Best GA company'?

[vneandbeyond]

I am trying to create a list of the best GA companýs in terms of pay, conditions, maintenance, training etc for someone with about 2000 hours, 500 multi and 3 renewals ie Someone who can't afford a regional turbine endorsement.

So far I have Skytrans?

Help!

[limpwindsock]

I think Westwing in Mt Isa pay the award???? Not sure about maintenance etc.

GAM seems to have a pretty good reputation in the southern states.

Skytrans probably tops the list though.

Hope this helps.

[Transition Layer]

Whilst not the same size as GAM or Skytrans, Airlink in Dubbo would have to rate a mention.

Get your polishing skills (no not THOSE "polishing" skills) up to speed and fire off a resume. Potential to get onto the 1900D and you won't have to fork out for an endorsement. Bit of movement at the moment too ;)

Cheers,
TL

[limpwindsock]

I am interested to hear from pilots who fly for Airlink Dubbo.

The MD/CP has had a bit of a reputation for throwing wild tantrems and hissy fits for ages. I can remember being in a room full of pilots from all over Aus at AFT in Maroochy doing ATPLS. During introductions on the first day a pilot said he worked for DM and the whole room went into histerics. His reputation certainly precedes him. Perphaps he has turned over a new leaf?

[Capt Fathom]

Best GA company?

It's going to be a small list!

[Horatio Leafblower]

I have never worked for DM but I have had a few peripheral dealings with him over a few years and he seems pretty good value to me. You show me a bloke who has done it right every step of the way and is still in the aviation business like him.

I can think of only one other, who should be added to the list: Craig Muir of Alligator Airways.

High standards, high expectations of staff: I think it comes with the territory that sometimes these guys can be highly strung.

Cheers

:mad:

[Aerlik]

I've heard that the GA mobs in Broome have a habit of looking after there pilots really well. May be you want to mention them.

[Blown Seal]

Karratha Flying Services pays the award or slightly above depending on what you fly and also subsidises accomodation and bills. Planes would be amongst the best maintained in the country.

[Night Watch]

Horatio Leafblower Are you on drugs? In 13 years in Aviation Alligator Airways would have to be the wost GA company I ever worked for. Unless it has changed (has been quite a few years since i worked there) here are a few things you may want to know about this company! Flight and duty times..... there is no such thing in there book. Sure you keep a record of them (actuate or not), but you are still required to be there in the hanger at 8 till 5 even if you are not working. This according to the boss that doesn't count towards duty time! I often worked from 5am till 7pm 6 days a week. Was "invited" back for the next season, but decided my health and the safety of my pax where more important. Dangerous goods...... we all know they can bring a aircraft down if not packaged and carried right, but maybe someone should tell Alligator that! Maintainence.... only allowed to write up a defect in the MR after first checking with the chief engineer.

As I said it has been a long time since I worked there, and to the sake of those in the employ at the moment, I hope things have changed.

Don't prostitute yourself with doggie operations (in general), I left after 8 months and life didn't come to an end. I got another job, then another..... and eventually ended up in a major.

Be sure to stand up for yourself and the safety of those you are responsible for!

[drshmoo]

Night Watch

How dare you suggest that AA doesn't record legitimate duty times. hahahhahaha

AA and the Sl!ngair mob are just as bad - A sweatshop of aviation
In saying that apart from the long hot days in the hanger, I had two of the best years of my life @ AA.

And yes Horatio Leafblower, The Muirs are lovely people. The work was hard but enjoyable and indeed somewhat like a sweatshop but there was a strong family atmosphere there and a place where mateships for life were formed.

As far as best GA company goes, from what I hear it is Skytrans in Cairns. I have never worked there but a few of my mates do and with your experience, you would be competitive.
Good luck

[Next Generation]

Skytrans without a doubt.

NG

[Woomera]

vneandbeyond and Next Generation:

Your choice is excellent. Skytrans are definately a credit to their owners. We may not be able to tell you all the shonks we know about, but are happy to endorse genuine operators who meet their obligations!! :ok:

Woomera

[redsnail]

I didn't work for them but mates did, Skytrans in Cairns has an enviable reputation.

Worked for the Muirs in the early-mid 90's at Alligator. Lovely people to work for. Hard but fair. Sure, the F&D could take a bit of a beating at times but the pay turned up in my bank account every week.
The xmas parties were well worth attending.

You want iffy F&T? Try Emerald Airways in the UK......

[Northern Chique]

Worked for Alligator for 2 1/2 years and loved it. Pay was there, F&D's werent a hastle. Maintenance was never a problem either. Worked hard and had a ball. A little outfit in Bathurst was a class act as well, but it has since closed its doors after the owner retired after many years of charter and teaching folks how to fly responsibly and safely but most importantly have fun.

[The Messiah]

Airtex at Bankstown always did it right.

[Transition Layer]

limpwindsock,

Check your PMs.

TL

[Its the Pleats]

Best by far is Brindabella Airlines in CBR. I feel bad for refering to them as 'GA' however, no sim or F/As so they still count!

[swamp monkey]

SKytrans, Brindybella.................they're all still GA although better GA.

They'll still bend you over, only they will smile when they do it.

You want something with a cockpit door or at least at a ton of freight.

[Guard Dog]

Hey Limpwindsock,
I spent a few years in Dubbo with DM,whilst he has a short fuse you will not find a better operator of Pa 31's and C310"s in Oz.He will spend money on a/c when needed which is very rare in this day and age.Keep your nose clean and do your job to the best of your ability,and you will learn a lot and Airlink is a good operation, well worth a look!

Brindabella is another good operator and nice people to boot, also worth a look

[neville_nobody]

Over the years I have heard numerous CASA guys say that basically old mate at Dubbo has the best operation in the country (ie he is over complient!!).

The aircraft are absolutely immaculate and the standards are very very high. However you can get high standards without being so bloody anal about everything!! Certainly one in need of a chill pill at times!!

[Gods Kitchen]

Skytrans:ok: ............................................................ .

[Poto]

I am afraid G.A. and Best are not allowed in the same sentence.
What are you people thinking?
:(

[bushy]

And big headed airline wannabies, and shonky city flying schools have made it that way.

[Transition Layer]

bushy,

Whilst some may enjoy your GA bush battler stories, i'm finding it a bit tiresome.

I might have been from a big city flying school and an airline wannabe, but f*ck me if flying in the bush wasn't the most fun I have had yet.

TL

[Poto]

I'm with you TL, Best fun I have ever had with my duds on:ok:
Always separated the company and its bullsh!t from the joy of kickng aound the bush in a clapped out fun machine:}