flyguy
Well-Known Member
Oh, well if Dan said it, then its gonna happen and its gonna happen soon.
Any word on that 737 sim that Dan promised us back in Dec. of '03?
CFIs Needed
- Thread starter flyguy
- Start date
Any word on that 737 sim that Dan promised us back in Dec. of '03?
How on earth are you able to make so much? That comes out to at least 6 hours a day, seven days a week. How are you able to work that much without going over the 8 hour limit?
taz
New Member
ground and sim session.
Nick
Well-Known Member
Regionals don't appeal a lot to me so I'll be looking for corporateish jobs. Mostly anything that pays OK. Or I might just stay at Sierra FOREVER!
Four or five full motion simulators???
That BS is more potent than the farm's on the end of runway 31.
It would have to cost at least $50,000,000 to achieve what he said.
Turbo Mcfloat
Well-Known Member
According to him he has some partnership with Alteon Boeing in the making and said it took a more serious tone recently. Who knows when though. They want to start doing type ratings here now for the students. The monetary investment would not be coming from Sierra from what I understand from Dan
Theres about 15 students getting priority at the moment. I had 3 on that list but I can only fly with 2 of them and I'm guaranteed 4 hours a day each to get them finished quickly. Plus oral stage checks and ground mostly, and a little sim. Team lead pay helps too.
taz
New Member
you're a team leader? good lord..... haha, j/k
Skygrabber
Well-Known Member
Risking resurrecting the longest thread ever here, but I was wondering if Sierra was still looking for instructors? What about in February? And will they hire someone with no dual given, just bare bones CFI and CFII?
I feel like I want to try this place out for a while and make some decent pay while instructing. What's the starting rate?
Thanks for any news anyone can offer. I did read through the other posts re. pay etc but I want to see if anything has changed since then.
Later.............
I feel like I want to try this place out for a while and make some decent pay while instructing. What's the starting rate?
Thanks for any news anyone can offer. I did read through the other posts re. pay etc but I want to see if anything has changed since then.
Later.............
Last time I talked to George P ("Dreamline" recruiter dude) they still require a 10 mo. commitment. Though some former instructors say it's not a problem (also CA law says it's not a problem), I'd still be afraid of the bad reference later on in my career if I left before 10 months (which I would probably have to, since they have no health ins. and since you could easily be in greener pastures after 3-5 mos.).
It was one thing when they were saying "we'll get you on with Air China" and regionals required 800-1000 TT.
I don't think it'd be a problem jumping ship to go to a regional...but I'd be afraid of a major calling them up for a reference 5-8 years from now and getting a bad ref. Anyone there currently think that is something worth considering?
I would love to go out there for 3 mos., but no more than that.
It was one thing when they were saying "we'll get you on with Air China" and regionals required 800-1000 TT.
I don't think it'd be a problem jumping ship to go to a regional...but I'd be afraid of a major calling them up for a reference 5-8 years from now and getting a bad ref. Anyone there currently think that is something worth considering?
I would love to go out there for 3 mos., but no more than that.
WAFlyBoy
Well-Known Member
I worked at Sierra through most of 2006. I understand that some things have changed since I was there, however this is probably one of the "greenest pastures" in the CFI world you're gonna find. (Aside from the health insurance issue I suppose.)
Personally, I don't think this would be an issue.
You're right - the environment has changed, and you can move on to a regional after a few months of instructing (without even instructing in some cases). A handful of folks have chosen to teach at Sierra for their entire 10 month commitment (or longer) for various reasons. For example, you'll certainly make more money teaching at Sierra than at a regional. Some don't have a desire to enter the world of regional jet flying.
Consider your goals and how you want to reach them. The students at Sierra are dedicated and work hard. Sierra is far from a perfect gig, however I found working there to be a rewarding experience for many reasons: I gained some good flying experience, made some friends, had fun, and worked with some interesting students (whom I still correspond with occasionally). You'll get out of it what you put in. If you go just to build hours and leave ASAP, you'll probably think it sucks. For those who see the forest for the trees, I think it could be a memorable and rewarding aviation experience.
wwuaviator
Well-Known Member
30 students from Air China are due to arrive tomorrow, but as always they are delayed a few weeks. 33 are still left from the Air China 3 group, these are the poor english stragglers finishing Instrument / Commercial. Sierra is moving away from the Part 61 curriculum to 141 and the ultimate goal is to have an instructor to student ratio of 1-2, so hiring will continue.....it is a perpetual game of catch up here due to delays, MX issues (not enough Seminoles) and once guys get their 100hr multi, lack of MEI's.
so you think they'd let me get a bunch of multi time since I have 120 hours in a Seminole?
