Skybus - what's it like?

[MichaelPL]

Hello.

Did a quick search, but all I could find from the last 2 years were posts about doing MCC there and how their sim changed owners.

I'm looking for any info at all about them. I do know that they operate the twotter to Scillies, but that's about it. Is there anyone who could provide more info?
The main question would be is it possible to get in as DHC6 FO being a lowtimer with around 600h piston time. It does seem to be a perfect first "serious" gig - twin turboprop, and I'd assume some challenging weather at times?

Thanks in advance.

[Groundloop]

I think you are getting two different companies mixed up. The old MCC/sim operator was European Skybus. The company operating to the Scillys is Isles of Scilly Skybus.

[MichaelPL]

Thanks Groundloop.

So, all the info I found on pprune from the last 2 years regarded European Skybus, and I am looking for information about Isles of Scilly Skybus.

[OhNoCB]

As far as I know they only hire a very small amount at a time and normally on seasonal contracts.

[cgwhitemonk11]

Skybus Isles of Scilly

I imagine you have already applied then as the application window closes Oct 31st? (Sorry don't have a link)

Yes they recruit a wide variety of people and there is no minimum hour requirements. They like people to be currently flying or at least have done a bit in the last year so they are up to speed, while all the training is done on the actual aircraft, it is a beast and there is little time to waste on getting people current again.

In the last 2 years they have recruited:

2 fresh CPL's < 300 hrs
3 FI's 700 - 2000 hrs
2 Parachute/former bush flying guys 800 - 2000 hrs
1 type rated
1 ex RAF
2 ex Susi Air guys

Hope that gives some insight, also you need to be able to surf or be willing to learn

There are up to 7 positions available due to many people moving on to bigger things. Best of luck

[MichaelPL]

Thanks a lot for the insightful reply cgwhitemonk.

Haven't applied yet, will send the questionnaire this evening, filling it out right now

[cgwhitemonk11]

Cheers for the PM, I'll reply here if thats ok to save sending the same answers to others.

Any previous TP experience will stand to you in the application, they have received 100 Cv's a day in the last few weeks and the current tally stands in excess of 1700 so any applications need to try and stand out, I honestly couldn't give any advice here as I joined before this process was in place.

Highlight any Cornish connections if you can, people have even moved to cornwall just to get interviews and it has worked but i wouldn't advise it!

Pro's:
No Type Rating cost
Awesome place to live
The Surf
Very friendly crews and good trainers, you leave here a very good pilot
Challenging flying and St. Mary's can make even the hardest old boy shiver
The experience is being recognised externally with many moving on to their dream jobs in some cases, hence the big recruitment

Cons:
Seasonal contract, the last three years the crews have all been offered full time but this is pure luck and unlikely
Sunday flying yes I know you think I am being ridiculous but we have always had Sunday OFF which meant Saturday nights with friends and family, sadly this looks like it is to end next season and will change the lifestyle massively

There are many a surf bum throughout the company but don't turn up to the interview in shorts and T shirt like one guy did

[MichaelPL]

Thanks again!

Well, you confirmed what I'd suspected... One, awesome job, two, my chances are slim. No Cornish connections whatsoever. Only been to the UK for half a year during my student exchange. Right now commuting between home in Poland where I get to fly a bit and Norway where I work as a Rampie. Moving to Cornwall wouldn't be a bit of a problem (already did a search for properties to rent... one can dream), but doing that just to increase interview chances isn't really an option

I'm just afraid that with such a huge amount of applications they'll bin mine the moment they look at the first page and see non-UK address.

But hey, one's got to try, here goes nothing!

[CaptainCriticalAngle]

Salary

This sounds like a great opportunity and I'm sure the salary won't be the most important factor for most applicants, but just out of interest, what is the likely starting salary?

[magicmick]

If/ when they do move to Sunday flying will Skybus recruit extra crew to cover the extra flying or will they just work the existing crew harder?

Had a missed call on my mobile from a witheld number, starting to get paranoid if I missed 'the call'

[cgwhitemonk11]

Year 0 is approx 22K not including sector pay which can mean 200 extra in the busy months so perfectly survivable, rent in Newquay is quite expensive but if your single its easy. (For context I have a family and we've done ok)

The 7 positions are based on Sunday flying being accepted by unions and staff which is nowhere near being finalised so expect probably 5 initially to cover the departures and probably a few stragglers mid next year. Start dates are usually January but apparently they are aiming to get a few earlier this year to ease the training load.

Magic - If it was the call I would imagine they would have left a message or will at least call again if you have been shortlisted, I haven't hear of any scheduled interviews yet

Cornish connections desired but not essentials, I'm Irish… but I got in with a mixture of faith and good fortune and it wasn't as competitive as it is now

[magicmick]

Cheers, cg......probably more PPI BS nuisance calls.

[CaptainCriticalAngle]

Salary

Thank you cgwhitemonk11

£22k is a good starting salary, I wish I was in a position to apply. Maybe in the future.

All those in a hurry to fly big shiny jets on P2F schemes, watch and learn.

[cgwhitemonk11]

It has always amazed me that this place is wall to wall P2F/MPL threads, and yet until now no one has mentioned that 20 positions in 3 years have been available in their back yard, for one of the coolest flying jobs in the country

[magicmick]

This year Skybus seem to have advertised the positions much more publicly than in previous years, which probably explains the high numbers of applicants. But you're right it is an awesome opportunity, working in a beautiful part of the world. Given the large number of applicants I won't be holding my breath.

Good luck to all those that are moving on from Skybus to bigger things.

[maxed-out]

I would agree, it's a great job but few can afford to bring home circa 1300-1400 pounds after tax with a mortgage, children etc

I would love to apply and it seems like a natural progression from the C208B that I fly. However, I would need to live off savings for a year as the net salary doesn't cover my expenses. So in effect (and don't jump down my throat) in my case, I would be paying to fly.

[cgwhitemonk11]

More like 1500-1700 after tax

It's certainly not rockstar wages believe me but survivable, Maxed Out i used my savings to get me through my C208b job!

[smalljetpilot]

pay

wonder what they pay their Capts??
They seemed like a really nice bunch when I went down canvassing for a job a few years ago.
Reckon the "twotter" would be fun to fly.....

[magicmick]

The MCC does not appear on your licence you just get a completion certificate. Applications are open until the end of October so interviews probably will happen mid November which would fit in with your MCC completipn. Put in an application and if they phone you before completion of the MCC just explain your situation I'm sure they will understand. If you apply then you stand a small chance of getting in given the number of applicants. If you do not apply then your small chance of getting in decreases to zero. All the best.

[CaptainCriticalAngle]

OML

Hi,

Are your aircraft always flown with two pilots?

I'm not in a position to apply for some time yet, but would Skybus ever consider someone with an OML?

Thank you.