Pacific Wings

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So how else are pilot who aren't getting their CFI's with low time supposed to build turbine time? I'm sure no one wants to make it a career, but rather build TT until they have enough to work elsewhere?
 
cmhumphr said:
So how else are pilot who aren't getting their CFI's with low time supposed to build turbine time? I'm sure no one wants to make it a career, but rather build TT until they have enough to work elsewhere?
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Dude..... ANYWHERE but here.... anywhere...

you really want to throw bags and check people in for the chance to sit right seat.... for the chance to sit left seat.

Sure, they'll pay you $8/hr for it....

you want some good experience, go look anywhere else. Heck, anyone on this website could probably hook you up with a low-timer job. Look up the Less than 1000 hour thread (low TT thread, whatever)....

we're simply saying.... the effort you put in to applying/accepting/working at PW/GS/NMA is a complete waste. You'll eventually get fired for something...
 
"we're simply saying.... the effort you put in to applying/accepting/working at PW/GS/NMA is a complete waste. You'll eventually get fired for something..."

Ditto x 1000

I flew out there on my own dime, waited 3 hours PAST my interview time for the owner to show up for what amounted to a 15 minute interview. The chief pilot never bothered to show up to give me a sim test. I took a piss test and flew back home. I was never offered anything, but later I read all pilots got fired a month later. I was glad nothing came of it, considering my wife was pregnant at the time. Tho, she was a good sport about it.

First off, you have to pay to fly out for the interview (wich is pretty pricey considering the job wage and high turnover rate - it's like paying $500 to interview as a bagger at Safeway). Then, you will have to move all your crap out there and find a way to live on 2k a month in Hawaii. The scheduling system is jacked up and you'll have to be there 12+ hours out of the day loading luggage/working the counter if not flying. If Gabe gets a wild hair up his ass he'll fire you for nothing. Because after all, there are TONS of people who don't know any better waiting in line for that sweet, sweet T-time. Think about the money needed to move back out if that were to happen.

Second, This guy Gabe has had a few run-ins with the law out in Hawaii. From what I've read NOBODY likes PW out there, and the security staff at the airport and the locals out there aren't shy to show it. He has canceled some of the routes (ones that some locals depend on to get from island to island) and he's jacked up the rates. This is all searchable in Google. Bottom line: You'll be island-hopping tourists in questionably maintained aircraft, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, treated like crap by the owner and the locals, all for the sake of getting some T-time.

I understand that most companies out there treat their pilots in a similar fashion, and unfortunately it seems to be accepted by everyone. However, there are comparable crappy jobs on the mainland to be had, without having to plunk down a lot of $$ to get it and without the fear of being fired at any given time. Get some time in as a CFI and then work for a FED-EX feeder, which also flies Caravans, or work part-time for a skydiving outfit that has Caravans.

There are better options out there.
 
pilot1278 said:
"we're simply saying.... the effort you put in to applying/accepting/working at PW/GS/NMA is a complete waste. You'll eventually get fired for something..."

Ditto x 1000

I flew out there on my own dime, waited 3 hours PAST my interview time for the owner to show up for what amounted to a 15 minute interview. The chief pilot never bothered to show up to give me a sim test. I took a piss test and flew back home. I was never offered anything, but later I read all pilots got fired a month later. I was glad nothing came of it, considering my wife was pregnant at the time. Tho, she was a good sport about it.

First off, you have to pay to fly out for the interview (wich is pretty pricey considering the job wage and high turnover rate - it's like paying $500 to interview as a bagger at Safeway). Then, you will have to move all your crap out there and find a way to live on 2k a month in Hawaii. The scheduling system is jacked up and you'll have to be there 12+ hours out of the day loading luggage/working the counter if not flying. If Gabe gets a wild hair up his ass he'll fire you for nothing. Because after all, there are TONS of people who don't know any better waiting in line for that sweet, sweet T-time. Think about the money needed to move back out if that were to happen.

