Lowdown on Sunwest Aviation

[bombardierfixer]

So, Anyone work at Sunwest YYC? They keep posting ad's and I sort of consider it but I don't know. I've never really heard anyone say they really like it there. I have heard money issues being a problem as well as it can be pretty clicky. But the sources of these storys probably did a pretty good job of ostrisising themselves any way. Well if you have a opinon shout it out.

[MCRS]

I'd be interested in information as well. I had an interview with them a few years ago but decided I wanted to work else where so didn't accept the offer. The People doing the interiew seemed pretty straight up to me during the interview process. What's it like in real life there on the floor? Appeas to be a good outfit to work for from the outside looking in anyways!

[Ballsssssss]

I worked there on evening shift while I was going to school at SAIT many years ago...1600 to 2400 4 days a week. I enjoyed it, but that was a long time ago. One of my friends who got hired with me stayed and is still there...If it was terrible I think he would have moved on. Good opportunity to get some type courses.

[avyonx]

It depends on if you're licensed or not. If you aren't then you'll find yourself doing DI's for a few years before they think they can trust you. Then you might get to assist an engineer in troubleshooting. If you get on the bad side of a crew chief though kiss you career good bye there they are very clicky!! Other than that, great benefits and work environment. They do have a tight pay scale so if you want money you have to be typed or have at least some fleet experience. Hope that helps.

[markymarkl]

Pay scales?????? I applied and ask for the pay scales and was told you have to negotiate your wage. I told the nice HR lady those day's are gone!!

If they would post a wage scale they may get more applicants.

[avyonx]

If you have an M1 with 5 years experience on Type you're looking at 26-28/Hr. M1 and M2 with type training just keep adding $1 for what you have on top of that. There's your pay scale. You'll max out around $32 unless you're a crew chief. No License $16ish

[markymarkl]

How do people live in AB on those wages???? Look at mls.ca $$$$$$$$ not wonder they always have job postings.

Thanx for the info!!!!

[qa guy]

They do have a sweet diverse fleet though!

[markymarkl]

True but that don't put food on the plate or a roof over your head

[qa guy]

Dont you think negotiating a wage is better than pay scales? I would much rather be paid based on performance, than have some dogger get paid more because he has been there longer. Where is the incentive to really work well and hard when your raises are predetermined. I guess you may take a hit at first until you prove yourself.
Those wages posted there by avyonx are pretty crappy though. Especially from what I hear cost of living is out there.

[markymarkl]

Dont you think negotiating a wage is better than pay scales? I would much rather be paid based on performance, than have some dogger get paid more because he has been there longer. Where is the incentive to really work well and hard when your raises are predetermined. I guess you may take a hit at first until you prove yourself.
Those wages posted there by avyonx are pretty crappy though. Especially from what I hear cost of living is out there.

I agree with you to a certain extent when it comes to negotiating a wage and proving yourself, but if a company wants to attract people that have the qualifications maybe they should at least present a decent wage scale.

Companies should take a look at the cost of living in there areas of operation and not wages across Canada.

I field calls from employers and they can't understand why they can't get folks to come and work for them.

I suggest paying them a decent wage!!!!! The general response is we DO! 14.00-16.00 bucks per hr. (but to live here it will cost you 25-30 per hr.)

So then I ask whats the cost of living? The response generally is "CRAZY expensive".

So back to the pay scale thing- if they want people to come and work for them at least give them an idea before hand on what they may get for pay.

IMHO

[Pat Richard]

Exactly, and if being interviewed either on the phone or in person, get the wage amount somewhere near the beginning.
My experience has been in the past that the employer will go on about diverse fleet, room for advancement(whatever the fcuk that means as an AME)closeness of golf courses, etc for an hour, before I had to bring up wages. Almost always the whole process ended there. I was in the midst of hanging up one time, and I could hear the guy asking me to still send in a copy of my license . On top of the wage, looks like you would also be entitled to working a night shift. Wow, the line starts behind me, no shoving...

"Sweet diverse fleet", gawd, try that line on a financial lender if you want to see real laughter. A newb perhaps?

[markymarkl]

LOL right on!!!!!!!!!!!!

[qa guy]

Very well put dude!!!

[brownbear]

They do have a sweet diverse fleet though!

That makes for annoying maintenance IMOP. Definitely you don't get tired of same type. But it makes troubleshooting difficult with no crossover parts etc. As well if your constantly jumping around between types it is very difficult to become an expert or solidly experienced on type.

Me I would prefer to work at place with less airplanes and more of the same type.

Also I would interested on how many licenced guys to how many airplanes there are. Two to three per AME is doable. But anymore than that and you can't keep on top of seeing it all and building a memory of the work accomplished on each one.
The absolute best scenario is one AME to one Plane. That's how I have worked for the last few years.

[qa guy]

You are correct!

[qa guy]

[quote="qa guy"]I completely agree! When you have ten other aircraft of the same type, it makes our job easier. Whether its swapping parts, or memorizing part numbers with repetition.
However, in our line of work change is nice. I know I still get excited when I'm assingned an engine change, instead of another routine inspection.
One aircraft to one AME.........that would be one easy work day! NICE!!!

[MCRS]

I'm living that life right now, it's not that exciting in fact it is pretty boring if the plane is in good shape!
I am essentially working part time on the Aircraft and full time on the paperwork for maintaining it in a
foreign country. Africans Love paperwork, and I thought Transport was Bad! I have a Transport inspection
here every Three to Six months (Depending on how they feel!) The is all curtousy of the Russian planes
that keep crashing or doing bonehead areial manuovers here! Classic example, the main international Airport
here is one of the busiest in this area. They have the Aircraft stacked from 5,000 to 20,000 feet. Normal traffic
pattern is left hand here. Well our pilot was at 10,000 feet going in and saw a Russian heavy go wiping by
below him in the opposite direction. So He called the tower and let them know. They called the Transport and
they responded saying, "Right hand, left hand what's the difference!"
So we all pay for this kind of stupidity!
Sorry all for being off topic here!