Hevilift PNG terms and conditions

[lucky larry]

Hi all,

I saw that Hevilift (Regional Aviation) has advertised for twin otter pilots recently. I was wondering if anybody has any current information on pay, terms and conditions, touring and the general working environment etc. I have called them, looked up their website, used the search function etc....but I still haven't found the information I was after.

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[geeup]

Try calling the Cairns office and ask for HR.
I've heard all contracts are written there and are therefore all in AUD.
Its been a little while since I was told the going rate for otter drivers.
Are you looking at the direct entry command or FO?
The key post holders have recently changed and so has the company structure by the looks of things.
Lucky I'm sure there has been threads on this before, maybe it was under APNG.

[Killer Loop]

Very diplomatic Geeup.:E

[geeup]

I remember being told the Hevilift Otter drivers were highest paid in country at one point in time perhaps even the world due to the USD :ooh:

However recently around the camp fire it was explained to me that APNG had matched and raised Hevilifts pay :sad:

Killer Loop please discuss :E

The two companies above also do special deals for special people usually with regards to experience, time on type, time in country or deals for mates :O

HR provides the contracts for Hevilift :ok:

[lucky larry]

Thanks Geeup,

I'll call HR. I got about twice their mins with plenty of DHC6 command time, so I'd be looking at command but I haven't got any PNG experience so I guess I'd be learning the ropes the hard way. Any idea how they go about recruitment process?

[geeup]

Back in the day PNG time counted (and according to me it still does) however some departments don't agree with me.:ugh:

The offer should be 6 figures and 28 / 28 for the command FO of course less.

As for the reruiting process I'm not much help these days as it has all changed.

In the past alot would be done via email and phone then you would be invited to PNG

Good luck

[SIMUL8D]

Just a word of warning...

I know a guy :rolleyes: who was recently flown over to PNG from Australia because Hevilift wanted him to fly for them on Twin Otters (Deputy Fleet Manager).

I have a great job already, but they sold me on this job during a three day visit at their expense. I accepted their offer and was told to hand in my notice at my current job. This was an unsolicited job offer, as in Hevilift came to me, and not the other way around. I was informed that a contract would be with me within 2 days of returning to Oz, having been signed off by the Business Manager in PNG, Mark Knight, at the say-so of the new Chief Pilot, Gordon Bretag. Gordon organised the whole thing, and was very genuine - plus, I knew him from a previous job.

When I returned to Australia, no contract was forthcoming. I was then informed that the Chief Pilot and Business Manager in-country do not have the authority to appoint Pilots - that is strictly an HR role, according to Cairns.

Still not quite sure how this could occur.

I was gutted, and it got back to my current employer - even though commercial-in-confidence was assured. It has damaged my standing with my current employer - so be careful.

The Chief Pilot was equally gutted, and keep in mind that Hevilift paid for the 3 day trip to POM and Hagan.

Another issue:
Hearsay 'slandering' was offered up by their Safety Manager. It was incorrect, and it was also extremely damaging to a reputation - which is almost everything in aviation, I would suggest. I provided references that refute the statements, but these referees were never contacted. They were the managers of two previous jobs. I went to Cairns to speak with HR but was fobbed off to the Safety Manager who made the comments in the first place. I was assured that it was a commercial issue, and that Hevilift had 60 other candidates, all with Twin Otter endorsements and better qualified than I was. Your call, but I find it hard to swallow that line of BS.

I am now lead to believe that Hevilift is looking to source a pilot for the same role, but is offering 2/3 of the original sum offered. I have also been informed that Hevilift in Cairns is on the 'list' of those not to supply fuel to, based upon non-payment of bills. I know they won a recent contract and things may be temporarily tight, simply over the short-term; but do your research.

The Upshot? Be careful, don't expect your contact to remain in-confidence, don't expect to have a job until you have a contract in hand and signed. There seems to be a massive disconnect between the new, and well-intentioned hierarchy in PNG (CP and Business Manager) and the Cairns Based Head Office (HR and the Owners).

On the upside, the folks who work in-country are a fantastic group of people; the Base in Hagan is brilliant and you wouldn't want for anything. About the closest that I have ever seen to a really well run Military (RAAF) Detachment.

There are definitely upsides - but proceed with extreme caution whilst they try to figure these things out in their troubled 'business structure'.

Central Aviation pays its drivers around 120k pa, as an indication. The tax works out to about 38% flat rate, and Hevilift pays in Kena, but matched to the Aussie Dollar. If you are accepted you can base yourself anywhere in the world for FIFO, and there are a few different arrangements depending on whether you are a First Officer, Captain or ATR Driver etc. The Hevilift ATR drivers are on about 160k pa. and don't hold your breath for the second ATR to come on line - she's been 'robbed' to get the first one flying and it is unlikely that the second aircraft will ever prove financially viable to get into the air again.

