Solenta
GunsssR4ever
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Is it REALLY so bad ??
Guys, guys ....
I know some of the management and I have spoken to a lot of the pilots when they come past in the Wild West ......
My question : Is it REALLY so bad ? or is complaining becoming a local habit in Africa ?
Just asking on a cold winter afternoon in the Cape after Bafana's loss (and exit with Argentine and France )
I know some of the management and I have spoken to a lot of the pilots when they come past in the Wild West ......
My question : Is it REALLY so bad ? or is complaining becoming a local habit in Africa ?
Just asking on a cold winter afternoon in the Cape after Bafana's loss (and exit with Argentine and France )
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Is it REALLY so bad ?
FO has to pay for type rating, then paid 500USD/month + 15USD/day per diem. About 900USD/month with three months on one month off. On the month off are you paid a retainer.
Would rate that as good as flying Ghana Airways. Ah! Africa don't you just love the place
FO has to pay for type rating, then paid 500USD/month + 15USD/day per diem. About 900USD/month with three months on one month off. On the month off are you paid a retainer.
Would rate that as good as flying Ghana Airways. Ah! Africa don't you just love the place
GunsssR4ever
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Ok, ok , ok ...
So Engineer is it just about $$ ??
The way I see it (and I get the same idea when I looked at Solenta's web address ) is that they "make" pilots and that they are prepared to take a youngster and boot him into a 'Van into deep Africa for a few $ that he can get hours ... and surely that is what most of you want is that not true ?? :o
You WANT hours or do you wanna tell me a "youngster" with 200 hours and a comm has got other ambition than a hard - on, beer in the hand, uhmmmm ok Gunship relax now ... relax ...
Uhmmm is it not true that at that stage you JUST WANT HOURS .. well then I must come up for Solenta and say well done guys ... you employ guys that you know is going to leave soon .... not many of them around ! I guarantee you that !
Ok I am off to bed .. bed time story finsihed for now ... good night !
"Uncle (Oom) Gunship
The way I see it (and I get the same idea when I looked at Solenta's web address ) is that they "make" pilots and that they are prepared to take a youngster and boot him into a 'Van into deep Africa for a few $ that he can get hours ... and surely that is what most of you want is that not true ?? :o
You WANT hours or do you wanna tell me a "youngster" with 200 hours and a comm has got other ambition than a hard - on, beer in the hand, uhmmmm ok Gunship relax now ... relax ...
Uhmmm is it not true that at that stage you JUST WANT HOURS .. well then I must come up for Solenta and say well done guys ... you employ guys that you know is going to leave soon .... not many of them around ! I guarantee you that !
Ok I am off to bed .. bed time story finsihed for now ... good night !
"Uncle (Oom) Gunship
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Same can be said for the captains then keep them hungary same basic with 50USD per day more. Or are these captain the guys with 400hrs a permanent hard on and a fistful of beer.....stop don't get carried away Engineer.
Is it an african ideology exploit the vunerable and if they dont like it tough always some one to replace them. But I suppose your right it not about money this company must be operating for charity no profit
End of my eveningtide tale off to catch the Ghana Airways flight might be on time
Is it an african ideology exploit the vunerable and if they dont like it tough always some one to replace them. But I suppose your right it not about money this company must be operating for charity no profit
End of my eveningtide tale off to catch the Ghana Airways flight might be on time
GunsssR4ever
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IS THIS POST NOT A SET-UP ???
Guys and the odd girl and chirrpppyyy Engineer
I just wish to bring the following stats to you re this post :
Dinamite Dean's question has still not been answered. If you look at all the NEGATIVE postings on this thread you will learn that there are 5 NEGATIVE's of which ONE has the grand total of 5 posts and the others one or two. That makes an average of 2 posts per member and the average joining date is May 2002 .... guys is this a set-up to stab a company in the back or what ?
3 of the posts are quite positive and they are definately employees of the company ... why are they more positive than you "new PPRUNERS" ..
Advice from Uncle Gunship ... stop stabbing and get a real job !
I still stick to my guns .... uhmm Gunship you are on leave ... put it away ! On paper (web site Engineer) ... I can not agree more with Bruce, Fred and the manne that they know you are going to leave and you are just looking for hours and then you make a sudden departure .... sorry guys I would have had a simmilar "employment contract"
Vat hom flaffie ... Nighty night .... really time for bed now and a nice mampoer and coke before snoozing on my Argus (to improve the spelling boet) ...
