The sad truth

[helidoug]

The administrators of this site have had to lock a thread on the topic I am here to discuss because people are unwilling to follow the site rules and are venting. It is my hope to say something and perhaps open up a positive constructive dialogue for those who would like to talk about what has happened.

A company that employs good people has closed down and what that means is that jobs have been lost, an employer of people in our industry is gone and there is a little bit less opportunity out there for employment and advancement. I rarely comment on these forums, mainly because of the fact so many people hide behind a "handle" and say negative things that they do not want people to know they said. As you can see by my "handle" my name is right there. if you would like to know my full name you have but to ask. I dont think its against the rules to give my own name is it? If it is perhaps one of the administrators could let me know and I will respectfully not give it.

I was the QA manager for the company that recently closed and I think it important to clear up a few things that I think have been misunderstood. Yes Operations have ceased. The good people whom have been employing folks for many years have had to make a very hard decision and do what I know they had tried hard not to do. They treated everyone with respect in their announcement of it and I have no doubt will do all they can for everyone they have had to let go.

No one has abandoned ship or walked out that I am aware of. Yes in the last while there has been lots of stress, rumours, anger, confusion and talk. Heck myself very much included. Its a very hard thing that has just happened. People have lost their jobs and that is a very serious life event. There is still a great deal of work to be done so that the closure can be completed and the doors closed for good.

I for one intend to stand by these folks and help in any way I can. They offered me employment, opportunity, and pay that was fair and always on time. They did not lock the doors and have a security guard tell me. Instead they held a meeting, bought pizza and told me personally that it was time to let go. They thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication and assured us that they would do for us what they could.

This company had some really great people working for it and it was very hard to see us all lose so much at this time of year.
To the Pilots-You guys rock and I look forward to seeing you all out there in the future. Dont worry you are all a bunch of top notch guys and gals and will do just fine. Thank you so much for the Starbucks gift. How did you know? lol
To the CSR's-What a fantastic bunch of girls. Your smiles and laughter made the stressful days so much better.
To the folks in SOCC-You guys built a department out of nothing and made it run like clockwork. Be very proud you did wonderfully. I would kill for an egg mcmuffin right now.
To the ramppies-Thank you so much, your a fine bunch of young men and I will miss you. I hope to see all of you out there in the Aircraft industry.
To the folks at Aerotech-Thanks for putting up with me. The changes I have seen are amazing. You have some great hardworking people there and I pray the future brings you nothing but prosperity.
To everyone-Thank you for the laughter, support, encouragement, and memories. I shall cherish them and take them with me always. I have never enjoyed a job or the people at that job so much.

Well I am going to shut up now and head to Starbucks.

To those that desire to vent, or make negative comments, please don't it has been a bloody hard couple of weeks for all of us and it would be nice to hear from those with something good to say.

Doug

[Sasquash]

Kuddos and lots of class, congratulations. Sad thing to happen just before Xmas. Hope things get better soon for all the staff

[Doc]

Doug, thanks for sharing that.
It's always a sad day when a company shuts it's door, and people lose their jobs.
Good luck with the future.

[tsgas]

Doug that was good of you to set the record straight. Regardless of what the naysayers post, have yourself ,along with your family and friends a Merry Christmas and continue with your positive attitude towards life.

[Dog Driver]

Doug,

Well said. The Swanberg family were fantistic people and great employers back in the day. It is sad to see Sylvan's dream airline come to an end. Over the years, there were a lot of dedicated employees working to make Swanberg a fantastic airline.

It is very unfortunate to hear about this happening right before Christmas. I wish all of those hardworking, deserving employees the best of luck in the hunt for a new job. May the Christmas spirit and the hand of god be with you.

Word-up,
Dog Driver

[scopiton]

...

[sky's the limit]

I have edited this thread to remove a few posts that will only serve to incite.

I have also highlighted a line in Doug's first post. I understand there are some seriously negative aspects to this issue, but that said, if you cannot post in a fashion that is respectful, constructive, and will add something to the dialogue, then your post will be removed and you will be given a small vacation for your efforts. Zero tolerance on this so we are clear.

Keep it civil, and the discussion over the closure and the company's time operating can continue.

stl

[helidoug]

I have edited this thread to remove a few posts that will only serve to incite.

I have also highlighted a line in Doug's first post. I understand there are some seriously negative aspects to this issue, but that said, if you cannot post in a fashion that is respectful, constructive, and will add something to the dialogue, then your post will be removed and you will be given a small vacation for your efforts. Zero tolerance on this so we are clear.

Keep it civil, and the discussion over the closure and the company's time operating can continue.

stl

Thank you sky's the limit.

[cdnpilot77]

What a terrible thing to happen at any time of year let alone just before the holidays! Thank you for sharing your thoughts Doug. I hope the road ahead is smoother for you and all those now out of work. Can you give some insight into how many pilots, maintenance personal, csr's, rampies, etc are affected by this turn? Maybe some people will have a greater appreciation for the sheer number of families affected both directly and indirectly instead of posting mindlessly with their own agenda. All the best!

