Conair, Life of a bomber pilot

GWC · Post by **GWC** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:44 am

Hello all

I'm in need of some information on the terms and conditions at Conair. I've searched all I can to find out more but even their web site is fairly limited. There must be some of you out there that can fill me in on such things as basic requirements, basings, time to command, remuneration etc..
I'm presently employed overseas but I'm looking to repatriate back to Canada and specifically the Lower Mainland. However, before I fire off a Resume to them I would like to be a little more educated as to the overall life style for this kind of work.

Cheers in advance from the Land O Beer.

Rudy · Post by **Rudy** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:04 am

I've tried to get info about this company for a couple years without any luck so I'm interested in any response. Is everyone put on the birddog aircraft first? What do they use their caravan for?

good_idea · Post by **good_idea** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:05 am

I believe the Caravan is for crew transfers of sorts. The bombers are bare bones inside and the bird dogs are full of equipment...

I too have been interested in finding out what kind of requirements Conair is looking for. I'm sure the hiring for the season is already complete but I guess I will just have to go down there and ask some time.

good_idea

Adanac · Post by **Adanac** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:56 am

May I suggest to all of you that you simply give them a call. Everyone there is great and if they have the time, they can answer all of your questions.

I hope it may not be too late for you this season as I know they have already started talking to pilots about this season. Give them a call, or better yet, go see them.

They use the Caravan as a BirdDog by the way.

Best of luck!

Adanac

GWC · Post by **GWC** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:25 am

Thanks all

However, I was looking for some facts to work with. Cold calling is not really my style as I would like to have a little knowledge in my back pocket before I do that.
Surely there must be someone out there that has the scoop on this type of work. Come on guys why the big secret.

bigredone · Post by **bigredone** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:29 am

1)The Caravans are used as birdog ac for three of the groups in Alberta.
2)No, everyone does not start off BDing. More often than not FO on a C-580/DC-6 is entry level but this can very due to existing pilots desires.
3)Time to upgrade(command)...1-"not in a thoushand years" depending on vacancies, abbilities and preferance of location/aircraft.
4)Requirments. Hard to say but 5000+pic of good rounded experince(ie float, T-wheel, Radial, heavy, IFR) will get you added the pile...maybe.

This is just what I have observed over the years and by no means is company policy. Good timing and good luck will help.

North Shore · Post by **North Shore** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:06 pm

Also, just because the company is based in YXX, doesn't necessarily mean that you will be. Expect a 3-4 month contract based in some less-than-centre-of-the-universe location.

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:44 pm

from what I know (I don't work there, but have applied in the past and talked with the CP). Anyone with actual first hand knowledge correct any inaccuracies

Most contracts are 110 days
there are still some 90 day contracts left (at least there was last year)
hiring tends to start in March
Various bases around BC (are there any in the Yukon?)
You will be at the base for the whole season, except when you mobilize to fight a fire away from base
all expenses paid at base
when you go to a remote base for, say, a few days, expenses are paid there as well in addition to any expenses back at your main base

related experience is a big plus: I had done a few years of low level survey work and the CP liked seeing that on the resume...however, I didn't really have enought total time, even though I met the mins, there was tonnes of guys with 4-5 thousand hrs applying as well.

I assume the CP is still the same (DG)...he is a great guy to talk to, if he's not busy he'll be able to answer questions.

good luck...looks like fun work.

cheers
wp

bigredone · Post by **bigredone** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 1:39 pm

Contracts are 93 or 123 day. Bases are in BC, AB, YT and AK. In the past we have done regular contracts in France, Spain and short term in Oregon.

Rudy · Post by **Rudy** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:36 pm

So all pilots are just contract employees for 93 or 123 days? Is this not the career type company I thought it was? What about the benefits and pension plan? I've never been a contract pilot and I'm not too sure how it works. Seems pretty unsecure.

bigredone · Post by **bigredone** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:51 pm

Full time permanet seasonal.

Oil Burner · Post by **Oil Burner** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:11 pm

I know you need a cat 1 IFR or don't even bother applying. Even if you have bags of float time, they won't put you on a firecat right off. You have to do the season or two on a birddog first and get in the seniority line. I talked to them myself an that is what they told me. Union operation...

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:19 pm

One of the check pilots just retired last month with 35 years in. You can make a career there.

CLguy · Post by **CLguy** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 12:40 pm

The Caravan is used to birddog the Fireboss's. The operation is unionized and represented by the Operating Engineers Union. Benefit packages, pension benefits etc., recall rights to your previous positions, profit sharing. Pretty much all movement is based on seniority except the 215's and Fireboss's which also require lots of float time. The pay is good but once you hit your summer base, no scheduled days off and no provisions for getting home until the contract ends.

I know quite a few guys working there. Most have been there for years and some only a few years but all seem pretty happy. There are shorter contract periods and longer contract periods and they are awarded on seniority as is the base postings.

Rudy · Post by **Rudy** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:56 pm

Thanks for all that replied. Anyone know what kind of experience the typical new hire on the caravan has? Please don't tell me to call them. My boss probably knows the CP but doesn't know how to turn on a computer.

bigredone · Post by **bigredone** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:08 pm

Only one Caravan is used for BDing the one Fireboss group. Others are used on 802 and 215 groups. As for requirments, refer to my earlier post. If you dont like the answer then dont ask the question.

fougner · Post by **fougner** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:54 am

bright · Post by **bright** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:26 pm

Ray Horton, Director of Operations for Conair will be presenting at the Women in Aviation Sea to Sky Chapter meeting on Thursday March 6th at BCIT Aerospace Campus in Richmond. Small donation to the Chapter for non-members, and an RSVP is required.
http://www.womeninaviation.ca/page001.html for more information.

stopsquawk · Post by **stopsquawk** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:57 am

2500 hours PIC required for the Caravan or Aerostar. 500 Multi PIC required for the Astar and 300 PIC IFR required on the Caravan. 3000 hours to start for right seat on tankers. If your times are close to this, you should send a resume.... and the time is now.