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Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:16 am
by lownslow
I don't plan to apply, but is this for real?
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=126450
One Navajo, looking for a
fourth manager, offering $48k/year to be a chief pilot. I know better paid FOs with 1/4 the experience on simpler equipment elsewhere. It also strongly appears as if men need not apply but that's just a wild guess.
So... think they'll find someone?
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:43 am
by Lightchop
They can pay less because it's Vancouver, and for some reason pilots like taking poor paying jobs to be able to remain in the most expensive city in Canada. It doesn't make sense but it's reality.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 12:46 pm
by bright
Good morning!
The feedback is both appreciated and now being considered. Thank you.
The range is $48,000-$60,000 depending on experience and yes may be appealing someone keen on a good schedule and lifestyle in Vancouver.
EVERYONE qualified is most welcome and encouraged to apply.
Have a good day!
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:24 pm
by trey kule
Well, I am awesome. i do not think there is any question about that.
Should I be asking my referrnces to comment on my awsomeness, or my flight/ management experience, and the abilty to subsist on generic KD?

Just kidding...Hope they can find someone qualified and competent at that wage point. Though I suspect the CP will also be their line pilot. 2 for 1.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:52 pm
by greygoose
I think they forgot to hit x2 on the calculator(at the least).
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 2:02 pm
by lownslow
trey kule wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:24 pmThough I suspect the CP will also be their line pilot.
...and training captain, HR, safety manager, rampie, part-time janitor, and so on.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 3:14 pm
by Cessna 180
You know you need to reevaluate your business model when your "start-up" is being roasted almost immediately after inception on Avcanada.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 3:44 pm
by bright
Thank you for the good information. It is genuinely appreciated.
Full time was not specified and the range was to invite those that might be interested in a light schedule with a single aircraft operation, I can see now that isn't clear nor helpful. I have updated the posting as full time so it better reflects the intentions.
It is indeed humbling to put oneself out here on Avcanada.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 7:47 pm
by photofly
Don't give up. Members of the AvCanada peanut gallery are quite friendly once you get to know them.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 7:28 am
by trey kule
On a more serious note, can a 703 ops have a part time CP?
I find it hard to see, with all TC’s personnel demands, how a one plane operation can make a go of it. Just to much TC mandated management and regulatory requirements
One plane ops are pretty much going the way of the dinasaur.
Perhaps it is just a start to expand. In that case a low salary plus stock incentives might work well.
The sense I get from the ad is these are well intentioned people who really are not up to speed on what it takes to succeed. I wish them luck.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:12 am
by Sharklasers
trey kule wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 7:28 am
On a more serious note, can a 703 ops have a part time CP?
I find it hard to see, with all TC’s personnel demands, how a one plane operation can make a go of it. Just to much TC mandated management and regulatory requirements
One plane ops are pretty much going the way of the dinasaur.
Perhaps it is just a start to expand. In that case a low salary plus stock incentives might work well.
The sense I get from the ad is these are well intentioned people who really are not up to speed on what it takes to succeed. I wish them luck.
Not saying this is the case but Maybe they have a Big ol pile of government money by virtue of being a native/women owned start up. In my experience those are the best operations to work for. If you take the need to generate profit out of the equation it makes for a much less stressful experience.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:18 am
by Zaibatsu
Who can make it with a single Navajo these days?
Companies went broke flying fleets of Navajos out of Vancouver. KD Air is the only one that’s managed to find a niche and eek out a humble living.
If you can’t do a sched or contract work.. you have to go charter. It’s so cheap to charter larger aircraft now that except for boutique small charters... a Navajo is way too small. Even the 1900’s days are waning as an effective charter machine. Look at the south side and most of your charter machines are Dash 8s, CRJs, BAe 146s, and 737s.
Of course none of this would be my problem as Chief Pilot. The problem with a light schedule is that it’s often not the schedule you want. I fly a gruelling number of hours a year, but I have blocks of scheduled days off where I don’t have to be anywhere near the airport.
I noticed the rates went up compared to the start of this thread. It’s a start, but anyone with the time is going to do a lot better elsewhere in this industry. I make a lot more than that with none of the responsibilities in a much cheaper place to live.
I wish you luck. You’re going to need it.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:20 am
by bright
Nothing like a dumpster fire right off the bat to keep ya humble!
Witnessing folks that really care about their fellow pilots and the integrity of the community and the industry.
Lots of experience, insight, and wisdom being shared. Remarks around the challenges of navigating regulatory demands, starting up with a single Navajo with a plan to grow slow, steady and smart from there, and the realities of what it takes to make it - are insightful and right on point. Thank you. I am able to carry all or a good part of the regulatory and flying load, mindful that enough time is carved out for good systems and for business development the thinking was that this might be a good opportunity for someone looking for something that fit with their lifestyle or to expand a desired skillset. Having an awesome full-time Chief Pilot onboard fully engaged contributing to building a solid foundation is also super great.
