Info on Solenta
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: South Africa (Sometimes)
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Forkinfishing, you sed it exactly the way it is.
Lots of research, CAA involvement + a "dispensation" to allow this. I say "dispensation" but in reality there is nothing in the SACATS/CARS that prevents it. The B1900 was certified by the FAA as a single crew aircraft. JAR does not even recognize your B1900 hours as an hours towards a JAR ATP.
The Com Captain issue in Solenta IS strictly controlled. There are a number of other operators in flying Comm captains on the B1900. The difference as Forkinfishing said is that at Solenta the standard of training is the best there is for any contracts company. Feel free to ask to see the invoices from 43 Advanced and Simuflite, you'll instantly appreciate the amount of time & money invested into the B1900 drivers at Solenta.
Once again, Solenta is NOT perfect, but certainly tries DAM HARD and invests a lot of money in training, safety management and efforts to bring professional crew through the ranks.
Lots of research, CAA involvement + a "dispensation" to allow this. I say "dispensation" but in reality there is nothing in the SACATS/CARS that prevents it. The B1900 was certified by the FAA as a single crew aircraft. JAR does not even recognize your B1900 hours as an hours towards a JAR ATP.
The Com Captain issue in Solenta IS strictly controlled. There are a number of other operators in flying Comm captains on the B1900. The difference as Forkinfishing said is that at Solenta the standard of training is the best there is for any contracts company. Feel free to ask to see the invoices from 43 Advanced and Simuflite, you'll instantly appreciate the amount of time & money invested into the B1900 drivers at Solenta.
Once again, Solenta is NOT perfect, but certainly tries DAM HARD and invests a lot of money in training, safety management and efforts to bring professional crew through the ranks.
Join Date: Mar 2000
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Guys ,
Heard a while back that SACAA wants to be JAA standard , then here we go on JAA rules JAR FCL it is totally legal to fly a Beech 1900 with only a CPL (aircraft is a JAR/FAR 23). So no wander why SACAA gives dispensation and surely it will be written in the law soon ...
well said forkingfishing
Heard a while back that SACAA wants to be JAA standard , then here we go on JAA rules JAR FCL it is totally legal to fly a Beech 1900 with only a CPL (aircraft is a JAR/FAR 23). So no wander why SACAA gives dispensation and surely it will be written in the law soon ...
well said forkingfishing
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Actually guys it's always been in the law (ANR's). The 1900 is certified for single crew operations and the priviledges of the CPL allows him to act as PIC on any aircraft that is so certified, thus, the CAR 121 regulations require two appropriatly rated crew and the operator shall designate a commander. So there was no need for the CAA to give a special exemption.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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CAA are aware that the ANR was written incorrectly, which is why it has been changed in Part 61.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: In my head mainly
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My 2 cents
I Flew for Solenta for over 4 years. They are not a bad operator. I never had to (and was never asked) do anything illegal, always paid on time. Sure they waited longer than they should have to pull us out of Abidjan and I was the 1st one ready to evac if required there after. I never had any major come back for grounding an unserviceable aircraft. I always had a good working relationship with the office.
Let me dispell any miss givings. They dont care about you they care about the bottom line. It is a buisness. It is very different work experience for the crew than it is for managers sitting in there offices in JHB. They will never understand work ethic of pilots. They dont realise what it takes for all the crew and engineers to get the aircraft flying (within the boundaries of the law). They dont know what it takes to be away from your family and friends for some times 11 months of the year (as you are always helping them out). As we dont fully understand the logistics in keeping the admin and legal side of things going and what ever else that goes on in JHB.
The bottom line for all you guys is you need a job they are hiring! I would recommend Solenta not over anyone else but they are not all that bad! I know the new CP has upset half the guys there but give it time I am sure he will manage to upset the other half soon enough.
They are using you to get the job done and you are using them to gain experience and cash. So go get the experience and make sure you can get as much cash out of them as possible (and ratings) and then go to your airline job!
Let me dispell any miss givings. They dont care about you they care about the bottom line. It is a buisness. It is very different work experience for the crew than it is for managers sitting in there offices in JHB. They will never understand work ethic of pilots. They dont realise what it takes for all the crew and engineers to get the aircraft flying (within the boundaries of the law). They dont know what it takes to be away from your family and friends for some times 11 months of the year (as you are always helping them out). As we dont fully understand the logistics in keeping the admin and legal side of things going and what ever else that goes on in JHB.
