Era Helicopters
How does one come to be an "axe grinder"?
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: US/S.E. Asia
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Land of LA
One specific question would be how much overtime is available, but I'm guessing that would depend on the contract, in fact some of the other answers to my questions would probably depend on the contract (like overnights on rigs). Would I even be on a contract starting out? Or a pilot pool? I have no experience in the GOM and this will be my first foray over that way. Company compensation for commuting sounds real good, also their international contracts would be appealing to me..Thanks for the replies
One specific question would be how much overtime is available, but I'm guessing that would depend on the contract, in fact some of the other answers to my questions would probably depend on the contract (like overnights on rigs). Would I even be on a contract starting out? Or a pilot pool? I have no experience in the GOM and this will be my first foray over that way. Company compensation for commuting sounds real good, also their international contracts would be appealing to me..Thanks for the replies
Puppy, it would depend on the contract and the customer requirements with regards to pilot experience.
Generally speaking the Company assigns a particular aircraft depending on your previous experience and interview results; you may find yourself starting up as a SIC in either the '76 or the '139 if you have low enough experience and then advance to the single engine light/single pilot turbine crowd (AS-350 and A-119), or may find yourself assigned to the 350 and 119 directly and then move up to the 109 and the 135.
I can confirm that ERA has begun a travel allowance program in which depending on where you live, you may elect to either receive a 200$ monthly bonus (taxable) or have your airline ticket reimbursed (up to 500$).
However, if you electo to fly down to the Gulf area, you shall still need some kind of personal transportation there.
Generally speaking the Company assigns a particular aircraft depending on your previous experience and interview results; you may find yourself starting up as a SIC in either the '76 or the '139 if you have low enough experience and then advance to the single engine light/single pilot turbine crowd (AS-350 and A-119), or may find yourself assigned to the 350 and 119 directly and then move up to the 109 and the 135.
I can confirm that ERA has begun a travel allowance program in which depending on where you live, you may elect to either receive a 200$ monthly bonus (taxable) or have your airline ticket reimbursed (up to 500$).
However, if you electo to fly down to the Gulf area, you shall still need some kind of personal transportation there.
"Working half the year" does not mean "doing half the work"
"One specific question would be how much overtime is available..."
Is available?? Why on God's green earth would anyone want to work overtime?
The companies will tell you that because of your 7&7 or 14&14 schedule, you are only working "half" the year...the implication being that you only work "half as much" as someone with a "normal" job. You might tend to agree with this if you don't look at it too closely.
As a GOM pilot you will be away from home for more than half your life while working, in real duty hours, just as much (if not more) as someone who works a regular and comparable* 9-to-5 job (i.e. not a grocery bagger or garbageman). You will work about 183 days while the "9-to-5" guy works...no, not 365 days but 245 days. Do the math.
You're working "half" of what?
And people want to work more? Astounding.
How much of a slave do you want to be?
*We're assuming here an employee (salaried or hourly) with training, licensing and experience (if not risk) comparable to us, who's in a "decent" job with two weeks of vacation and 7 or 8 holidays off per year. I know plenty of people like this. On the surface they say they envy the 7&7 schedule, but then they themselves almost never put in a 5-day/40-hour week. They often get three-day weekends, *and* they get to sleep in their own bed every night.
Is available?? Why on God's green earth would anyone want to work overtime?
The companies will tell you that because of your 7&7 or 14&14 schedule, you are only working "half" the year...the implication being that you only work "half as much" as someone with a "normal" job. You might tend to agree with this if you don't look at it too closely.
As a GOM pilot you will be away from home for more than half your life while working, in real duty hours, just as much (if not more) as someone who works a regular and comparable* 9-to-5 job (i.e. not a grocery bagger or garbageman). You will work about 183 days while the "9-to-5" guy works...no, not 365 days but 245 days. Do the math.
You're working "half" of what?
And people want to work more? Astounding.
How much of a slave do you want to be?
*We're assuming here an employee (salaried or hourly) with training, licensing and experience (if not risk) comparable to us, who's in a "decent" job with two weeks of vacation and 7 or 8 holidays off per year. I know plenty of people like this. On the surface they say they envy the 7&7 schedule, but then they themselves almost never put in a 5-day/40-hour week. They often get three-day weekends, *and* they get to sleep in their own bed every night.
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Slightly off-topic but...
A quick question for those in the know here, as I didn't want to start a new topic just for the sake of it.
- Where are the GOM operators actually based?
- Is it in the US or Mexico?
