Skippers Aviation Info Requested

[ViagraDependent]

Hey all,

Just got an email asking if I was interested in applying for a job flying the Conquest for Skippers (as have quite a few of you I'm guessing).

Four simple questions for those in the know:

1. What is Skippers like to work for? Progession, staff morale, pay etc etc

2. What is the conquest like to fly?

3. Is it worth giving up a job, flying two-pilot in a pressurised turbo-prop (a resonably respectable one) for a NZ regional airline, with the chance of a command some time in the next 18 months, for?

4. What does the interview consist of?

Cheers

VD

[BPA]

1. Just like most other large GA or small regional Airlines.

2. It's fast and can go high.

3. Only you can answer that.

4. Did you bring the money for your endorsement? If "Yes", can you start tomorrow, if "No", don't call us we will call you.

[Reverseflowkeroburna]

Firstly ask yourself this: "Why would I want to shell out more perfectly good cabbage leaves after bad, for little or no guarantee?"

Sorry, having one of those dark, pessimistic days! :} :} :}

[rcoight]

Is anyone planning on answering the questions?

I too have received the e-mail and would appreciate knowing the answers to the same questions!

Thanks in advance.

[Richo]

VD (those initals are a bit unfortunate - hay)

I am surprised that you have not been swamped with replies. Usually lots of people quick to get in with a very one sided view (whichever side).
A quick search of past Skippers threads will show just some of the company history and culture ( mind you not ALL of what you read here is true).

I have never worked for Skippers, but from my observations I would answer your questions this way.

1. (Not an easy question to answer, and therfore partly the answer itself)
The company does not have a good reputaion for employee conditions and treatment or operating Culture. Having said that there are some people who are mostly happy with thier conditions and pay. (They do make offers to the right people)

You will do lots of work.

Progression can be very dependant on your attitude (as determined by managment). They do have a large turnover of staff in all departments. Obviously operating turbine aircraft many step up to (real) airlines from Skippers, while others just GO. (If you have Multi crew time I am surprised you havent been offered something bigger)

Staff morale, well I don't really care to go to deep here, but I am reliably informed that there is some, and its level is dependant on the last managment decision.

2. (Oh good an easy one to answer) the Conquest is a nice but old (aging) aircraft to fly with lots of get up and go. The usual vices with Cessna Twins and Garret engines.

3. NO, and I really do belive that, not just saying it.

4. The interview is fairly normal,
first a Tech quiz (all IFR/Terminal questions when I did mine)
Next an interview with 3 senior staff (CP, Fleet capt and HR), questions all resonable. Normal truthfull answers will get you through.

If all good to this stage, next is a sim ride. (old light twin type)

PS - Yes I was declined for a position, but I am (mostly) over it.

All the best with what ever decision you make. I do however think that traveling to Perth for this job would ultimatly be a disapointment. However many good things have happened to some. Really depends on how you fit in to the culture.

Richo