How's the YHZ port base working out?

[Amateur Turbines]

I know that there are a lot of questions (and answers) on this forum about port bases and I have read most of them. Just wondering how the YHZ port base is working out for everyone. Are there enough crews to make it worth while? How often is an F/O commuting to YYC? I'm hoping to start G/S soon and am considering to make the big move out there this summer.
Thanks in advance.

[Red1]

Not great for the summer

[Flightlevels]

For the future I would personally bid one or two weeks holidays in both July/Aug there, then bid YHZ overnights then, of course the PORT designation. In speaking with the marketing guru Cummings, there is going to be tons of charters out of yhz spooling up in September. I keep hearing of more and more pilots moving back too. that will all help. Work in progress. Nice to see it's still developing. More PORT enhancements will be coming down the pipe too.

[Four1oh]

hey, speaking of bases, just checked my email, and it looks like saskatoon will have a port starting in august.

[macho macho man]

I don't know much since I just had my interview the other day, but I suspect it will be more popular than the YYZ port (which is what I'm really interested in) since more folks would rather live in Halifax than Toronto. I get many different opinions about the health of them, but the general feeling is that they'll all improve over time.

[ALT SEL]

Any update on how this Port Base is working out? Any improvements?

[twinpratts]

I'm hearing one or two ports every second month or so for FO's, and F/A's.

[Four1oh]

I think, in general, the YHZ porters are hoping the port push will help matters. They're still deadheading in YYC crews for some charter flights. Not sure what's going on there.

[McDoo the Irish Navigator]

We are short of Captains in Halifax, as there are only five of us. I'll guess and say we have a couple of dozen F/As and a similar # of F/Os.
Personally I do not commute for March and do not expect to for April, as the trend arrow is steady. I may get nabbed to do Hawaii as not everyone is ETOPS qualified, or I may bid it if I run out of pineapple wine.
May will be a different story, as there are frequency enhancements as well as the addition of daily HZ-OW and HZ-UL, HZ-EG and a return to double daily HZ-YC. At worst the commute will be a little easier and at best the commute will be less frequent.
Put some thought into your bid and be a bit creative and you'll be pleasantly surprised at what comes your way.

[ALT SEL]

Thanks for your post Mcdoo. I'm on th east coast now and I'm ready to apply at westjet but wanted to know how the YHZ port base was working and how difficult it would be to commute for work. Any other info would be much appreciated from other who use this port or commute.

[WJ700]

I think the YHZ port started out awesome. The pilots there were doing 10 day months but maybe a few jealousy chords were struck and this winter wasn't as good for them. Personally, I'm more than happy to see a YHZ port pilot do his month in 8 days... it's 80 less block hours in that time zone for me to be associated with.
I think the commute is harder in winter too... poor weather and less flights. Maybe McDoo can elaborate on the tricks to commuting.

[Tim Tam]

Can you change ports frequently?

Meaning, can a fellow change ports until he finds one that is most beneficial to them?

[WJ700]

yes... with sixty days notice (I think).

For example, some that live on Northern Vancouver Island tend to try YYJ/YVR or remain YYC depending on the time of year.

[Tim Tam]

Thanks. Was just curious.

[McDoo the Irish Navigator]

Swordfish 54, check your private messages.

[Swordfish54]

Thanks McD

[Anti-Ice]

What's the latest on the YHZ port?
still working out ok?