Second, This guy Gabe has had a few run-ins with the law out in Hawaii. From what I've read NOBODY likes PW out there, and the security staff at the airport and the locals out there aren't shy to show it. He has canceled some of the routes (ones that some locals depend on to get from island to island) and he's jacked up the rates. This is all searchable in Google. Bottom line: You'll be island-hopping tourists in questionably maintained aircraft, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, treated like crap by the owner and the locals, all for the sake of getting some T-time.

I understand that most companies out there treat their pilots in a similar fashion, and unfortunately it seems to be accepted by everyone. However, there are comparable crappy jobs on the mainland to be had, without having to plunk down a lot of $$ to get it and without the fear of being fired at any given time. Get some time in as a CFI and then work for a FED-EX feeder, which also flies Caravans, or work part-time for a skydiving outfit that has Caravans.

There are better options out there.
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The aforementioned seems to apply to quite a few Caravan operators. Fixed-gear complex, maybe?
 
Hate to disappoint everyone, but I have an interview scheduled with them. I've read all the post but I'm looking at another 1000 hours of archer time or 1000 hours of Caravan time in the next year (I already have 2000 hours of Archer time). I hope I get one of the mainland bases but at this point I have to do what ever I can to get out of instructing in Phoenix, it's just a mid-air waiting to happen.
 
rockman2343@aol.com said:
Hate to disappoint everyone, but I have an interview scheduled with them. I've read all the post but I'm looking at another 1000 hours of archer time or 1000 hours of Caravan time in the next year (I already have 2000 hours of Archer time). I hope I get one of the mainland bases but at this point I have to do what ever I can to get out of instructing in Phoenix, it's just a mid-air waiting to happen.
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How is more fixed gear SEL time gnu to help you?


If you really want to fly the 208, then reach out to the guys on this site who can help you get a job at a quality operator. You can make much better money, fly within the regs and not have to worry about getting fired for refusing to fly overweight. More importantly you will be PIC, not ballast.
 
I'm interviewing for a PIC slot. My thinking is the PIC turbine time is valuable, fixed gear or not. I'd be happy to fly for a quality operator but I'm getting very few calls. Lord knows how long it will be before I see some multi time at my work, probably another year and I just can't see building more piston time if I have a shot at getting 1000 hours of turbine time in a year. I'm definitly reading and considering what everyone is saying about this company and the 135 in general, but I have to do something spice up my time because in my opinion the only thing worse than 2000 VFR single engine piston hours is 3000,I feel like I'm rotting away stall after stall, lol. As for getting fired, I'm not to worried, job wise I'm in the Air National Guard so I can always go work at my base till I get something new. As far as it coming up with future employers, I have nothing but good recomendations from all previous employers, and plan to document anything that happens with this company (i.e. WX reports if they want me to fly in severe icing). That combined with their shotty reputation should be able to explain it away. Like I said I'm new to the 135 world so I appreciate everyones input.

USMCmech said:
How is more fixed gear SEL time gnu to help you?


If you really want to fly the 208, then reach out to the guys on this site who can help you get a job at a quality operator. You can make much better money, fly within the regs and not have to worry about getting fired for refusing to fly overweight. More importantly you will be PIC, not ballast.
Click to expand...
 
rockman2343@aol.com said:
I'm interviewing for a PIC slot. My thinking is the PIC turbine time is valuable, fixed gear or not. I'd be happy to fly for a quality operator but I'm getting very few calls. Lord knows how long it will be before I see some multi time at my work, probably another year and I just can't see building more piston time if I have a shot at getting 1000 hours of turbine time in a year. I'm definitly reading and considering what everyone is saying about this company and the 135 in general, but I have to do something spice up my time because in my opinion the only thing worse than 2000 VFR single engine piston hours is 3000,I feel like I'm rotting away stall after stall, lol. As for getting fired, I'm not to worried, job wise I'm in the Air National Guard so I can always go work at my base till I get something new. As far as it coming up with future employers, I have nothing but good recomendations from all previous employers, and plan to document anything that happens with this company (i.e. WX reports if they want me to fly in severe icing). That combined with their shotty reputation should be able to explain it away. Like I said I'm new to the 135 world so I appreciate everyones input.
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Good luck man. Just be safe, and don't let them push you to do anything unsafe. Document everything that happens, good and bad. Get AOPA legal just in case as well. Have fun and let us all know how it goes!
 
