Skylink express worth it?

[YHMsandwich]

What’s the deal with skylink?

Pay?
Aircraft condition?
Management ok to work with?
Per deims, bonuses?
General conditions?

I hear they are upgrading 700 hour co pilots lol, and are hurting for pilots as everyone is leaving by the masses.

[Heavy Rayn]

Pay is bad, last I heard some do not have GPS yet. How’s one supposed to fly a magenta line without a GPS? I’ve flown other Beechcraft turbines, but not the 1900 and I hear the 1900 is pretty fun so that’s a positive. It’s not a lifelong spot but you’ll likely get some good experience in the time that you work there. Lots of night flying. Based off your username I’d imagine there would be some pros to a YHM base with them.

As far as upgrading 700 hour copilots I was under the impression that you needed minimum 800 hours to work there (contract requirement perhaps?). So I assume you mean 700 with company, which would make sense as 800+700=Magic ole 1500.

Like I said, I’m not overly familiar with them, but from what I’ve heard if you’re an 800 hour pilot and want to step into the turbine world it’s probably not the worst spot you could start, but there are better spots as well.

[ant_321]

I’m not sure if it’s changed, but last I heard there is no payscale. Year one is the same as year 10. So you basically take a paycut every year. I believe the captain pay was $50k. Not sure about fo.

[scdriver]

I’m not sure if it’s changed, but last I heard there is no payscale. Year one is the same as year 10. So you basically take a paycut every year. I believe the captain pay was $50k. Not sure about fo.

Christ... I sure hope they keep hurting for pilots. I would never take a job like that for 50K in the left seat, especially for a place that's too cheap to put even a G430 in their machines

[YHMsandwich]

I have flown a few beech turbine airframes with over 3000 hours.
I was considering applying as left seat there but going off what you both are saying I think I will stay clear. I know someone there and he said it’s a toxic atmosphere with the pilots treated poorly.
I wanted to ask you guys on here in case he was just having a bad day.
50k with no scale is sad as with no GPS in todays world…

[Blackdog0301]

The pilot group voted to Unionize late last year. Last I heard, they are in the early stages of getting the first contract secured. Better pay is at the top of the list. Currently, FO's make 31500 regardless of base, captain's make 60-70k depending on your base. One year training bond in place for both seats.

Before all the pilots started leaving, the schedule was definitely the selling point... Home every night, most weekends and holidays off. But they've lost a significant amount of pilots the past couple months, and it seems they're losing them faster than they can replace. So most folks are working 5 days per week plus a reserve or two. Pilots do most of the loading and offloading, so that kinda sucks when it's -/+40 degrees outside. As someone said, they have a couple planes yet to be equipped with an IFR GPS, so those ones are stuck flying with conventional navaids. Regardless of equipment though, the company doesn't do RNAV approaches. So you'll get very comfortable hand flying ILS, VOR, NDB, and circling approaches very quickly. Oh yea, and no autopilot. There's a single plane that does have autopilot. The rest don't. Planes are getting old and worn. Many of their planes haven't been painted in 2 or 3 decades. Maintenance is definitely kept busy keeping them airworthy. But the 1900s are definitely a lot of fun to fly.

Aside from the shitty pay and schedule, they are treated pretty decently. Pilots don't get pressured to fly if conditions are unsafe, deicing is never frowned upon... The company will back you up on your decisions 95% of the time.

In the end, it's not the worst job out there, but it's certainly not the best.

[vanislepilot]

From last I heard they are foregoing the bond thing. Likely to attract and retain more pilots as they are now in a skeleton crew situation.

31500 a year is not nearly enough to sustain cost of living in the GTA, especially when you require a car to get to the airport.

Planes are incredibly outdated. Yes your hand flying skills will improve however with the way aviation and technology is going, having a working knowledge of autopilot and FMS is more important in my opinion.

It's an option but I think there is better out there.

[Flight94]

What’s the deal with skylink?

Pay?
Aircraft condition?
Management ok to work with?
Per deims, bonuses?
General conditions?

I hear they are upgrading 700 hour co pilots lol, and are hurting for pilots as everyone is leaving by the masses.

Pay is 31.5k/60k for YHM and YMX, 33.5k/70k for YVR and YWG.

