East Coast friendly Jet Jobs

[Thatllhappen]

Long time lurker, never had much to ask until now.

The wife and I are considering a move to the east coast, once our house out west is paid off in a couple years. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for a career jet flying job that is workable living in say Halifax or St. Johns. We love it out there and are very strongly looking into it. For context I am currently a 705 turboprop captain with about 5000TT and 3000 705 pic. We are a DINK family and have no plans to change that, we are very fortunate to be where we are at currently and understand that there might be some sacrifices that need to be made to make it work, hence my asking all of you.

Thanks a bunch in advance

[Me262]

AFAIK no jet companies based in Halifax but I believe Porter and PAL are based out of there on the Dash. Of course I have no clue if there's any 604 jets based out of there.

[Core]

AFAIK no jet companies based in Halifax but I believe Porter and PAL are based out of there on the Dash. Of course I have no clue if there's any 604 jets based out of there.

Excellent contribution.

[Orion's Fannypack]

Provincial is constantly hiring for medevac, surveillance and Dash 8 705 ops in both St. John's and Halifax; hopefully the pay is improving. Porter is an option for a Dash 8 spot in Halifax, but it's a pretty senior spot.

You did ask about a jets though, both cities do have 704 and 604 corporate operations, some are passable, some far from it. PAL, Novajet, Execaire and Coywolf all have managed aircraft out this way, but you may miss 705 flying once you deal with 704; proceed with caution.

Some genius will spout off about the weather out here while they're sitting in traffic on the 401, but that's what alternates and PDM are for. It's really not that bad and it does offer an incredible lifestyle, however the decent jobs are hard to find. Good on you for asking the questions now, it can be worth it if you love it that much, but there are sacrifices to be made especially once you're off the mainland.

[Donald]

Keep in mind too that the cost of living, in particular housing, has skyrocketed on the east coast since Covid.

[Corpdrvr]

Keep in mind too that the cost of living, in particular housing, has skyrocketed on the east coast since Covid.

Also, your tax & energy bills will blow your socks off if you’re coming from the West. Triple the property tax that an equivalent valued home would be in Alberta or BC. Heating a 3-4 bedroom home for 500-700$ or more a month in the winter would be the norm. and the energy providers are jacking their rates as much as they legally can year after year.

Just something to consider. The housing prices can be attractive at first glace, you’ll be no further ahead at the end of the day and you’ll be building a lot less equity for equal costs.

[NovaBoy]

If you’re interested in a 604 position, there’s Sobey’s, Oxford/Shaw in YHZ. There maybe a couple of more I can’t think of.

In YSJ there’s the 3 Irving flight departments, Irving Air Service, Ocean Aviation, and Irving Oil Transport. Shoreland Transport (Cooke Aquaculture) is also there.

McCain’s is in Florenceville, NB. (Small town living)

PAL Airlines is looking for Q drivers. Probably one of the best regional schedules, mostly single, and 2 day pairings. All AC Express flying at the YHZ base.

[ozone]

WestJet just started a seasonal base in YHZ this year. Rumour is that it will come back for next summer. Possibly a permanent base with all the extra sunwing flying in winter and ETOPs for summer. I’ve heard hiring will resume in the New year. Up to 400 new hires in 2026 is the rumour. Again it’s aviation. Don’t believe till you see it.

[Me262]

Keep in mind too that the cost of living, in particular housing, has skyrocketed on the east coast since Covid.

Also, your tax & energy bills will blow your socks off if you’re coming from the West. Triple the property tax that an equivalent valued home would be in Alberta or BC. Heating a 3-4 bedroom home for 500-700$ or more a month in the winter would be the norm. and the energy providers are jacking their rates as much as they legally can year after year.

Just something to consider. The housing prices can be attractive at first glace, you’ll be no further ahead at the end of the day and you’ll be building a lot less equity for equal costs.

Not to mention NS has the highest income taxes, very close after QC, with no benefits you'd get in QC for these taxes.

[Thatllhappen]

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful replies. I have definitely learned a lot and obviously have a number of factors to consider.

[Airspeed Addict]

definitely echo the other good points brought up - real estate doesn't necessitate overall lower cost of living - the economy and healthcare in St. John's is atrocious.

Cargojet may be an option if you still are inclined to make the move. They have daily flights to HQ in YHM via YQM 5 days a week with a company jumpseat policy that starts day 1 and MY ID benefits after 6 months. Something to consider, with your time you'd probably upgrade in ~3 years to left seat.