The bottom line for all you guys is you need a job they are hiring! I would recommend Solenta not over anyone else but they are not all that bad! I know the new CP has upset half the guys there but give it time I am sure he will manage to upset the other half soon enough.
They are using you to get the job done and you are using them to gain experience and cash. So go get the experience and make sure you can get as much cash out of them as possible (and ratings) and then go to your airline job!
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Safetyman, stop fooling yourself, everything is not so good at Solenta, A few things are nice, BUT MOST ARE S%#@!!!
Safety is not the upmost priority of evryone, IF it was then why was ZS-PJF dispatched last year to Liberia with a cracked torque link, AND I heard that this was known to everyone except the Capt of the flight and P2. Do you know what happens when this seperates, IE aeroplane runs of runway, ask NAC. I was not flying it or even with you fools, but people talk in this game, also aeroplanes and pilots being forced to fly when very close to/ or out of FDP, "kindly" being asked to extend or be in the office if they don't go??? I have never and will never fly like this, these are just stories that do the rounds, maybe some people should put these in the clear.
Apparently it is all done so that Mr. X from DHL is happy, stuff the crew, even though you make out that you care about them. Best training, please man, get a life, the only guys that do training is the ATR drivers, the 1900 sim at NAC is a F%$#@!* JOKE, go fly the real sim at Flight safety then we can talk about training. All those things are, are procedural trainers, ie LEARN YOUR FLOWS, AND CHECKS AND CALLOUTS, ENGINE FAILURES, no electrical failures, smoke, efis, etc can be done in the one at NAC, not sure of Simuflite.
The fact of the matter is that the crew will smile, cause the airlines are short, and they taking people. How about asking you if you can give some Open GEN on the fact the there is a story doing the rounds that your management and CP think that they can phone the airlines and ask them not to take there people?? can you clarify this matter seems as you got all the gen on Solenta???? Do your fellow people a favour and give them a answer on this?? the are so scared these days that they must not slip up and let anyone know were they giving CV's cause they may never get out of your company, COME ON GIVE THEM SOME HEADS UP ON THIS, GET THE CP ONLINE LET HIM GIVE THEM SOME GEN, get all those fools in the office behind the screen and tell your own workers some stuff!
Do IT.
Safety is not the upmost priority of evryone, IF it was then why was ZS-PJF dispatched last year to Liberia with a cracked torque link, AND I heard that this was known to everyone except the Capt of the flight and P2. Do you know what happens when this seperates, IE aeroplane runs of runway, ask NAC. I was not flying it or even with you fools, but people talk in this game, also aeroplanes and pilots being forced to fly when very close to/ or out of FDP, "kindly" being asked to extend or be in the office if they don't go??? I have never and will never fly like this, these are just stories that do the rounds, maybe some people should put these in the clear.
Apparently it is all done so that Mr. X from DHL is happy, stuff the crew, even though you make out that you care about them. Best training, please man, get a life, the only guys that do training is the ATR drivers, the 1900 sim at NAC is a F%$#@!* JOKE, go fly the real sim at Flight safety then we can talk about training. All those things are, are procedural trainers, ie LEARN YOUR FLOWS, AND CHECKS AND CALLOUTS, ENGINE FAILURES, no electrical failures, smoke, efis, etc can be done in the one at NAC, not sure of Simuflite.
The fact of the matter is that the crew will smile, cause the airlines are short, and they taking people. How about asking you if you can give some Open GEN on the fact the there is a story doing the rounds that your management and CP think that they can phone the airlines and ask them not to take there people?? can you clarify this matter seems as you got all the gen on Solenta???? Do your fellow people a favour and give them a answer on this?? the are so scared these days that they must not slip up and let anyone know were they giving CV's cause they may never get out of your company, COME ON GIVE THEM SOME HEADS UP ON THIS, GET THE CP ONLINE LET HIM GIVE THEM SOME GEN, get all those fools in the office behind the screen and tell your own workers some stuff!
Do IT.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Kickass I dont know if you are a skipper or fo but in either case if the plane is not servicable. DONT FLY!
I know it is tough to stand up against management and engineers using bush logic to try convince you it is ok. But say no. They know the law as well as you do. If you have a problem and the CP is not backing you call the Ex CP (dont want to mention his name) he is a good man and will back you if you are right!