I just wish to bring the following stats to you re this post :
Dinamite Dean's question has still not been answered. If you look at all the NEGATIVE postings on this thread you will learn that there are 5 NEGATIVE's of which ONE has the grand total of 5 posts and the others one or two. That makes an average of 2 posts per member and the average joining date is May 2002 .... guys is this a set-up to stab a company in the back or what ?
3 of the posts are quite positive and they are definately employees of the company ... why are they more positive than you "new PPRUNERS" ..
Advice from Uncle Gunship ... stop stabbing and get a real job !
I still stick to my guns .... uhmm Gunship you are on leave ... put it away ! On paper (web site Engineer)
... I can not agree more with Bruce, Fred and the manne that they know you are going to leave and you are just looking for hours and then you make a sudden departure .... sorry guys I would have had a simmilar "employment contract"Vat hom flaffie ... Nighty night .... really time for bed now and a nice mampoer and coke before snoozing on my Argus (to improve the spelling boet) ...
GunsssR4ever
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4G - I answered you back !
4g,
I have send you an answer from the laptop to your PPRUNE account. It's got a few Tassie's stains on and will re-start in the morning and make sure ... it got to you ....
In the mean time ... nagsê vir eers !
zzzzzzzzzzzzz the Mampoer and Coke is working ....
I have send you an answer from the laptop to your PPRUNE account. It's got a few Tassie's stains on and will re-start in the morning and make sure ... it got to you ....
In the mean time ... nagsê vir eers !
zzzzzzzzzzzzz the Mampoer and Coke is working ....
Join Date: May 2001
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Hey guys,
A couple of observasions.
Seems like this forum is designed to take a stab at solenta - quite right gunship!! I think that solenta has happy pilots and not so happy pilots. Any of you that think that will ever change is sadly mistaken. I'm sure there are a lot of problems, but where do you go and not have any - KAS, Rossair, airlink, sax .... They are all the same, and you will will face the same sh*t at any one of these companies!
As for foreign pilots, I don't understand!! We are operating in countries that are not our own, but is that not because there is a lack of skill in those countries? The company is after all South African, so are the aircraft! Therefore I believe SA pilots should get first debs .....! The reason Cathy takes foreigners is because they dont have their own!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gunship I agree with most of what you have to say, but as far as building hours and leaving....... I don't think too many pilots aspire to spending their entire careers staying in the A** end of Africa!!!!
With most of the South African airline industrie retrenching, I think those of us with reasonably stable jobs should take a step back, stop bitching and get on with it!!!!
A couple of observasions.
Seems like this forum is designed to take a stab at solenta - quite right gunship!! I think that solenta has happy pilots and not so happy pilots. Any of you that think that will ever change is sadly mistaken. I'm sure there are a lot of problems, but where do you go and not have any - KAS, Rossair, airlink, sax .... They are all the same, and you will will face the same sh*t at any one of these companies!
As for foreign pilots, I don't understand!! We are operating in countries that are not our own, but is that not because there is a lack of skill in those countries? The company is after all South African, so are the aircraft! Therefore I believe SA pilots should get first debs .....!
The reason Cathy takes foreigners is because they dont have their own!!!!!!!!!!!!Gunship I agree with most of what you have to say, but as far as building hours and leaving....... I don't think too many pilots aspire to spending their entire careers staying in the A** end of Africa!!!!
With most of the South African airline industrie retrenching, I think those of us with reasonably stable jobs should take a step back, stop bitching and get on with it!!!!
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The limelight of Solenta
Hey Chaps,
Just to fill you in on some of the things Solenta are and not are!
1st. To get a job, you have to be young and full of cumm and ready to blow the main man
2. To stick around long enough you have to brown nose with constant brown eyeing!
3. Solenta are under investigation and the CAA seem to be very interested in their legal operating procedures.
4. Question? Do they have their own AOC, maybe not
5. Its a great way to pick up hours & ass, but dont expect to be employed by some of the bigger outfits as solenta now has a sordid reputation.
6. Can I also remind most of you, that pilots do not in general stick together and so cause their own problems, for instance when it comes to litigation.
7. Well, enough food for thought, no pun intended
N
Just to fill you in on some of the things Solenta are and not are!
1st. To get a job, you have to be young and full of cumm and ready to blow the main man
2. To stick around long enough you have to brown nose with constant brown eyeing!
3. Solenta are under investigation and the CAA seem to be very interested in their legal operating procedures.
4. Question? Do they have their own AOC, maybe not
5. Its a great way to pick up hours & ass, but dont expect to be employed by some of the bigger outfits as solenta now has a sordid reputation.
6. Can I also remind most of you, that pilots do not in general stick together and so cause their own problems, for instance when it comes to litigation.