It will certainly be hard work, so the well wishes are truly appreciated.
With respect and gratitude,
Teara Fraser
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:26 am
by trey kule
Does anyone know the answer...Does TC allow part time CPs in 703 ops?
Nothing to do with this thread, but of much interest to me.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:52 am
by jonnytwoshoes
703.07 (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an applicant shall have
(a) a management organization capable of exercising operational control;
(b) managerial personnel who have been approved by the Minister in accordance with the Commercial Air Service Standards, are employed on a full-time basis and perform the functions related to the following positions, namely,
(i) operations manager,
(ii) chief pilot, and
(iii) where the applicant does not hold an approved maintenance organization (AMO) certificate, maintenance manager;
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 10:11 am
by trey kule
Jonny., Thanks for taking the time to reference and post.
I was a bit confused (more than usual) by the comments about light work schedules that seemed to indicate a part time position was possible.
Three full time management positions. One plane that typically will allocate about 25% of gross revenues to G&A. Tough slog. I hope expansion is not based on retained earnings.
Years ago, one person could hold all three positions. Is that still possible?
What does a Navajo typically gross per hour or flight time in BC?
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 11:22 am
by Lightchop
trey kule wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:26 am
Does anyone know the answer...Does TC allow part time CPs in 703 ops?
Nothing to do with this thread, but of much interest to me.
Yes they do.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 12:16 pm
by trey kule
Interesting lightchop....did you read what jonnytwoshoes posted?
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 12:43 pm
by gooseinbc
Zaibatsu wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:18 am
Companies went broke flying fleets of Navajos out of Vancouver. KD Air is the only one that’s managed to find a niche and eek out a humble living.
KD down from 13 pilots in april to one 500hr captain a couple 250hr wonder copilots with fresh PCCs and has no CP. All flights cancelled today...
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 12:51 pm
by lownslow
Lightchop wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 11:22 am
trey kule wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:26 am
Does anyone know the answer...Does TC allow part time CPs in 703 ops?
Yes they do.
No they do not, at least according to the CARS.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:07 pm
by trey kule
KD down from 13 pilots in april to one 500hr captain a couple 250hr wonder copilots with fresh PCCs and has no CP. All flights cancelled today...
Hmmmmm. Maybe there is an opportunity presenting itself.
And if awesomeness trumps flight experience, maybe companies can find Cpts for 30k a year, and FOs for bus fare and commissary.
On the other hand, expanding in this market where the majors are taking the cream of the crop right out of flight school, crewing might be a challange. Though west coast flying with its 10k foot runways, 365 day a year clear skies , and table top flat geography should make for easy flying
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:37 pm
by jonnytwoshoes
Although I have never heard of a part time Chief Pilot, I suppose it is possible. Transport Canada does make exceptions/exemptions sometimes based on the scope and size of an operation. For example, the management positions of Operations Manager and Chief Pilot being held by one person is not unusual for small operators.
I wish Iskwewair all the best with their startup.
As we all know, right now, the aviation industry is not geared toward the small operator being successful but there is still a place for them. Not everyone wants to work for the Airlines. Getting and retaining the right people makes all the difference...... finding these 'right' people takes creativity and out of the box thinking.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 4:22 pm
by Lightchop
lownslow wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 12:51 pm
Lightchop wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 11:22 am
trey kule wrote: ↑Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:26 am
Does anyone know the answer...Does TC allow part time CPs in 703 ops?
Yes they do.
No they do not, at least according to the CARS.
They might be listed as a "full time" employee, but I've worked at companies where the CP was on call and worked at another airline.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 4:30 pm
by eyes_to_the_skies
A bunch of bitter dream crushers on here. This sounds like a really cool outfit. Something you negitive Nancy’s can talk about at FL300. Exactly where you belong while your FMS blows smoke up your ass, telling you how cool you are.
Re: Iskwew Air
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 5:56 pm
by Cat Driver
Having looked at the info about you on the internet I like your enthusiasm and your energy to get things done.
I have been around aviation for a very long time and it is nice to see someone working toward something they want.
I copied this because it will be your biggest headache as Canada is so over regulated it is criminal, my advice is keep the paper work moving and it will keep them happy.
♥ Ability to meet the CAR’s requirements and responsibilities for 703 Chief Pilot and have demonstrated knowledge/ability to navigate the Transport Canada regulatory landscape
It is impossible for anyone to understand their regulatory landscape because it is so blurred you can't really see or understand it.
. ..