Aircraft are old, but the important stuff works most of the time. High turnover rate with AME's. Some good, some not so much. A couple planes don't have GPS, it isn't really a big deal, you fly the same routes day after day. Yes you might have to fly a LOC or NDB approach *OMG*!! You have a company supplied iPad with ForeFlight.

I worked there for over 3 years and never spoke to management other than the CP, and that was rare. I consider that a good thing.

Per diems are low, I think I averaged around $120/month. I'm sure that depends on what base you're at.

Bonuses? LOL. Actually there is a Christmas bonus, I think 50 bucks per year of service.

Overall, I enjoyed my time there. Good flying with some great people. Very casual, informal. No pressure to fly overweight or below minimums or anything like that. Training is fast paced and on wing, to a high standard. You WILL be a better pilot having worked there.

I can guarantee there are no 700hr pilots upgrading. The captain requirement is 2000hrs, but you get double credit internally for time on type. So if you get hired at 800hrs, you'd still have to fly 600hrs before upgrading. There may be a few exceptions.

If you do decide to stick around long enough upgrade, every captain I know including myself went straight into a 737/57/67 after a year or two in the left seat. Sunwing, WestJet, Swoop, Flair, CargoJet etc. If big jets aren't your thing, then you will be qualified for the many direct entry captain jobs that are available. Upgrades are fast these days, 6 months if you have the hours.

The union will be very interesting, given the reluctance of the company to spend money. Pay is the number one priority. If it substantially raised, I'd say it might actually be a pretty decent place to work.

[Cavalier44]

I have flown a few beech turbine airframes with over 3000 hours.
I was considering applying as left seat there but going off what you both are saying I think I will stay clear. I know someone there and he said it’s a toxic atmosphere with the pilots treated poorly.
I wanted to ask you guys on here in case he was just having a bad day.
50k with no scale is sad as with no GPS in todays world…

If you are interested in residing in/being based out of YHM, why not skip Skylink and apply directly with Cargojet?

Cargojet previously had a policy of hiring FOs with exclusively jet experience, my understanding is that they have now reversed that hiring policy and some new hire FOs in the March/April ground schools were previously Captains on turboprop aircraft at other operators without any prior jet time.

If you have +3000 hours total time with a portion of that being turboprop PIC experience, they may be interested in interviewing you. It doesn't hurt to submit an application and see what happens.

[Don Cherry]

What’s the deal with skylink?

Pay?
Aircraft condition?
Management ok to work with?
Per deims, bonuses?
General conditions?

I hear they are upgrading 700 hour co pilots lol, and are hurting for pilots as everyone is leaving by the masses.

Avoid, avoid and avoid. If you still want to give it a try, the pros are that the clueless CP left recently and the union will probably get things a bit better. Cons the list is huge... to list a few:
- If you have a bad back you'll be in pain everyday, if you don't have a bad back, you'll have a bad back. Loading and Offloading sucks. 1900Cs are too small! Usually it's just 2 pilots + 1 ups driver to offload/load 3000-4000 lbs.
- Skylink is authorized to run those PT-6 to 12.000 hrs before overhaul. Of course, they buy then already used with around 8000/9000 hours and usually they are gone by 10500/11000. How do you know? You'll lose power and that plane will be grounded for days until they repair/find a new one (new one with 10000hrs!)
- Schedule is good but no. Yes it's Monday to Friday but it changes constantly, almost every day... and they release it usually at the last day of the month. Now with the lack of pilots, expect to work your ass off and to shuffle between their bases.
- Vacation is a hassle to get. They don't allow vacation in NOV/DEC
- Zero benefits (I don't consider 10% off at Mark's a benefit!)

As your alias suggest you're looking for YHM, I'd try Voyager first. It's the same schedule (Monday to Friday) but the pay is better with some benefits and at least you'll be flying a Dash 8 with autopilot. That's my 2 cents.

[Turboprops]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

[Flight94]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's really sad to hear about the 400hr guy. One, for the lack of experience and two, that they hired a guy that just bought his hours.

[digits_]

What's wrong or 'sad' about a 400 hour guy working as an FO at Skylink express?

[mmm..bacon]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's really sad to hear about the 400hr guy. One, for the lack of experience and two, that they hired a guy that just bought his hours.