Also...I know this topic has been beaten to death (due in part to me asking about it over and over again)...but do you guys have to SIGN anything for the 10 months, or is it simply a verbal commitment?
The multi time comes in waves since the school hasn't figured out how to properly stagger student loads. Right now its near impossible to get a seminole, but all of the alaruses sit empty all day. They just bring in loads of students at once and one airframe will sit unused while the other gets beat to death as the students move through the course.
Turbo Mcfloat
Well-Known Member
Getting multi from the start is all timing. Most people won't, a few are lucky. I came with 120 multi and didn't touch one here for 11 months. Some instructors started in them after two weeks.
I'll ask a new guy if they signed anything. The only thing I signed was a pay structure sheet and nothing about a commitment.
aviator747
New Member
Well I have been following this thread ever since it started oohhh so long ago and but have resisted posting anything until now because i wanted to really see how much crap would be posted...
It comes as no surprise to me as to who everybody is, i only hired you all , but what surprises me is how much time and effort you guys are putting into this thread. It quite sad that you don't have anything better to do with your time. What I don't understand from this thread is since you all don't HAVE to stay, with all the airline work out there..... why do you??????????
You guys post here as if your stuck in a CFi position for life, at the Academy, so hated and dreaded yet from my calculations 95% of all the instructors working at the school have stayed for an average of 12 months on their own accord.
You know, a cfi job is a cfi job, a stepping stone to something bigger and better, no matter where you teach either it be Sierra or some other dysfunctional flight school. They are all the same.
I have never promised anybody anything they
could not attain at the academy through there own accord, effort and hard work.
And no eric i don't believe i ever told anybody we only fly twins,,,,,why would i say that,,,,,please let me know who it was. MAybe i can clarify things for them. It is kind of interesting you say that considering everybody that applies for work at the school receives the same information letter which I have copied and pasted for you below.....
Even though the schools senior management needs not only a crash course in aviation but also some common sense, for what its worth it is a great school for entry level cfi's to build time, make good money and have a decent quality of life. Yes it is hard dealing with Dan and John but thats life. Why do you guys care what the schools future plans are , do you plan on staying forever. Alteon Boeing is building there OWN sims, there are not going to be Sierras. The school is contracting with then to combine the Ab-initio program with there bridge program for the airlines specific requirements. Sierra takes a role in only providing the students and they have also offered to train experienced CFi's from the school to teach the bridge program.....thats it people. now lets move on
For those of you who I have spoken to, and who are interested in position you may want to ask these current and former employees some questions along these lines
1. Where else can you violate company policy by drinking your guts out on a daily basis till 1am then get up in the morning and go flying with your students without being terminated. Let alone being reported to the FAA
2. Where else can you totally do what you want when you want with no consequence????
3. Where else can you be your own boss, make your own schedule, build as much time as you want with minimum interaction from management.
4. Oh crap you have to pay a utility fee now (big <...edited out...> deal), but hey you get pretty decent accommodation for pretty MUCH NOTHING.
5. So sad you have to pay for the food now..........but do i recall when you did get it for free the only thing you did was complain on how bad it was??????? but you kept on going back because you didnt have to pay for it.
6. The icing on the cake....were else can you destroy airplanes and still have a job.......??????(my favorite)
Guys it really easy to whine, complain, <...edited out...> , criticize when your pretty much given everything on a platter (no I didnt say SILVER platter), just a platter.
As for those of you who want to come on by for a couple of months, as i say to those whom i speak with, if ten months is not in your agenda, then best of luck to you in your aviation endeavors, I have and will assist you in gaining employment at other contract flight schools I have begun recruiting for. I will not offer you a position at Sierra if you cannot commit to ten months. The only thing you have to sign is a written pay agreement as per CA law. The contract was abolished a couple of months ago as per my request (which included screaming and shouting)
I know most of you just kick back and criticize me all the time, but I have done nothing but commit my own time and effort without pay backing you guys, trying my best to get the most out of them as I can FOR YOU. When you guys <...edited out...> up guess who is in there saving your necks and also making sure your employment files are "Taken care of" when an employer calls in for a back ground check. No Its not your mama <...edited out...> its me. So for those select few "you know who you are" who act like a bunch of school girls,,,,,,grow the <...edited out...> up.
