Solomon Jobs
Solomon Jobs
Join Date: May 2002
Location: CB, Aust.
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turmoil?
A mate and I also submitted an application. I spent some time surfing the net for details of the airline and it operations. On the SI "people first" net I saw that the airline had some problems with its Aussie AOC about last October, that QANTAS had recovered it's aircraft early to deal with post Ansett expannsion and that Air Vanuatu now provide the B737. The General Manager left or was terminated a year early on his contract and the Chairman was acting in the GM capacity. There was some debate over whether the airline made or lost money last year. Meanwhile the dfat website continues its travel advisory against tourists visiting the Islands and referers to general lawlessness. I guess I like you will keep hoping for an interview!
regards,
regards,
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: QLD AUST
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I was in Honiara just over 12 mths ago on a VIP run. There realy is no trouble there, no worse than PNG, maybe a little better even. And as an Aust, the people seemed friendly because you've got $$.
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Queensland
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Guys...
I'm an aussie and I flew Twin Otters (captain, mostly single pilot)for Solomon Airlines a few years ago, (before the countries problems flaired-up), and found them to be a good company to fly for [overall].
They paid me on time, every time. Although it was not a lot of money, they provided free [good] accomodation which meant I could come out with some savings in the bank. As you can imagine, food and drink is reasonably priced in the Solomons so as a single guy you can live quite cheaply, (married with kids was tough when I was there as the Chief pilots young kids both got malaria, but recovered ok. I never did get it).
The aircraft were well maintained, and engineering were able to fix any problems we came home with without too much drama. The local engineers were skilled and trained in Australia. And when I was there they were run by an Aussie "Head LAME".
Generally the weather was good the whole year I was there. I only turned back (sh_t myself at the bottom of CB's without a nav-aid, GPS or any stormscope/radar) about 3 times in a whole year, and I flew 5-10 sectors a day, 5-6 days a week. (These were good odds in my books). Remember, there is only one VOR/DME, and a few NDB's (and I use the term loosley)throughout the entire Solomon Islands.
If you want to look at the airstrips you can see them in "Flight Simulator 2002" and [very realistically and accurately] get a picture of the islands topography, distances, etcetera, and you can go to all the airstrips I flew to on daily routes:
Henderson (Honiara)
Munda
Gizo
Seghe
Auki
Kira Kira
Parasi
Choisuel
Rennell
Bellona
Santa Cruz
Santa Anna
I hope this gives you a small insight into Solomon Airlines flying.
Good luck with your application guys.
Wright Brother (the one with the moustache).
I'm an aussie and I flew Twin Otters (captain, mostly single pilot)for Solomon Airlines a few years ago, (before the countries problems flaired-up), and found them to be a good company to fly for [overall].
They paid me on time, every time. Although it was not a lot of money, they provided free [good] accomodation which meant I could come out with some savings in the bank. As you can imagine, food and drink is reasonably priced in the Solomons so as a single guy you can live quite cheaply, (married with kids was tough when I was there as the Chief pilots young kids both got malaria, but recovered ok. I never did get it).
The aircraft were well maintained, and engineering were able to fix any problems we came home with without too much drama. The local engineers were skilled and trained in Australia. And when I was there they were run by an Aussie "Head LAME".
Generally the weather was good the whole year I was there. I only turned back (sh_t myself at the bottom of CB's without a nav-aid, GPS or any stormscope/radar) about 3 times in a whole year, and I flew 5-10 sectors a day, 5-6 days a week. (These were good odds in my books). Remember, there is only one VOR/DME, and a few NDB's (and I use the term loosley)throughout the entire Solomon Islands.
If you want to look at the airstrips you can see them in "Flight Simulator 2002" and [very realistically and accurately] get a picture of the islands topography, distances, etcetera, and you can go to all the airstrips I flew to on daily routes:
Henderson (Honiara)
Munda
Gizo
Seghe
Auki
Kira Kira
Parasi
Choisuel
Rennell
Bellona
Santa Cruz
Santa Anna
I hope this gives you a small insight into Solomon Airlines flying.
Good luck with your application guys.
Wright Brother (the one with the moustache).
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Canada
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Wright Brother....
Sounds like you liked it there. I'm currently looking for a job somewhere where I don't have to wear a parka and snowshoes. I enjoyed your informative post. Then, I looked up their website, easy to find, and looked for employment information, hard to find. Do you know if Soloman hires Canadians? I have Twin Otter experience if that helps.
Also, do you know where I could send a CV or resume?
Sincerely,
Want To Be Warm
One more thing.....
If anyone knows of ANY place below the frost line that might hire a Canuck I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks guys
Sounds like you liked it there. I'm currently looking for a job somewhere where I don't have to wear a parka and snowshoes. I enjoyed your informative post. Then, I looked up their website, easy to find, and looked for employment information, hard to find. Do you know if Soloman hires Canadians? I have Twin Otter experience if that helps.
Also, do you know where I could send a CV or resume?
Sincerely,
Want To Be Warm
One more thing.....
If anyone knows of ANY place below the frost line that might hire a Canuck I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks guys
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Brisbane, QLD , Australia
Posts: 7
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Just got off the phone from the Cheif Pilot , he advises that the positions are already filled........ mostly from guys already flying in the pacific with reasonable twin otter time under their belts.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news .......
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news .......