HERE'S the email PW sent me.....lol

Dear Applicant for First Officer:

Thank you for your interest in Pacific Wings LLC and its d.b.a. New Mexico Airlines and Georgia Skies Airlines. We currently fly a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans. Although Caravan experience is a plus, it is not necessary to join our core of pilots. We are looking for highly motivated pilots that can handle passengers, baggage, customer service issues, and are willing to put in the effort to make Pacific Wings LLC a great airline. We are currently offering a unique First Officer program.

You must be a FAA certified pilot and be able to work in the United States of America . You must meet this requirement to work for Pacific Wings LLC.

You would be hired as a customer service agent/ramper, and fly as a First Officer. You would be paid all scheduled activities.

You will be required to sign a one-year pro-rated training contract. Flight training would be about 1 -2 weeks ending with a 1 35 check ride.

Once you have completed your training and pass the checkride, you are eligible to fly as a First Officer for Pacific Wings LLC. You will be scheduled to fly the line 3 days per week and work ramp and customer service 2 days a week (there are sometimes more fly the line days but not guaranteed).

Our minimum requirements for First Officer are: Commercial SEL, and Instrument Airplane. You must be an active pilot and current on instrument skills. We will train you how to fly a Caravan, we will not train you how to fly instruments.

When you reach our minimum requirements for Captain, you may be eligible to upgrade as soon as a slot opens up.

Our minimum requirements for Captain are per 1 35.243: Commercial SEL, and Instrument Airplane, 1 200 Total Time, 500 hours of cross country, 1 00 hours of night, and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument.

We provide full medical at no expense after the first 30-60 days of employment. Spouses, children, and dental coverage are extra. We offer Vacation and a 40 1 K. As a First Officer, you also have jumpseat and non-rev privileges with several major airlines.

If you are still interested in becoming a First Officer for Pacific Wings LLC, we invite you to come to our training headquarters in Albuquerque NM for an interview. Applicants must be prepared to start Ground School within 2 weeks if selected. We know that your experience here will be rewarding and valuable.

Upon receiving this email response and you are still interested in becoming a First Officer for our airline, email back to me with the phrase “PAH SIC” in the subject line and what time date and time you would like for an interview. All communications with me must be via e-mail only, please do not call.

Regards,

Pacific Wings LLC Recruiting
 
rockman2343@aol.com said:
I'm interviewing for a PIC slot. My thinking is the PIC turbine time is valuable, fixed gear or not.
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So where do they want you to fly yourself for the interview?

It seems like you have your mind made up and I personally know you're foolishness, having flown for PW in Hawaii. BUT, if you're too lazy to network or it seems too difficult, I could see how PW would be a viable option. I have fewer hours than you but still managed to make some friends in this industry. You really can't dig deep and find SOMETHING better than PW?

Consider waiting a few months and see what comes along. Most know that things happen fast and when you least expect them.

Let's just say I advised my folks against flying on us when I was a pilot there. Would you want your mom flying on an airline that bestowed this little confidence in its crew?
 
Holy that's a lot of judgement you just passed on me. My networking skills are just fine.
They want me to go to ABQ.

Skåning said:
So where do they want you to fly yourself for the interview?

It seems like you have your mind made up and I personally know you're foolishness, having flown for PW in Hawaii. BUT, if you're too lazy to network or it seems too difficult, I could see how PW would be a viable option. I have fewer hours than you but still managed to make some friends in this industry. You really can't dig deep and find SOMETHING better than PW?

Consider waiting a few months and see what comes along. Most know that things happen fast and when you least expect them.

Let's just say I advised my folks against flying on us when I was a pilot there. Would you want your mom flying on an airline that bestowed this little confidence in its crew?
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Sorry, maybe it's just me but I don't see the humor in betting on how long it will take someone to get fired from their workplace... :dunno:
 
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