Just remember, AGE 65 Now in effect people, the domino effect has already begun. With the exception of M**A ,,,,airlines with standards will shortly begin to raise those standards, so will I
Happy Holidays
Welcome
Dear prospective Flight Instructor
Thank you for your interest in Sierra Academy of Aeronautics. This information letter is intended to outline some details of our operation and curriculum.
Location – KS Aviation Services operating as Sierra Academy of Aeronautics has three locations in Northern California. Company Headquarters are located in Livermore CA, with two satellite contract schools located in Stockton CA and Atwater CA.
Our Atwater campus is contracted with Air China, Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. Positions are open for the Castle Airport Atwater Base. The campus is located on the old Castle Air force base in Atwater California.
Atwater is located in the San Joaquin valley between Modesto and Fresno California, 120 miles southeast of the San Francisco Bay Area. Local attractions include the Yosemite National Parks, Napa Valley, Fresno and San Francisco.
Instructors who choose to live on campus are provided with accommodation at our dormitories. The rooms include a small kitchenette area, a single bed with side tables, desk and chair, bookcases and Closet space. A large shared bathroom is also included (shared with opposite dormitory occupant)
A monthly utility fee of $150 Dollars is charged to all dorm occupants, (this is a standard flat rate)
Meals at our cafeteria at available for a charge of $3.00 per meal (coupons are available)
Conditions of Service
All instructors are employed on an Independent Contract basis.
Minimum Commitment is 10 months, as that is the time of program completion as required by our Airline Customers.
Instructors are provided with a Company Uniform consisting of two shirts. A tie epaulettes, and wings. If you require additional items, or any other equipment they can be purchased through company vendors at reduced cost.
Instructors are issued with Sectional and terminal charts and updates. You are also issued with a set a Jeppesen IFR Approach Plates.
As previously mentioned accommodation is provided for those who choose to live on campus.
Standardization is also provided on all aircraft operated by Sierra Academy at company cost. The process includes three hours dual on each aircraft in preparation for a final test flight administered by the Chief and or Assistant Chief Pilot.
All entry-level instructors are on a 90-day probation period and are evaluated on a monthly basis.
Entry-level CFI’s are paid $25.00 dollars per FLIGHT HOUR for productivity over 40 hours of flight time per pay period (2 weeks)
Productivity for all GROUND, SIMULATOR and flight time less than 40 hours is paid at a flat rate of $20.00 per hour
Team Leaders and Assistant Chief’s are paid a base salary plus per hour of productivity at the above rates
All instructors are required to submit Bi-weekly reports to there Team Leader providing that all Students assigned to them are flying at LEAST 100 FLIGHT HOURS per month (minimum productivity)
Instructors are assigned THREE students until there 90-day probation period expires. Based on performance a fourth will be assigned
Aircraft Used
Cessna 152 / 172 combination is used for Private and Instrument
Zenith Alarus CH2T is also used for both private and instrument
There is no single engine commercial flight training. We use both Seminoles and Duchess twin aircraft for Multi engine Commercial Flight training. The Duchess is currently being phased out in replacement of new Piper Seminoles
Students also undergo King Air and Acrobatic training, which is conducted on Campus.
Program Overview
The program is tailored as an Ab-Initio Flight training program. The Students undergo formal ground school on a daily basis either in the morning or afternoon with at least one flight activity per day. The program is based on 10-12 month completion with the facility operating on a 7-day week schedule. Instructors are only required to work Monday thru Friday with weekends optional.
Private and Instrument flight training is overlapped.
Instructors log approximately 100-120 FLIGHT hours per month depending on their productivity. Ground briefings and simulator activities add 50-60 hours of productivity. Total billable time is approximately 160-180 hours per month. Instructors net approximately $3500 per month
Liability Insurance is now being offered to All Instructor Staff. You may purchase this through numerous companies and be reimbursed up to a certain limit.
Other Benefits include a $500 Sign on Bonus aimed at assisting with moving expenses that you would have acquired to move to CA. This will be given along with your first paycheck.
The Interview Process
Interviews are conducted weekly on Thursdays and Fridays via telephone conference for those individuals who are unable to visit our facility . Applicants who wish to visit are required to attend at there own cost. Accommodation and meals on campus will be provided free of charge.
If you are interested in Joining our Company please email George Apostolopoulos a resume at aviator747400@mac.com or call 209 631 3602 for further information
Thank you
Hope to hear from you soon, George
It comes as no surprise to me as to who everybody is, i only hired you all , but what surprises me is how much time and effort you guys are putting into this thread. It quite sad that you don't have anything better to do with your time. What I don't understand from this thread is since you all don't HAVE to stay, with all the airline work out there..... why do you??????????
