Leading Edge Geomatics

[BCpilot1990]

I was looking into this company and was just wondering if anyone had any information or past experiences of it that they would be interested in sharing.

[cncpc]

I was around there in 08 flying LIDAR. I think we did some work on sub from them, or we were cleaning up some job they did. At that time, they were a couple of ex Gagetown guys. I think they had some connection to Capital Air at one time and may have been using that Scotia Flight Center Navajo a bit.

Haven't heard anything negative. You thinking of flying there?

[all_ramped_up]

Heard positive things so far from one of my friends working in Maintenance there.

[Braaaap]

Does anyone have any updated information they could pass along? When is their survey season? How many hours could one expect to get?

[billgeno]

Does anyone have any updated information they could pass along? When is their survey season? How many hours could one expect to get?

I flew for Leading Edge mid-2015 until March 2016, and it was honestly a good first real operational job. In that timeframe, I saw about 700hrs. I was across Canada, down through the US and spent about 2 months in Puerto Rico. The things we got to do and see were amazing.

They fly LIDAR, Photo and Bathymetric LIDAR on 172s, a 206 and a PA31 Panther. MTCE is top notch and the Ops guys who look after the survey end are good guys. Most of them are ex-mil and will bust their ass to ensure success, yours and the company. When operating, it's always a Pilot and Survey operator, so there are always an extra set of eyes when working the lines.

As for their season, for the first time they are working year round - which is awesome. They operate in a very competitive market space and have partnered with some companies that will help their business expand greatly and open plenty of doors for contracts.

I would recommend flying for them to anyone in a heartbeat - as long as you are ok with the schedule. You are on an hour call, and weather days or between contracts are your days off. Even though they are working away from Fredericton, NB right now, it's highly suggested that you maintain somewhere to live in town as downtime does happen. It is an entry level position, so the pay is structured as such.

Take it for what you will. I have no affiliation with them aside from the friendships I still maintain with those who still work there.

HTH.

Bill

[bearitus]

Current Leading Edge pilot checking in.

I agree with what Bill said. Be prepared to work up to 150 hours a month some months and 20 on others when there are no active projects going on. You will be gone alot especially in the winter when there is snow on the ground in Canada. Conditions on the road are good and you will travel all throughout North America. Expect to fly about 600-700 hours a year. The pay is similar to instructing.

Overall it's a good entry level job and Fredericton is a cool little city.

[ryan_medevac]

Flew there in 2012/2013. Nothing but good things to say. I flew a lot. I had a lot of fun flying all over Canada and the North Eastern US and met some of my closest friends while I was out there. I did roughly 700 hours from March to December, hitting 150 in 30 days a couple times.

It's a great place to fly for your first job. The experiences you'll get there will build a solid foundation towards the rest of your career.

R