I'm asking because of visa issues with me being a Brit and all.
- Where are the GOM operators actually based?
- Is it in the US or Mexico?
I'm asking because of visa issues with me being a Brit and all.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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FH1100, the answer to your question is the same as the answer to most other questions - money. Some people need money more than they need free time. Not all of us, but a fair percentage. With the way inflation is skyrocketing, that percentage will increase at a pretty fast clip. Your wants and needs are not the wants and needs of everyone. Nor are mine.
The old 7/7 roster purely sucked.....at least on a 14/14 roster you can have a fair bit of time off at home. Those who live a full days drive away from the job really do more like a 9/5 if you count commuting time. Granted 14 days straight in a four or five man trailer sharing showers and kitchen space gets old quick too. Except for Cook Inlet near Kenai, Alaska....The Almighty surely used his sense of humour when he stuck oil where he did.
Nigeria...Saudi....the North Slope....Louisana.....Norwich....the Shetlands!
Nigeria...Saudi....the North Slope....Louisana.....Norwich....the Shetlands!
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Request For ERA Information
I am considering applying to ERA to fly in the GoM and looking for some information to help with decision making. Could someone knowledgeable of ERA GoM ops offer insights?
-- Is it possible to negotiate the type of aircraft to which one will be assigned? For example, I would like to fly the Augusta 109. Any way to make sure that is the aircraft I'll get?
-- Starting pay and workover rate for an ATP with more 3000+ hours? (I have seen the JH salary website but I'm not sure how current or accurate the information is.)
-- I would like to fly a lot of hours a month. Is it possible to ensure getting put on a (I think this is the correct term) "production contract" or whatever it is called to ensure max flight time per month?
-- Generally speaking, how long is one a "pool" or reserve pilot before getting assigned to a permanent slot where you are flying every day?
-- Is it possible to negotiate NOT being in the pool, i.e., going directly to a high-flight hour contract? Not the intent to jump over anyone, but if ERA needs guys who like to, and are willing to, fly a lot will they put you to work right away or is the process entirely seniority-based?
-- Is it possible to negotiate the type of aircraft to which one will be assigned? For example, I would like to fly the Augusta 109. Any way to make sure that is the aircraft I'll get?
-- Starting pay and workover rate for an ATP with more 3000+ hours? (I have seen the JH salary website but I'm not sure how current or accurate the information is.)
-- I would like to fly a lot of hours a month. Is it possible to ensure getting put on a (I think this is the correct term) "production contract" or whatever it is called to ensure max flight time per month?
-- Generally speaking, how long is one a "pool" or reserve pilot before getting assigned to a permanent slot where you are flying every day?
-- Is it possible to negotiate NOT being in the pool, i.e., going directly to a high-flight hour contract? Not the intent to jump over anyone, but if ERA needs guys who like to, and are willing to, fly a lot will they put you to work right away or is the process entirely seniority-based?
-- Is it possible to negotiate the type of aircraft to which one will be assigned? For example, I would like to fly the Augusta 109. Any way to make sure that is the aircraft I'll get?
We have 5 109s in the fleet, two or three of those fly on a MMS (Government) contract, one out of New Orleans (5&2) and one is I believe in Mobile, one out of Fourchon and one out of Houma (all GoM garden spots). I think we are only looking for someone willing to move to New Orleans for that 5&2 job. As a note, a 5&2 contract brings in a 35% extra bonus, although you HAVE to move there.
-- Starting pay and workover rate for an ATP with more 3000+ hours? (I have seen the JH salary website but I'm not sure how current or accurate the information is).
The numbers on JH are accurate and current. The company can offer you a higher starting salary though, mainly depending on you GoM experience.
-- I would like to fly a lot of hours a month. Is it possible to ensure getting put on a (I think this is the correct term) "production contract" or whatever it is called to ensure max flight time per month?
No 109 flies strictly production, those contracts are mostly covered by singles. The only contract CURRENTLY flying a decent amount of hours is Anadarko out of Fourchon (about 50 to 60 hours on a good month).
-- Generally speaking, how long is one a "pool" or reserve pilot before getting assigned to a permanent slot where you are flying every day?
You'll be on a job just about right away if you have the minimum customer requirements, those are mainly Time in Type, Time in Gulf, Gulf Winters and Total PIC Time.
-- Is it possible to negotiate NOT being in the pool, i.e., going directly to a high-flight hour contract? Not the intent to jump over anyone, but if ERA needs guys who like to, and are willing to, fly a lot will they put you to work right away or is the process entirely seniority-based?