You guys post here as if your stuck in a CFi position for life, at the Academy, so hated and dreaded yet from my calculations 95% of all the instructors working at the school have stayed for an average of 12 months on their own accord.
You know, a cfi job is a cfi job, a stepping stone to something bigger and better, no matter where you teach either it be Sierra or some other dysfunctional flight school. They are all the same.
I have never promised anybody anything they
could not attain at the academy through there own accord, effort and hard work.
And no eric i don't believe i ever told anybody we only fly twins,,,,,why would i say that,,,,,please let me know who it was. MAybe i can clarify things for them. It is kind of interesting you say that considering everybody that applies for work at the school receives the same information letter which I have copied and pasted for you below.....
Even though the schools senior management needs not only a crash course in aviation but also some common sense, for what its worth it is a great school for entry level cfi's to build time, make good money and have a decent quality of life. Yes it is hard dealing with Dan and John but thats life. Why do you guys care what the schools future plans are , do you plan on staying forever. Alteon Boeing is building there OWN sims, there are not going to be Sierras. The school is contracting with then to combine the Ab-initio program with there bridge program for the airlines specific requirements. Sierra takes a role in only providing the students and they have also offered to train experienced CFi's from the school to teach the bridge program.....thats it people. now lets move on
For those of you who I have spoken to, and who are interested in position you may want to ask these current and former employees some questions along these lines
1. Where else can you violate company policy by drinking your guts out on a daily basis till 1am then get up in the morning and go flying with your students without being terminated. Let alone being reported to the FAA
2. Where else can you totally do what you want when you want with no consequence????
3. Where else can you be your own boss, make your own schedule, build as much time as you want with minimum interaction from management.
4. Oh crap you have to pay a utility fee now (big <...edited out...> deal), but hey you get pretty decent accommodation for pretty MUCH NOTHING.
5. So sad you have to pay for the food now..........but do i recall when you did get it for free the only thing you did was complain on how bad it was??????? but you kept on going back because you didnt have to pay for it.
6. The icing on the cake....were else can you destroy airplanes and still have a job.......??????(my favorite)
Guys it really easy to whine, complain, <...edited out...> , criticize when your pretty much given everything on a platter (no I didnt say SILVER platter), just a platter.
As for those of you who want to come on by for a couple of months, as i say to those whom i speak with, if ten months is not in your agenda, then best of luck to you in your aviation endeavors, I have and will assist you in gaining employment at other contract flight schools I have begun recruiting for. I will not offer you a position at Sierra if you cannot commit to ten months. The only thing you have to sign is a written pay agreement as per CA law. The contract was abolished a couple of months ago as per my request (which included screaming and shouting)
I know most of you just kick back and criticize me all the time, but I have done nothing but commit my own time and effort without pay backing you guys, trying my best to get the most out of them as I can FOR YOU. When you guys <...edited out...> up guess who is in there saving your necks and also making sure your employment files are "Taken care of" when an employer calls in for a back ground check. No Its not your mama <...edited out...> its me. So for those select few "you know who you are" who act like a bunch of school girls,,,,,,grow the <...edited out...> up.
Just remember, AGE 65 Now in effect people, the domino effect has already begun. With the exception of M**A ,,,,airlines with standards will shortly begin to raise those standards, so will I
Happy Holidays
Welcome
Dear prospective Flight Instructor
Thank you for your interest in Sierra Academy of Aeronautics. This information letter is intended to outline some details of our operation and curriculum.
Location – KS Aviation Services operating as Sierra Academy of Aeronautics has three locations in Northern California. Company Headquarters are located in Livermore CA, with two satellite contract schools located in Stockton CA and Atwater CA.
Our Atwater campus is contracted with Air China, Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. Positions are open for the Castle Airport Atwater Base. The campus is located on the old Castle Air force base in Atwater California.
Atwater is located in the San Joaquin valley between Modesto and Fresno California, 120 miles southeast of the San Francisco Bay Area. Local attractions include the Yosemite National Parks, Napa Valley, Fresno and San Francisco.
Instructors who choose to live on campus are provided with accommodation at our dormitories. The rooms include a small kitchenette area, a single bed with side tables, desk and chair, bookcases and Closet space. A large shared bathroom is also included (shared with opposite dormitory occupant)
A monthly utility fee of $150 Dollars is charged to all dorm occupants, (this is a standard flat rate)
Meals at our cafeteria at available for a charge of $3.00 per meal (coupons are available)
Conditions of Service
All instructors are employed on an Independent Contract basis.
