privateer wrote:Turboprop F/O experience varies depending if they are needed in cargo or pax aircraft. Mr. Contrail requires that turboprop F/O's have a minimum of 200 hours PIC. So if you are coming from a CMA or something that didn't get you additional PIC beyond your typical commercial it can be a problem. All the time on type can not help you in that case.
They make sure that anybody hired as an F/O will have a clear route to getting an upgrade in the future. Usually 2-3 years to be Captain on a turboprop unless you have a lot of time and experience that meet the basic requirements. Not mention the right attitude.
I've got all the PIC time I need for Contrails and my ATPL, I'm just waiting on total time. Does the clear route to an upgrade include the multi-PIC for Contrails, or are there circumstances, besides moving to the Navajo, in which an ATPL alone would allow for an upgrade?
I'm very interested in working for Sunwest, but I'm not sure whether it's worth it to apply now or wait another year until I have more hours, which is why I'm curious about the usual hiring minima.
I can say with the utmost confidence that you require an internal reference to get looked at. Someone with all contrail met except total time is a perfect start to having your resume looked at.
YYC the place to be wrote:I can say with the utmost confidence that you require an internal reference to get looked at. Someone with all contrail met except total time is a perfect start to having your resume looked at.
I recently applied to Sunwest (YYC) for their Lear 55 FO position. They do a really good job of mentioning the benefits and perks, but does anyone have an idea of the pay structure for that position?
I'm very close to getting an upgrade to the left seat at my current company and want to decide if it's a good move for me.
You won't find any current employees posting pay scale info in the public forum they are bound by a confidentiality agreement. Apply as you did and all will be revealed in the interview if your contacted.
I'm hoping to find any current or more recent info in regards to Sunwest, specifically what the ramp wait times have been lately? I'm also inquiring as to whether it's possible to begin working on the ramp while in flight training?
Thanks
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Last edited by +RA on Sun Apr 28, 2013 2:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Sunwest sucks if you're not flying their jets. Fair sized waiting list for rampies, cargo ops takes a while to upgrade. A lot of complaining from crews.
I hear good things about Sunwest. Every company has its problems but I think thier's is pretty minuscule by comparison. Sure if you want to fly a jet it's a pretty sweet gig but the prop stuff is a lot of fun. They have one of the most diverse fleets in Canada if not North America and it is run by some of the most dedicated people in aviation. I know quite a few guys and gals who move on to WestJet and a few to AC. All around a great company to work for when you are in a big city such as Calgary. Their new hanger being built west of 16 is almost as big as WestJets.
Thanks for the info brooks. My main concern with Sunwest is their wait times on the ramp. My purpose for inquiring about the company was to find out whether it's possible to work the ramp towards a flying positions, while also in the process of working towards a CPL, as well as whether the wait times made this route worthwhile. If not, then my alternative would be head north to somewhere where there's a piloting position available with a far quicker ramp time, with the intention to apply later to Sunwest or the like with a bit more experience.
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Last edited by +RA on Sun Apr 28, 2013 2:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Though it is possible to go through the ramp program, you won't be going through with any real PIC time and will thus be stuck as an F/O for a while. I think the route they go is Ramp - Navajo FO - King Air/Metro FO - then PIC on something (I'm not completely sure of this though)
RealHigh wrote:Thanks for the info brooks. My main concern with Sunwest is their wait times on the ramp. My purpose for inquiring about the company was to find out whether it's possible to work the ramp towards a flying positions, while also in the process of working towards a CPL, as well as whether the wait times made this route worthwhile. If not, then my alternative would be head north to somewhere where there's a piloting position available with a far quicker ramp time, with the intention to apply later to Sunwest or the like with a bit more experience.
Hey, so here is the rundown. There are 14 ramp guys in waiting right now, there are 4 guys in the ramp/first officer position, and they get upgraded on an average of every year and a half. So You're looking at a 5 year wait on the ramp, to get into a position where you work ramp every other day, and fly the opposite days. Then you need to upgrade out of that position to get off the ramp fully, so expect another year and a half to get out of that position. Contrails keeps the progression pretty slow because the only machines most of the guys can move to are the king air and the metro.
brooks wrote:I hear good things about Sunwest. Every company has its problems but I think thier's is pretty minuscule by comparison. Sure if you want to fly a jet it's a pretty sweet gig but the prop stuff is a lot of fun. They have one of the most diverse fleets in Canada if not North America and it is run by some of the most dedicated people in aviation. I know quite a few guys and gals who move on to WestJet and a few to AC. All around a great company to work for when you are in a big city such as Calgary. Their new hanger being built west of 16 is almost as big as WestJets.
Cheers
The hangar is actually significantly bigger than WestJet's. It's supposed to be the biggest building on the field outside of the terminal building itself.
I should note that I'm currently in the process of completing my PPL flight training in Calgary, and that the purpose of my post was to see whether it'd be worthwhile to attempt to work the ramp on the side, which doesn't appear to be the case.
Thanks again for everyone who gave their input and advice.
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Last edited by +RA on Sun Apr 28, 2013 2:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.
The hangar is actually significantly bigger than WestJet's. It's supposed to be the biggest building on the field outside of the terminal building itself.
Just over 125,000 sq feet , with bays big enough for a BBJ.