BTW, if you're interested in the Deputy Fleet Manager Role for the Part 125 (Fleet <5700kgs) I understand that HR is now proposing 90k pa, for a 50/50 admin, flying, check and training, procedural development type role. i.e. less than a driver can get in other companies, just flying - but your choice...

:ok:

[SIMUL8D]

Hevilift is (probably) a very good company to work for, but take care how you proceed - that's the fundamental message I've tried to get across.

[Killer Loop]

Well Geeup, plenty of food for thought and discussion above. SIMUL8D, your arrival in Hagen was noted by many in and out of Hevilift, I'm sorry it did not work out for you. There is much I could add to your post but discretion is the better part of valour and all that. If you are keen to experience PNG and have DHC-6 time why not apply to APNG? As Geeup said APNG would have about the best deal just about anywhere in the world for Otter drivers (captains) right now.

[Tailslider]

Yep. That was not cool SIMUL8D, and a lot of people have heard what's happened. Best wishes. You didn't deserve that :eek:

[SIMUL8D]

Cheers Killer Loop

It was a huge disappointment because I would have really enjoyed the job, the role, the experience (the people) and the challenges - and I admire your 'better part of valor'. I considered the same, and what I have put forward is a justifiable warning, in my opinion at least, that tries not to detract from the excellent work that those in country obviously achieve.

I have a great role in a great company for now, and that's where my efforts will lie over the coming years.

Thanks Tailslider.

[SIMUL8D]

KantGrowHair, I was flown to Port Moresby at Company expense, met with a bunch of Fixed Wing Pilot's, discussed the Role with Chief Pilot Gordon Bretag and Marcus Diamond. Flown on the Company King Air to Mt. Hagan the following day for a look around the premises, the compound, meet and greet etc. Stayed at the Compound that night. Agreed to the offer, including salary, after conferring with the wife, given a start date in-country of the 11th July, Conversion start date 14th July, passed on the kids school holidays for roster co-ord with the back-to-back, Paul Kempton, and flown back to Port Morsby in the King Air the following day. Flew from Port Moresby to Australia that day too. Told the contract would follow ASAP so that I could hand in my notice and get into the country on time.

BTW, this Chief Pilot has already brought me into one company previously to work with him - so not an 'unknown' as people go.

That's it in a nutshell - and only provided for the benefit of others. Is there anyone who has experienced this kind of process only to be told that the Chief Pilot did not have the authority to offer the job?

Be careful...

[Kunai]

Commiserations on your shabby treatment, sounds like pen pushers living well away from the coal face making decisions.

I've heard no one from within company is interested in the position due to the package on offer? The figure quoted is apparently still above what was offered in-house and rejected.

[geeup]

Why does this not surprise me? :hmm:

SIMUL8D sorry to hear how you have been shafted by Hevilifts HR :mad:

I'm sure something will unfold for you up that way if your still looking but also be cautious as they may offer the world and yet not deliver. It also has happened before.

[SIMUL8D]

Cheers geeup. Did I meet you there? Got a feelin' I may have... in any case I still owe the FW guys in POM for beers and Pizza - very nice blokes all round:ok:

VERY cautious about anything now. Just planning to dig in and get some solid runs on the board with my current 'Crew'. Down the track? Sure thing, but for now they've really put me off...

[Foxtrot_Lima_Mike]

Anyone could tell me where the old CP left to...P. McG?

Cheers,
FLM

[Stiaman]

PMG gone to APNG.

[Lapunkapten]

With most GA organisations the CP gets who he wants, especially considering its a management position that reports to him. What is implied by this is the CP is 'vouching' for his selection, any problems with said person and its the CP's problem and he is answerable to management.

With the unfortunate turn-around from HR, looks like the HR dept will make their selection for the position. Will the HR dept also take responsibility and accountablility if the applicant doesnt work out? Or for the many many employees that have not worked out? Some spectacularly so :ugh:

[GKAviator]

Rumors that Hevilift is embarking on a PNG National cadet scheme for those with fresh CPL, is this true?

[Killer Loop]

From their website.................

The Hevilift program provides cadetships, training and employment opportunities within all our areas of operations.

Enquire now about your opportunities.

Employment and Cadetships Enquiry
Please complete the form below and submit.



EMPLOYMENT AND CADETSHIP ENQUIRY FORM
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Please select one : Career Cadetship

[191sos]

Hi everybody,

I am looking to find some more info on the T&C's of Hevilift PNG for DHC-6 captains. From previous posts here (and relevant information on the web) I am aware that it's a 4x4 weeks rotation roster, based in Mt.Hagen and that they accept EASA CPL/ATPL. If someone here can share some info about the salary and contract, that would be appreciated. Thank you