Minimum Commitment is 10 months, as that is the time of program completion as required by our Airline Customers.
Instructors are provided with a Company Uniform consisting of two shirts. A tie epaulettes, and wings. If you require additional items, or any other equipment they can be purchased through company vendors at reduced cost.
Instructors are issued with Sectional and terminal charts and updates. You are also issued with a set a Jeppesen IFR Approach Plates.
As previously mentioned accommodation is provided for those who choose to live on campus.
Standardization is also provided on all aircraft operated by Sierra Academy at company cost. The process includes three hours dual on each aircraft in preparation for a final test flight administered by the Chief and or Assistant Chief Pilot.
All entry-level instructors are on a 90-day probation period and are evaluated on a monthly basis.
Entry-level CFI’s are paid $25.00 dollars per FLIGHT HOUR for productivity over 40 hours of flight time per pay period (2 weeks)
Productivity for all GROUND, SIMULATOR and flight time less than 40 hours is paid at a flat rate of $20.00 per hour
Team Leaders and Assistant Chief’s are paid a base salary plus per hour of productivity at the above rates
All instructors are required to submit Bi-weekly reports to there Team Leader providing that all Students assigned to them are flying at LEAST 100 FLIGHT HOURS per month (minimum productivity)
Instructors are assigned THREE students until there 90-day probation period expires. Based on performance a fourth will be assigned
Aircraft Used
Cessna 152 / 172 combination is used for Private and Instrument
Zenith Alarus CH2T is also used for both private and instrument
There is no single engine commercial flight training. We use both Seminoles and Duchess twin aircraft for Multi engine Commercial Flight training. The Duchess is currently being phased out in replacement of new Piper Seminoles
Students also undergo King Air and Acrobatic training, which is conducted on Campus.
Program Overview
The program is tailored as an Ab-Initio Flight training program. The Students undergo formal ground school on a daily basis either in the morning or afternoon with at least one flight activity per day. The program is based on 10-12 month completion with the facility operating on a 7-day week schedule. Instructors are only required to work Monday thru Friday with weekends optional.
Private and Instrument flight training is overlapped.
Instructors log approximately 100-120 FLIGHT hours per month depending on their productivity. Ground briefings and simulator activities add 50-60 hours of productivity. Total billable time is approximately 160-180 hours per month. Instructors net approximately $3500 per month
Liability Insurance is now being offered to All Instructor Staff. You may purchase this through numerous companies and be reimbursed up to a certain limit.
Other Benefits include a $500 Sign on Bonus aimed at assisting with moving expenses that you would have acquired to move to CA. This will be given along with your first paycheck.
The Interview Process
Interviews are conducted weekly on Thursdays and Fridays via telephone conference for those individuals who are unable to visit our facility . Applicants who wish to visit are required to attend at there own cost. Accommodation and meals on campus will be provided free of charge.
If you are interested in Joining our Company please email George Apostolopoulos a resume at aviator747400@mac.com or call 209 631 3602 for further information
Thank you
Hope to hear from you soon, George
Nick
Well-Known Member
L M A O .
That is the Castle I remember.
People - you can have the highest income:bills ratio you'll ever have the rest of your life at this place, if you are up to tackling the unique challenges of instructing the Chinese. I'm not sure what the fleet is like these days though (condition and whether there are enough planes or not) but George has that info now anyway.
flyguy
Well-Known Member
Welcome to JC George. It is awesome that you have posted here as a real source of accurate information rather than speculation. Finally someone with inside information who can answer people's questions (and collect resumes).
I have sent you a PM of the names of the instructors you asked about concerning claims of flying only twins.
And does it really surprise you that we spent so much time on this thread? I mean its Atwater for crying out loud!! All we had to do out there was JC and alcohol.
Its all that kept us from going completely bonkers!!
I have sent you a PM of the names of the instructors you asked about concerning claims of flying only twins.
And does it really surprise you that we spent so much time on this thread? I mean its Atwater for crying out loud!! All we had to do out there was JC and alcohol.
Its all that kept us from going completely bonkers!!
WestIndian425
Well-Known Member
AMEN! In spite of the challenges, I had so much fun and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I still keep in touch with my students.
LOL...really, it took a lot for someone to lose their job.
:yup::laff::rawk::yup::laff::rawk:
That's why you da man, G!!!
Who criticises you? No one else went and screamed at the folks in the People's Republic of China to get things changed but you. I think the only person who worked as hard as you was Nick.
I agree with Nick here, guys. This is a great job all factors considering. I still want to come visit the old base and say hello.