7. Well, enough food for thought, no pun intended
N
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NukeFlyer,
Could your's be a case of sour grapes??? I did not have to brown nose anyone for a job, I simply sent a CV . I am not young, I have been in this game a while and am on my thrid tour for Solenta. As far as the investigation, I have no idea about that, I am sure the the company that has contracted them would not allow this to happen in the first place. Litigations, well, that's a touchy subject, if this was your only job in these troublesome times, what would you do?? I hope that you can justify what you say and that you are not just relying on "hear-say", there is a lot of potential in the Pilots that fly for Solenta, don't spoil it out there for us, it might just come around to you twofold!
Could your's be a case of sour grapes??? I did not have to brown nose anyone for a job, I simply sent a CV . I am not young, I have been in this game a while and am on my thrid tour for Solenta. As far as the investigation, I have no idea about that, I am sure the the company that has contracted them would not allow this to happen in the first place. Litigations, well, that's a touchy subject, if this was your only job in these troublesome times, what would you do?? I hope that you can justify what you say and that you are not just relying on "hear-say", there is a lot of potential in the Pilots that fly for Solenta, don't spoil it out there for us, it might just come around to you twofold!
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Hi FlyGuysa
Unfortunately, a few guys have been burned, and I respect you for spending a few tours up in Africa, with them.
You obviously got in early with them and that makes a big difference, compared with guys trying to get in now. Good luck as more retrenchement takes place.
I respect anybody who does his job and helps anybody out, and I would go out of my way to help that person.
But when it comes to messing around pilots, operational procedures not by the book and in general caos, just to make that extra little buck for the purposes of mgt. enjoyment and pilot exploitation, I have no respect for those people and company who take that advantage.
Pilot Exploitation in SA is rife as there are no governing standards/bodies for pilots in commercial operations other than airlines!
I read your thread on Pelican Air, I too hope for good in the future, but the future for aviation lies in the hands of our new upcoming fleet of young guys willing to make a difference, and make a difference that counts to everybody.
The question is, has anybody got any balls to stand up to various people and institutions to warrent change, and not selfishly think about their no. of hours they need to build and willing to do almost anything to get them?
But hey, it will always remain the same! As one Senior Emirates Training Captain said to me; At the end of the day, most pilots will never stick together.
Take care, gotta fly
N
Unfortunately, a few guys have been burned, and I respect you for spending a few tours up in Africa, with them.
You obviously got in early with them and that makes a big difference, compared with guys trying to get in now. Good luck as more retrenchement takes place.
I respect anybody who does his job and helps anybody out, and I would go out of my way to help that person.
But when it comes to messing around pilots, operational procedures not by the book and in general caos, just to make that extra little buck for the purposes of mgt. enjoyment and pilot exploitation, I have no respect for those people and company who take that advantage.
Pilot Exploitation in SA is rife as there are no governing standards/bodies for pilots in commercial operations other than airlines!
I read your thread on Pelican Air, I too hope for good in the future, but the future for aviation lies in the hands of our new upcoming fleet of young guys willing to make a difference, and make a difference that counts to everybody.
The question is, has anybody got any balls to stand up to various people and institutions to warrent change, and not selfishly think about their no. of hours they need to build and willing to do almost anything to get them?
But hey, it will always remain the same! As one Senior Emirates Training Captain said to me; At the end of the day, most pilots will never stick together.
Take care, gotta fly
N
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Solenta
Nukeflyer,
Again I sit here and shake my head!!! Sending a CV does not entitle you to a job, it is an application not so? So if there is no need for a pilot no amount of brown nosing will get you hired!! The retrenchments that Solenta had was very unfortunate and I had mates that were involved. Again it was not a case of being nasty. Situation is that there are now ATR's that have replaced some of the van's, and there was an exess of crew - IT HAPPENS MATE!!! As for the AOC, as an owner/operattor as you claim to be, you should know that it is not all that unussual for a contract companny to use another existing operators certificate!!
As far as operating proceedures go I can assure you that Solenta tries to maintain a professional operation. Any deviation from good safe proceedures will be from the concerned pilot, not the managment!! I have never witnessed this personally. YOU SEEM TO KNOW BETTER!!
As for hiring, I'm not sure what you are talking about!! There has been some movement from Solenta to other operators recently. Not an awfull lot, but I don't think there is too much out there at the moment pal!!
You seem to preach "sticking together"?? What are you on about mate? You seem like an extraordanary negetave person. Maybe have some issues Hope you can get over them.
