What's it really like at GO?
 

Dear GO pilots, what are the conditions like in the airline? I'm currently being made redundant from LHR, with a 737 rating and have got an interview coming up with them. I'm looking at BRS as a base and wonder about the normal working routine, hours, days off, night stops or anything that you'd think is of interest. I'd be grateful, and it would definitely be worth a beer or two down route in the future!

Depends on what you are used to. For me the overall conditions were a definite improvement from flying regional turboprops.

Looking at a typical roster from a month ago it includes: 9 days off, 3 days home stby, the remaining days are flying - usually 5-6 days broken with 2-3 days off. The flying can really vary - anything from 1 to 6 sectors with some very long days carefully rostered to just a few minutes within FDP. The rosters are quite stable with hardly any changes especially when compared to my previous company. I joined partially because I disliked nightstops but have been a little disappointed. I spent 10 nights away in that period but this should ease up as personnel are placed at the new bases.

Pay seems fair. Pension is poor (money purchase). No food provided and at STN you have to pay for your car parking.

Mood within the company is, I think, good. It can be a little happy-clappy but if you're a bit cynical just grin and bear it. The management are exceptional when compared to the "old boy" attitude of my previous company.

If it sounds like what you're after then I wish you luck in the selection.