You cannot legaly plan to fly out of FDP! You need to put your foot down. I know there are some "company men" that would fly a AC with one wing if they had to because the office asked them too. but those of you that are safety minded need to stick together.
You have the law on your side. They can scream and shout if they want, if they want to fire you which they wont. Keep copies and sue the c
p out of them.
I never had a problem with them. Call them up and explain the situation. They are normally quite understanding. But before you call make sure you have you facts straight. I am not saying you are not right here. But just be well versed so when they put the engineers on the phone you can tell them what the book says.
I know it is tough to stand up against management and engineers using bush logic to try convince you it is ok. But say no. They know the law as well as you do. If you have a problem and the CP is not backing you call the Ex CP (dont want to mention his name) he is a good man and will back you if you are right!
You cannot legaly plan to fly out of FDP! You need to put your foot down. I know there are some "company men" that would fly a AC with one wing if they had to because the office asked them too. but those of you that are safety minded need to stick together.
You have the law on your side. They can scream and shout if they want, if they want to fire you which they wont. Keep copies and sue the c
p out of them.I never had a problem with them. Call them up and explain the situation. They are normally quite understanding. But before you call make sure you have you facts straight. I am not saying you are not right here. But just be well versed so when they put the engineers on the phone you can tell them what the book says.
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Kickass 1900d
CP at Solenta here.
Lets put the record straight.
Solenta DO have regular telecons with the airlines.
Most decent airlines contact US in fact and advise who is being interviewed months in advance ( Comair, SAX, Cathay, SAA ) as they have planned well ahead, and give the opportunity to the pilots to fulfill their contractual obligations in terms of notice.
Not all airlines adhere to this, and due to lack of planning on their part, have asked several Solenta pilots to break thier contract, with as little as 2 weeks notice.
This puts the pilots in a tough predicament, its not Solenta that did this to them, its their future employer. Not one of those has been forced to stay, but were asked, as per signed contract, to pay out their notice remaining ( industry standard if you break a contract ).
We have not had this problem with the more forward-planning airlines out there, and our pilots have left and gone on to start their airline career, without any hassle. The fact that Cathay, Comair and others are even taking our pilots, is actually a complement to Solenta's standards.
I do not believe in hindering a pilots career, only he/she can choose the path they follow, which contracts to take, and which to break.
Understand that we DO have a business to run, we are not just a training ground to advance pilots careers, good enough when they need the hours, but terrible, once they sit in a jet at 37000' sipping tea.
Quid pro quo, life is all about balance, only a pilot can choose the balance in their life.
Contracting is NOT a perfect world, we are trying to make it better.
I did write a 2 page detailed info, but it was not posted for whatever reason ( shame really, as it adressed a lot of issues brought up here )
I wont respond to some of the comments on here as they don't warrant a response, nor is there anything constructive to be gained from it.
I did PM the people concerned ( they know who they are ) asking to mail me constructive criticism, instead of trying to destruct anything constructive, no response from them, so I assume they are hell bent on trying to undermine anything positive on here.
One actually responded on this forum to another post with a blatant physical threat, which obviously shows the type of personality that is making some of these posts, and I hold their words with no regard, nor respect.
If anyone has contructive criticism, mail me or PM me.
Despite what some would have others believe, we are trying to fix the wrongs of the past, learn from them and make things better here.
CP at Solenta here.
Lets put the record straight.
Solenta DO have regular telecons with the airlines.
Most decent airlines contact US in fact and advise who is being interviewed months in advance ( Comair, SAX, Cathay, SAA ) as they have planned well ahead, and give the opportunity to the pilots to fulfill their contractual obligations in terms of notice.
Not all airlines adhere to this, and due to lack of planning on their part, have asked several Solenta pilots to break thier contract, with as little as 2 weeks notice.
This puts the pilots in a tough predicament, its not Solenta that did this to them, its their future employer. Not one of those has been forced to stay, but were asked, as per signed contract, to pay out their notice remaining ( industry standard if you break a contract ).
We have not had this problem with the more forward-planning airlines out there, and our pilots have left and gone on to start their airline career, without any hassle. The fact that Cathay, Comair and others are even taking our pilots, is actually a complement to Solenta's standards.
