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Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:11 pm
by ScudRunner
boeingboy wrote: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.
The new Hangar is already too small for their fleet.
Marinth wrote: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.
Metros are cargo machines so contrails does not apply however they are not an hour builder.
If you are currently training in Calgary whats the harm in getting in line while you finish your ratings, who knows what will happen. Why not get some exposure to a commercial operation and continue to look elsewhere, as far as I know their is not a bond on the tugs or forklifts. Just remember those 14 ramp guys waiting will all go flying someday somewhere and they could be your in at another gig down the line, not to mention the 150 pilots that might help you with a lead on another job or once you have time your known to the company keep all options open.
Or you could go flip burgers whatever floats your boat.
Just remember kids PIC and especially MPIC are king in Alberta, I would advise noobs to head north or wherever before coming back to Alberta or trying to start out here.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 7:23 pm
by boeingboy
The new Hangar is already too small for their fleet.
Yes - I know......
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:48 pm
by +RA
. wrote:I would advise noobs to head north or wherever before coming back to Alberta or trying to start out here.
That's my plan, or possibly instructing then heading north (medium spoon if anyone read x15's post under the "LOW TIME PILOT JOB IN GTA CANADA" thread).
As for getting a job on the ramp for the experience and contacts, it's tough decision for me, as I'm not sure whether its worthwhile for at the moment. I currently have a job where the schedule suits me fairly well, as I am also in my last semester of grade twelve, and which most likely pays better than a ramp job. With the current wait times on the ramp, on top of the difficulty I'd have fitting it into my schedule, I'm not sure working on the ramp is worthwhile at this point.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:59 pm
by thepriceisright
Hey everyone,
Just wondering the background of this company and how it cares for it's employees. I've got some turbine time, hardly any PIC though. And don't know anyone in the company. If like some more information as to how the employees like the company!
Thanks!
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 6:38 pm
by Prairiefire
5 year wait on the ramp
Say again?
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:43 pm
by PostmasterGeneral
Way back in the day when I started at Sunwest I had just finished my MIFR when I started on the ramp. I think I was on the ramp about 6-8 months before I moved up to the Navajo. Ramp guys now are waiting about 2.5-3 years for a shot on the flight line.
It would absolutely benefit you to get on there as soon as you possibly can and finish your training while you ramp.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 9:48 pm
by privateer
+1
That is pretty much what I did. Kill two birds with one stone.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 5:15 am
by Prairiefire
Hopefully they have the PSTAR study guide on hand in the rampie office.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 1:57 pm
by ScudRunner
Prairiefire wrote:5 year wait on the ramp
Say again?
Just asked a noob today who got on flying a few months ago it was 2 years
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 6:14 pm
by Prairiefire
Well that's not too bad for YYC, not ideal but the northern ops are back logged to the same point these days.
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 6:02 pm
by Jack In The Box
Can anyone tell me the payscale and schedule? Does Sunwest have jumpseat agreements at all? feel free to PM
Re: Sunwest Aviation
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:56 pm
by co-joe
thepriceisright wrote:Hey everyone,
Just wondering the background of this company and how it cares for it's employees. I've got some turbine time, hardly any PIC though. And don't know anyone in the company. If like some more information as to how the employees like the company!
Thanks!
The background of Sunwest started as the Scodople (sp?) Brothers Air Service. the late Gord Laing purchased the company.
Home Aviation started as the corporate flight department of Home Oil. When they sold it off, Richard Hotchkiss bought it. After Gord Laing's death in a tragic accident, the two companies merged into what they are today.
At least thats how I heard it.