How did you get to 1, 10, 50, 100, 200 hours? That's right, you bought them! You don't know *anything* about the 400 hours at all, and so have no basis for judgement as to how this person got them... And, what's the difference between a 200 hr CPL with no commercial experience, and a 400 hour pilot with no commercial experience - other than 200 hours.

What a ridiculous comment.

[Don Cherry]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's why I called the former CP clueless, I didn't mean to be disrespectful... but man, that dude isn't near close to be ready for such a position. This same type of shit happened to all pilots. When contacted, he never replied the calls, emails, etc.

[C-GGGQ]

@#$! off. He’s got more “experience” than a low time instructor by flying his own plane around. 1900 isn’t special 250 hr wonder is enough for that.

[Flight94]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's really sad to hear about the 400hr guy. One, for the lack of experience and two, that they hired a guy that just bought his hours.

How did you get to 1, 10, 50, 100, 200 hours? That's right, you bought them! You don't know *anything* about the 400 hours at all, and so have no basis for judgement as to how this person got them... And, what's the difference between a 200 hr CPL with no commercial experience, and a 400 hour pilot with no commercial experience - other than 200 hours.

What a ridiculous comment.

The only option prior to CPL is buying hours. After that, I have more respect for someone who found someone to pay him for those hours. Not much different than buying a type rating. Just my opinion, don't lose sleep over it.

[digits_]

Imagine if the guy liked to fly an bought his own airplane... Maybe he did his CPL on his own airplane as well and actually spent less for his 400 hours than you did for your 200 hours.


I'd highly recommend any pilot to buy their own airplane at some point. It's a whole different ballgame to fly in challenging conditions when you -and only you- are responsible to fix the airplane if something breaks, or if you cause excessive wear and tear. That includes arranging maintenance in a remote field, getting yourself and pax home if you're stranded etc.

[JHR]

"Yes your hand flying skills will improve however with the way aviation and technology is going, having a working knowledge of autopilot and FMS is more important in my opinion."

Couldn't be more wrong....

[Scuderia]

"Yes your hand flying skills will improve however with the way aviation and technology is going, having a working knowledge of autopilot and FMS is more important in my opinion."

Couldn't be more wrong....

Seconded.

[flaminghotdog]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's why I called the former CP clueless, I didn't mean to be disrespectful... but man, that dude isn't near close to be ready for such a position. This same type of shit happened to all pilots. When contacted, he never replied the calls, emails, etc.

Welp that same “clueless” CP is now the assistant CP at pasco 🫢

[ant_321]

"Yes your hand flying skills will improve however with the way aviation and technology is going, having a working knowledge of autopilot and FMS is more important in my opinion."

Couldn't be more wrong....

Seconded.

Thirdeded. From a guy who mainly flys with people who came out of flight school onto a Boeing.

[goingmissed]

"Yes your hand flying skills will improve however with the way aviation and technology is going, having a working knowledge of autopilot and FMS is more important in my opinion."

Couldn't be more wrong....

Seconded.

Thirdeded. From a guy who mainly flys with people who came out of flight school onto a Boeing.

Second squared.

The number of people I have flown with who are a "gear up - autopilot on" and "minimums, continue - autopilot disengaged" type of pilot astounds me. I much prefer to hand fly the airplane as much as possible because it's fun.

As for the safety aspect... one day there will be an issue that requires to to hand fly an approach. If you never practise, will you be able to rise to the day's challenge?

[Don Cherry]

Skylink hired a 400 hour pilot last month, the new hire had no commercial experience, bought a plane and flew around to 400 hours then got hired. I take they’re hurting for pilots.

Interviewed with them pre covid, god what a mess.
Told me they’d call me between 0800-1400, who gives a 6 hours window then DON’T CALL? Called back just after 1400 and the CP was like “ohhhhhhhhh yes we have an interview today.”
Ended up giving me a caravan captain job (40k/yr) even though I applied for B1900 FO, no thanks.

That's why I called the former CP clueless, I didn't mean to be disrespectful... but man, that dude isn't near close to be ready for such a position. This same type of shit happened to all pilots. When contacted, he never replied the calls, emails, etc.

Welp that same “clueless” CP is now the assistant CP at pasco 🫢

That shows you how broken the canadian aviation is
I guess we can now include pasco in the list of companies to avoid

[Flight94]

Not sure why the shade towards the CP, I always thought he was good to work for. That was the impression of all my coworkers as well at the time.