Again I sit here and shake my head!!! Sending a CV does not entitle you to a job, it is an application not so? So if there is no need for a pilot no amount of brown nosing will get you hired!! The retrenchments that Solenta had was very unfortunate and I had mates that were involved. Again it was not a case of being nasty. Situation is that there are now ATR's that have replaced some of the van's, and there was an exess of crew - IT HAPPENS MATE!!! As for the AOC, as an owner/operattor as you claim to be, you should know that it is not all that unussual for a contract companny to use another existing operators certificate!!
As far as operating proceedures go I can assure you that Solenta tries to maintain a professional operation. Any deviation from good safe proceedures will be from the concerned pilot, not the managment!! I have never witnessed this personally. YOU SEEM TO KNOW BETTER!!
As for hiring, I'm not sure what you are talking about!! There has been some movement from Solenta to other operators recently. Not an awfull lot, but I don't think there is too much out there at the moment pal!!
You seem to preach "sticking together"?? What are you on about mate? You seem like an extraordanary negetave person. Maybe have some issues
Hope you can get over them.
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People that are pulling the company down (even though I still havn't had an unbiased reply) seem to me they should loosen there testicles a little and relax. I grew up where if you had owt bad to say you didn't say owt.
Anyhow flyguysa or gunship if you would e mail me on the original thread I would be greatful any tips, have a frozen ATPL am keen to get on remaining clear of politics.
Anyhow flyguysa or gunship if you would e mail me on the original thread I would be greatful any tips, have a frozen ATPL am keen to get on remaining clear of politics.
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Hey Dynamite dean, shame been trying to find out if Solenta are hiring, well first I reckon drop them a CV on the web page, think it's Solenta.com or something like that. Secondly give the chief pilot a call and speak to him. I am sure that they might need crew in the near future, I believe there have been some resignations recently. I see they are looking for crew on the ATR's again, well this baffles me they seem to be up to there usual nonsense again why don't they use there current employees to fly the aircraft I am sure that there are more than sufficient dedicated and talented pilots within there company to fly their ATR's, hell if they can make exceptions for there previous crew hired/trained for the ATR why can't they do it now??? I am sure this will make there poor employees happier and it will avoid the hassle of further retrenchments and missery.
But with all this Solenta bashing going on are you sure you want to work there, maybe some of the complaints are exaggerated but where there is smoke there is fire! Hell I been in the industry a good few years and things in aviation seem to be recovering so maybe waiting a few months may be to you advantage. One bad decision could really set back your career. Good luck!!
But with all this Solenta bashing going on are you sure you want to work there, maybe some of the complaints are exaggerated but where there is smoke there is fire! Hell I been in the industry a good few years and things in aviation seem to be recovering so maybe waiting a few months may be to you advantage. One bad decision could really set back your career. Good luck!!
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Fellow Solenta aspirants and other friends,
It appears to me that the on-line application form for Solenta has recently been removed from their website.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Depressing.
It appears to me that the on-line application form for Solenta has recently been removed from their website.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Depressing.
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Why???
Guys,
This is getting really boring, as most of you do not have the foggiest idea of what is really going on at Solenta.
So, either make the effort to find out what the real position is, by either speaking to some of the pilots (all of whom might not be 100% happy, but then what pilot is...) or by going to look for yourself.
From my knowledge, companies (yes, believe it or not even SAA) put certain standards in place when recruiting personnel for specific types - why should Solenta be different. If it does not have suitably quilified pilots in its current pilot pool, most of whom are Comm and Turbine rated, but no ME - should it stop operating the ATR? Why do the pilots (most of who seem to be out of a job at the moment - wonder why) that complain about not being considered for the ATR, not make the effort to get the correct qualification, such as a ME rating
No, I am not covering for any problems (which I am sure do exist at Solenta, as in any other company), but lets be fair about this and try and get ALL the facts before nailing any organisation to the wall.
Its easy to drag anybody's or any company's name through the mud on a forum such as this, because you are "untouchable" and can remain anonynous.
But, then...no pilot is ever satisfied, unless he or she is bitching and moaning about some issue or another...and unfortunately, this is someting that will never change is our industry.
This is getting really boring, as most of you do not have the foggiest idea of what is really going on at Solenta.
So, either make the effort to find out what the real position is, by either speaking to some of the pilots (all of whom might not be 100% happy, but then what pilot is...) or by going to look for yourself.
From my knowledge, companies (yes, believe it or not even SAA) put certain standards in place when recruiting personnel for specific types - why should Solenta be different. If it does not have suitably quilified pilots in its current pilot pool, most of whom are Comm and Turbine rated, but no ME - should it stop operating the ATR? Why do the pilots (most of who seem to be out of a job at the moment - wonder why) that complain about not being considered for the ATR, not make the effort to get the correct qualification, such as a ME rating
No, I am not covering for any problems (which I am sure do exist at Solenta, as in any other company), but lets be fair about this and try and get ALL the facts before nailing any organisation to the wall.
