% of new hires at AC for the last 10 years are younger than I am, so my goalposts would perpetually be moving away.
Yes, I'm gambling a bit with the slightly reduced pension and the viability of the company, but we'll see. One thing is certain however, I already went through the terrible initial payscales here and I'm not going to voluntarily do it again for what isn't much more than a lateral move at best.
Feel free to PM if you want to know any more. Cheers!

ACPA has a seniority projection estimator up and running now. It’s showing retirements around 125 a year. With 4800 pilots on the last equipment bid and the most junior WB captain position at 1500, pilots should be estimating 30 years before WB captain at the most junior position. Now that’s a very conservative number, but still that’s the math right now. Personally, I have no doubt you made the right call.

[rudder]

ACPA has a seniority projection estimator up and running now. It’s showing retirements around 125 a year. With 4800 pilots on the last equipment bid and the most junior WB captain position at 1500, pilots should be estimating 30 years before WB captain at the most junior position. Now that’s a very conservative number, but still that’s the math right now. Personally, I have no doubt you made the right call.

Actually, you can fly WB CA for NB CA pay at about 6-7 years seniority (767F).

[RVR6000]

ACPA has a seniority projection estimator up and running now. It’s showing retirements around 125 a year. With 4800 pilots on the last equipment bid and the most junior WB captain position at 1500, pilots should be estimating 30 years before WB captain at the most junior position. Now that’s a very conservative number, but still that’s the math right now. Personally, I have no doubt you made the right call.

Actually, you can fly WB CA for NB CA pay at about 6-7 years seniority (767F).

At that point you’re better off going to Cargojet and making more money. Because the flying is relatively the same.