CP77

[helidoug]

What a terrible thing to happen at any time of year let alone just before the holidays! Thank you for sharing your thoughts Doug. I hope the road ahead is smoother for you and all those now out of work. Can you give some insight into how many pilots, maintenance personal, csr's, rampies, etc are affected by this turn? Maybe some people will have a greater appreciation for the sheer number of families affected both directly and indirectly instead of posting mindlessly with their own agenda. All the best!

CP77

Thank you for your kind thoughts CP77

I dont know the exact numbers but atleast 30 families are facing the reality of what has just happened, not to mention the loss to the family who has invested so much into this. It will also of course affect the companies that they did business with and whom provided good and services to them. Less work will likely mean layoffs for them as well.

Its so much more than just the loss of jobs though. There are people who have been with the company for a very long time that have worked rediculously long hours and very very hard to try and make something of it. There are folks who came on in the last few months who really believed in what they were doing and becoming a part of, and there are folks who relocated, gave up other jobs, and came on board very recently.

Like I said earlier, the loss of a company is the loss of jobs today and in the future. Small companies like this offer people without a lot of hours or experience a chance to get those hours and experience.

[Cat Driver]

I find something like this to be very difficult to read.

I want all of you affected by this to know that most of us have been in similar positions but somehow in the end things got better.

If you have your health and your family behind you that is the most important thing in life.

Take care.

. ..

[4hrstovegas]

To a great group of people flying the line and working the ground there: I hope a healthy severance will ease the season, and--as we said last night-- "to greener pastures and bluer skies." Chins up, you guys!

[High and Behind]

Thank you Doug for putting together a thoughtful and tactful response to an otherwise difficult situation.
Regardless of the circumstances of the closure of your company and where the blame may lie, all of us know deep down that good people will struggle as a result. Families and relationships will be further tested by the strains of looking for new employment in an industry that can be very demanding. And at time of year when we should be celebrating and embracing joy and happiness, not standing in the unemployment line.

Good luck to all of you

H&B

[skyburner]

Thank-you, Doug, for your candor and wonderful words. You are a class act all the way! I am proud to have been associated with you and all the incredible staff. Good luck to one and all in your futures.

Chris.

[helidoug]

Thank-you, Doug, for your candor and wonderful words. You are a class act all the way! I am proud to have been associated with you and all the incredible staff. Good luck to one and all in your futures.

Chris.

Thanks Chris and to you too. Please wish your family a very merry christmas for me.

[hezi]

Doug you are an awesome man! I loved having you in our home and all the laughter that everyone shared. This is indeed one of the hardest situations I have had to go through. So much is lost, for our family here and for the family that was Swanberg. Our Son was always so excited to go into work every day. He actually could not wait, his drives in with Chris each day. Chatting with the pilots he learned so much.
Thank you for being you, and for our other party guests, they will always be in my heart!
Love to all and Merry Christmas
Heather

[helidoug]

Doug you are an awesome man! I loved having you in our home and all the laughter that everyone shared. This is indeed one of the hardest situations I have had to go through. So much is lost, for our family here and for the family that was Swanberg. Our Son was always so excited to go into work every day. He actually could not wait, his drives in with Chris each day. Chatting with the pilots he learned so much.
Thank you for being you, and for our other party guests, they will always be in my heart!
Love to all and Merry Christmas
Heather

Your son did a great job and is a fine young man. You have a beautiful family Heather and I too enjoyed meeting you very much. Have a wonderful holiday and try not to worry. A door closing just means a better one is about to open.

[Flybabe]

Best wishes to you all. It'll all work out in the end (I hate it when people say that, but it's true).

[sanjet]

So sorry to hear the news Doug. I can related to your situation like most airline personnel have at least once in their careers. Wish you the best. This industry is hard sometimes.

[Flybabe]

.. I can relate to your situation like most airline personnel have at least once in their careers....

I was in that category, too. Sucks.

[loopa]

With a thread like that one can only imagine your class act Doug. Good things are on your path, and take time and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. You'll be asking for it when you're at FL320 next year soaring high and fast!

Keep your chin up, there's light at the end of the tunnel - everything happens for a reason; and I'm a firm believer that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

All the best -

[helidoug]

I would very much like to say thank you for all the kind responses and well wishes.

As I said I dont often post on here, but Saturday I really needed a place to say some stuff. I was warned that it could go sideways and get ugly. I had faith that if asked folks would respect my request to keep it freindly and positive and they did.

So to those whom have replied with kind words and wishes for better time. Thank you.

For those who did not post anything angry or negative, I am very grateful. Sometimes saying nothing is hardest of all.

A good freind of mine once told me, "when God closes one door, he always opens another" I do believe that so onwards and upwards.

Merry Christmas All

[JWflightcrew]

This can be tough during the Holiday season; I wish everyone involved a quick recovery. Although we may not have specific positions available, I encourage you to apply at West Wind Aviation as there are some vacancies.

[helidoug]

This can be tough during the Holiday season; I wish everyone involved a quick recovery. Although we may not have specific positions available, I encourage you to apply at West Wind Aviation as there are some vacancies.

Outstandingly good of you to post this JWflightcrew. Thanks. I will pass on to the good folks here.

[PostmasterGeneral]

Best of luck to everyone who was put out of a job!