Its easy to drag anybody's or any company's name through the mud on a forum such as this, because you are "untouchable" and can remain anonynous.
But, then...no pilot is ever satisfied, unless he or she is bitching and moaning about some issue or another...and unfortunately, this is someting that will never change is our industry.
GunsssR4ever
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Re: Solenta
WHAT WAS THE QUESTION AGAIN ?
Lo Dynamite Dean,
I applied online for my son when it was still working and asked Bruce Johnstone about 2 months ago and they had no vacancies then. Nobody replied to my fake (jokingly application) so I am unsure how there set-up works and if it still works.
Can not agree more than Petes Dragon ....
Lo Dynamite Dean,
I applied online for my son when it was still working and asked Bruce Johnstone about 2 months ago and they had no vacancies then. Nobody replied to my fake
(jokingly application) so I am unsure how there set-up works and if it still works.Can not agree more than Petes Dragon ....
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THE POSITVE SIDE:
The only company thats going to give you a job with a straight comm, 200tt.
The aircraft (caravans, not so sure about the ATR's) are in better shape than most light aircraft flying around SA.
Living conditions in are great, pool, car to use, airconn, 24 hours internett. washing done for you, rent paid, DSTV
Lots of hours.
A months holiday every 4th month.
Enough time to study for ATPL and ability to save for whatever you fancy.
A chance to meet some really good people who are living and working with you.
They always pay you, mmmmm...eventually,
An opportunity to learn to speak French.
You don't have to sit in rush hour traffic on your way to and from work.
THE OTHER SIDE.
You will need to fork out the money for conversion and then somehow find the cash for 3 months living expense, since S&T's don't get paid before you go on contract.
Having to live with the fact that you can never really plan ahead, don't put down that deposit for the week in the Lodge of your dreams with your girl, because you might just be called up the night before you find yourself ferrying an aircraft to some godforsaken place.
Live without the luxuries that you take for granted.
Having to live, work, and spend all your free time with some person you wouldn't speak to if you had a choice, but since you can't excacly go out and chat up some interesting looking people at the local hangout, because all you;ll get is a startled, "Pardon, comme vous ditte?" (no, it does not mean, would you like to......)
You often don't have a choice, but think about it, you could be serving drinks for about a 5th of the pay, and then you still never be able to say, I've been to Lome,...where the@#$ is Lome?"
Small aircraft doesn't like beeeeg thunderstorms. at night, with very dodgy alternate. and only one engine, even if it is a PT6A.
Its all what you make of it. But if you don't like it, you still have the choice to leave.....no strings attached.
The only company thats going to give you a job with a straight comm, 200tt.
The aircraft (caravans, not so sure about the ATR's) are in better shape than most light aircraft flying around SA.
Living conditions in are great, pool, car to use, airconn, 24 hours internett. washing done for you, rent paid, DSTV
Lots of hours.
A months holiday every 4th month.
Enough time to study for ATPL and ability to save for whatever you fancy.
A chance to meet some really good people who are living and working with you.
They always pay you, mmmmm...eventually,
An opportunity to learn to speak French.
You don't have to sit in rush hour traffic on your way to and from work.
THE OTHER SIDE.
You will need to fork out the money for conversion and then somehow find the cash for 3 months living expense, since S&T's don't get paid before you go on contract.
Having to live with the fact that you can never really plan ahead, don't put down that deposit for the week in the Lodge of your dreams with your girl, because you might just be called up the night before you find yourself ferrying an aircraft to some godforsaken place.
Live without the luxuries that you take for granted.
Having to live, work, and spend all your free time with some person you wouldn't speak to if you had a choice, but since you can't excacly go out and chat up some interesting looking people at the local hangout, because all you;ll get is a startled, "Pardon, comme vous ditte?" (no, it does not mean, would you like to......)
You often don't have a choice, but think about it, you could be serving drinks for about a 5th of the pay, and then you still never be able to say, I've been to Lome,...where the@#$ is Lome?"
Small aircraft doesn't like beeeeg thunderstorms. at night, with very dodgy alternate. and only one engine, even if it is a PT6A.
Its all what you make of it. But if you don't like it, you still have the choice to leave.....no strings attached.
GunsssR4ever
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To short of it all ...
If you do not like what lizzard has summarized .. do not join them as I would think that is a great summary - the way I would see it to be - like a "bush tour" as we called it - in the good old days of SWA and Angola with the reall SAAF!