No one gets bumped from an existing contract when assigned to it, unless they move up the line, for the rest see my answer above
ERA is always looking for qualified pilots and you may even be slotted to a 139 or 76 position right away, PM me and I can give you more info.
We have 5 109s in the fleet, two or three of those fly on a MMS (Government) contract, one out of New Orleans (5&2) and one is I believe in Mobile, one out of Fourchon and one out of Houma (all GoM garden spots). I think we are only looking for someone willing to move to New Orleans for that 5&2 job. As a note, a 5&2 contract brings in a 35% extra bonus, although you HAVE to move there.
-- Starting pay and workover rate for an ATP with more 3000+ hours? (I have seen the JH salary website but I'm not sure how current or accurate the information is).
The numbers on JH are accurate and current. The company can offer you a higher starting salary though, mainly depending on you GoM experience.
-- I would like to fly a lot of hours a month. Is it possible to ensure getting put on a (I think this is the correct term) "production contract" or whatever it is called to ensure max flight time per month?
No 109 flies strictly production, those contracts are mostly covered by singles. The only contract CURRENTLY flying a decent amount of hours is Anadarko out of Fourchon (about 50 to 60 hours on a good month).
-- Generally speaking, how long is one a "pool" or reserve pilot before getting assigned to a permanent slot where you are flying every day?
You'll be on a job just about right away if you have the minimum customer requirements, those are mainly Time in Type, Time in Gulf, Gulf Winters and Total PIC Time.
-- Is it possible to negotiate NOT being in the pool, i.e., going directly to a high-flight hour contract? Not the intent to jump over anyone, but if ERA needs guys who like to, and are willing to, fly a lot will they put you to work right away or is the process entirely seniority-based?
No one gets bumped from an existing contract when assigned to it, unless they move up the line, for the rest see my answer above
ERA is always looking for qualified pilots and you may even be slotted to a 139 or 76 position right away, PM me and I can give you more info.
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Does Anyone Knows About Era Training Center Fees?
I TRIED TO CONTACT THEM BUT, I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE ERA TRAINING TEAM. I WILL APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.
THANK YOU.
parcasna.
THANK YOU.
parcasna.
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request information on fees ERA Training Center
I tried to contact them but, I haven't received a response from the ERA Training Team. I will appreciate your comments, thank you.
Join Date: Nov 2009
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ERA Offshore/Medevac salaries
Anyone knows the figures for SIC salaries with ERA, for both their EMS Ops (Cleveland, Miami...) and Offshore flying 76? Thanks
Join Date: May 2009
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I found this on the internet but nothing about SIC.
Helicopter Pilot Salaries, Helicopter Pilot Pay,Pilot Pay
Helicopter Pilot Salaries, Helicopter Pilot Pay,Pilot Pay
Join Date: May 2009
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I found this on the internet but didn't find anything about pay for SIC.
Helicopter Pilot Salaries, Helicopter Pilot Pay,Pilot Pay
Helicopter Pilot Salaries, Helicopter Pilot Pay,Pilot Pay
Have you tried calling them and simply asking?
I am sure their recruiter will be more than happy to share that information with you......unless they have finally gotten a conscience and just cannot bring themselves to do so.
I am sure their recruiter will be more than happy to share that information with you......unless they have finally gotten a conscience and just cannot bring themselves to do so.
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@S92: Thanks for the link. Will look into it.
@SASless: Thank you for your suggestion, I have not tried to call them, got in touch with them about the Lake Charles training facility and some of the Initial/Recurrent Pilot trainings they conduct but haven't thought about calling them about this. Are the salaries that low?
@SASless: Thank you for your suggestion, I have not tried to call them, got in touch with them about the Lake Charles training facility and some of the Initial/Recurrent Pilot trainings they conduct but haven't thought about calling them about this. Are the salaries that low?
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ERA paying big sums in Amazon?
Heard ERA are paying captains almost US$ 200K for flying 61īs in Brazil - long lining? Rumour is Sky Crane will soon join the fleet as well - with equally huge uplifting salaries, no doubt! Market expanding rapidly though not enough national pilots to meet the demand. How do I get a licence there!!?
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CFI @ Era Helicopters
I saw the job posting for A109 instructor at Era. I enjoy instructing, and thought it sounded interesting. Does anyone have any information on (hopefully) instructing at Era or (at least) working for Era nowadays?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Any help is appreciated. Thanks