I do not believe in hindering a pilots career, only he/she can choose the path they follow, which contracts to take, and which to break.
Understand that we DO have a business to run, we are not just a training ground to advance pilots careers, good enough when they need the hours, but terrible, once they sit in a jet at 37000' sipping tea.
Quid pro quo, life is all about balance, only a pilot can choose the balance in their life.
Contracting is NOT a perfect world, we are trying to make it better.
I did write a 2 page detailed info, but it was not posted for whatever reason ( shame really, as it adressed a lot of issues brought up here )
I wont respond to some of the comments on here as they don't warrant a response, nor is there anything constructive to be gained from it.
I did PM the people concerned ( they know who they are ) asking to mail me constructive criticism, instead of trying to destruct anything constructive, no response from them, so I assume they are hell bent on trying to undermine anything positive on here.
One actually responded on this forum to another post with a blatant physical threat, which obviously shows the type of personality that is making some of these posts, and I hold their words with no regard, nor respect.
If anyone has contructive criticism, mail me or PM me.
Despite what some would have others believe, we are trying to fix the wrongs of the past, learn from them and make things better here.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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I have been following this post since day one and would not like to get involved in the mud slinging that going on but would like to make a few comments:
1. For the positive guys out there: I would like to thank you all for the hard work and for making Solenta special. You guys make the best of your contract life and will always remember these as your best flying days.
2. For the un happy guys: If ever anyone of us did anything to offend you on purpose we are truly sorry for that. If you have the time please pass by one day and tell me to my face what I did wrong and how this offended you. If you did something wrong and got wrapped over the knuckles for this and is now unhappy then come and sort this out with us, though not a believe but we will appreciate it.
3. Never has this company operated any flights illegally on purpose its not our style. We might have found out about things we missed but always corrected this immediately. Who would not?
Solenta employ +/- 120 pilots at the moment and we have space for more (140). If not mistaken the 3 rd biggest pilot employer in the country. We have given loads of guys the opportunity to advance their careers. We are not perfect but we try. We try to have good aircraft, standards and living conditions. If we are made aware of problems we try and fix them as best as we can. We are trying to built a company that will last forever and keeps giving jobs to guys that need to move on to the airline, this we accept. It is sad to see our guys leave but a MOERSE compliment when they do so for the best airlines in the world.
We have for the past 3 years every year give increases to our crew and paid a small bonus at year end(add this to your salary). Not sure if there is any other contract companies that did this that exist out there. We have a life insurance policy for the crew (ask your own company if they have this) and add this to your salary. We pay 50% medical (add this as well)We can only pay salaries in line with what our clients are prepared to pay for the aircraft we fly. If you want to stay for 4 years your rating is also paid back in full. Then there is the guys that undercut the industry and we have to keep up with that as well. They pay the crew well but sacrifice elsewhere on say maintenance, is this worth your life ???
The company has grown and the CAA`S are placing more and more demand on safety and quality which we try to comply with as well. This also cost money.
We are trying to get a balance as mentioned by Paul. He is by the way been the best CP this company has seen. He gets shot down by guys that have not dealt with but act on hearsay. Take the time if you work for us and come have coffee with him(us). He bats for the crew big time and got the ATR salaries raised with management and yes he is looking at the rest as well.
Solenta has the best office staff in the business, the best crew and engineers and Great shareholders. You mix this and it is a great company no matter what anyone says. The people are what make this company so great.
1. For the positive guys out there: I would like to thank you all for the hard work and for making Solenta special. You guys make the best of your contract life and will always remember these as your best flying days.
2. For the un happy guys: If ever anyone of us did anything to offend you on purpose we are truly sorry for that. If you have the time please pass by one day and tell me to my face what I did wrong and how this offended you. If you did something wrong and got wrapped over the knuckles for this and is now unhappy then come and sort this out with us, though not a believe but we will appreciate it.
3. Never has this company operated any flights illegally on purpose its not our style. We might have found out about things we missed but always corrected this immediately. Who would not?
Solenta employ +/- 120 pilots at the moment and we have space for more (140). If not mistaken the 3 rd biggest pilot employer in the country. We have given loads of guys the opportunity to advance their careers. We are not perfect but we try. We try to have good aircraft, standards and living conditions. If we are made aware of problems we try and fix them as best as we can. We are trying to built a company that will last forever and keeps giving jobs to guys that need to move on to the airline, this we accept. It is sad to see our guys leave but a MOERSE compliment when they do so for the best airlines in the world.
We have for the past 3 years every year give increases to our crew and paid a small bonus at year end(add this to your salary). Not sure if there is any other contract companies that did this that exist out there. We have a life insurance policy for the crew (ask your own company if they have this) and add this to your salary. We pay 50% medical (add this as well)We can only pay salaries in line with what our clients are prepared to pay for the aircraft we fly. If you want to stay for 4 years your rating is also paid back in full. Then there is the guys that undercut the industry and we have to keep up with that as well. They pay the crew well but sacrifice elsewhere on say maintenance, is this worth your life ???
The company has grown and the CAA`S are placing more and more demand on safety and quality which we try to comply with as well. This also cost money.
We are trying to get a balance as mentioned by Paul. He is by the way been the best CP this company has seen. He gets shot down by guys that have not dealt with but act on hearsay. Take the time if you work for us and come have coffee with him(us). He bats for the crew big time and got the ATR salaries raised with management and yes he is looking at the rest as well.
Solenta has the best office staff in the business, the best crew and engineers and Great shareholders. You mix this and it is a great company no matter what anyone says. The people are what make this company so great.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Good to see on this post Rudeman , how about telling me in my face why you objected to my interview or rather employment for the Algerian contract.As far as I can remember I did you no harm during my time at Rossair.If it is true that you had something to do regarding employment , I would like to know why and if it's not true I will travel to Broadachers and apologize to you personally
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Let me tell you young punks something, I've been in this game a long time and seen all kinds of nasty SH T. This little bitch1 flying really needs to get a life.
The fact that Solenta has many contracts with intenational organisations and companies and the people who work at Solenta have defended themselves in this forum says alot. In all my dealing with many aviation companies i must say Solenta have stood out in terms of professionalism.
bitch1 there's a whole world out there, move on from your negative experiances its the best thing to do. I feel for you man ( you see what happens when you don't get any)
T. This little bitch1 flying really needs to get a life. The fact that Solenta has many contracts with intenational organisations and companies and the people who work at Solenta have defended themselves in this forum says alot. In all my dealing with many aviation companies i must say Solenta have stood out in terms of professionalism.
bitch1 there's a whole world out there, move on from your negative experiances its the best thing to do. I feel for you man ( you see what happens when you don't get any
)
Join Date: Apr 2006
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agree , recruitment gets done by h.r however is it not true that in regards hiring of engineers , the list has to be seen by you? and you have the final say.Now you should have a good idea who I am
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if rudeman objected for your interview he must have had a valid reason , so give him a call and sort it out with him , you never know of the outcome?.
As far as my experience , he gave me a job and a great opportunity to be what I am now . I gain from all the people who work for Solenta a Very Good experience .
I highly recommend to any of you guys who are looking for a job and meet the minimum requirements to send your CV to our CP.
As far as my experience , he gave me a job and a great opportunity to be what I am now . I gain from all the people who work for Solenta a Very Good experience .
I highly recommend to any of you guys who are looking for a job and meet the minimum requirements to send your CV to our CP.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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BT200
I still hve no idea who you are I know 100`s of engineers ex Ross and pilots. I am not responsible for the engineer employment and have no authority even on which engineers get employed. I surely see no engineer recruitment list and was never asked to approve such list. Solenta AV that employ pilots and Solenta Maint are two different companies each with an own MD. I will not communicate through this site any more on this issue its crazy. You obviously know me so call me or mail me.
I still hve no idea who you are I know 100`s of engineers ex Ross and pilots. I am not responsible for the engineer employment and have no authority even on which engineers get employed. I surely see no engineer recruitment list and was never asked to approve such list. Solenta AV that employ pilots and Solenta Maint are two different companies each with an own MD. I will not communicate through this site any more on this issue its crazy. You obviously know me so call me or mail me.
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Hey guys, seeing that there is a coupel of solenta guys viewing this page...
I ant to know if anyone can tell me what are the min requirement for the 1900 and the "van"?
I want to throw my cv there, just maby i have a shot in the dark...
I ant to know if anyone can tell me what are the min requirement for the 1900 and the "van"?
I want to throw my cv there, just maby i have a shot in the dark...