Alpha Flying

[On Your Six]

Had my interview the other day with Alpha Flying and it was a really good experience. Met some very nice people who are excited about the company and appear to really enjoy what they are doing. When the day was over I was given a PC-12 pilot's information manual and told they will be in touch for details regarding their next training class in April.

The PC-12 may not be the biggest or fastest plane around, but it will be a lot of fun to fly. Plus with my experience upgrade to captain should take 3 to 4 months as they need captains. Then I will get in line to fly the Grob. They are going to a 7/7 schedule in a couple of months which I think is better tan the 6/4 schedule they currently have.

I have heard that they sent out a letter to their pilots indicating they will start hiring captains off the street, but that was not mentioned during the interview. Actually just the opposite was mentioned...they still plan on bringing all new pilots in as FO's and based on experience they may upgrade very quickly, i.e., a couple of months.

I asked the question about logging time as SIC in a single pilot certified plane and was told that on revenue flights they require two pilots and the fo logs SIC. On non revenue flights the fo typically flies and logs PIC time.

I like the idea of joining a growing company and we will see how much the new NetJets contract will impact the payscale. They are losing pilots I think primarily due to low pay especially for those living in the northeast. If they want to stem the turnover rate they will have to increase the pay.

Looking forward to going into a lot of short uncontrolled fields.

Yellowjacket

Great job! The PC12 looks like a fun airplane and the Grob will be a great performer. I would be curious to see how the Grob will impact the types of routes flown (i.e., how many more flights will hit the West Coast because of the Grob's capability).

If the salary/benefits package was better I am sure they would not be as concerned about pilot staffing.

 

[dueguard1]

Check this out:

http://www.planesense.aero/

and then this:

http://airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/fractional/planesense.html

I am a big fan of that Grob jet. Check out this Grob video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00BGPFmaxI

And this cockpit picture (Honeywell Apex):

http://www.grob-aerospace.net/index.php?id=147

We all know the Grob has had a rocky start with the crash of one of the intial test airplanes. But it looks like they are working out the kinks - it should be a great airplane going forward. You can land this thing on grass or unpaved strips with its high trailing link landing gear. They should be just as versatile as the PC-12...

Does anyone know the Grob delivery schedule for Alpha Flying? How many Grobs expected in 2008 and then in each subsequent year?

WOW A Jet that can get into grass fields!!!
SIGN ME UP!!

 

[On Your Six]

WOW A Jet that can get into grass fields!!!
SIGN ME UP!!

If the Grob really does have that capability then it should be popular with prospective owners. Just think about how many airfields (grass or otherwise) would open up to owners. I know the PC12 frequently uses those types of airstrips. I am sure AF would place some limits on types of strips, lenghts, etc. but that would be a great product differentiator and selling point.

I like the look of the Grob too - should be a fun airplane to fly.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Just think about how many airfields (grass or otherwise) would open up to owners. I know the PC12 frequently uses those types of airstrips. I am sure AF would place some limits on types of strips, lenghts, etc. but that would be a great product differentiator and selling point.

From the numbers I just saw, the Grob jet needs 915 m (3000 ft.) for takeoff at S.L./standard temp at max weight. With all this talk of the Grob being able to use grass strips, are there really a number of airfields with 3000-ft grass runways that don't have concrete or asphalt runways, too?

I'm just curious about that.

 

[captain dad]

I am not 100% sure, but I think the insurance companies might have something to say about flying off grass strips. I used to fly a BAE 146/AVRO. They had a demo video that showed it taking off and landing on grass to, but I never did it. Part 91k may make it legal but I highly doubt it will ever happen in the real world.

Exactly what problems have they had with this Grob thing anyway?

 

[On Your Six]

I am not 100% sure, but I think the insurance companies might have something to say about flying off grass strips. I used to fly a BAE 146/AVRO. They had a demo video that showed it taking off and landing on grass to, but I never did it. Part 91k may make it legal but I highly doubt it will ever happen in the real world.

Exactly what problems have they had with this Grob thing anyway?

One of the test aircraft crashed a year ago (killing the single test pilot). New test aircraft have been built and flown since then.

AF already operates PC12s that use grass strips. So, they have experience in those operating conditions. I agree that using a jet on grass strips could present new challenges and I am not sure how an insurance company would feel about it. The grass strips might have to meet specific conditions.

Anyone out there from AF who could provide some perspective on the use of the Grob?

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

I know the work schedule is 7 on / 7 off. I've read the benefits page on the website. I'm wondering can you work overtime and at what rate is it paid?

Moving to the ATL area after retirement from USAF for flight training and work in the aviation sector.

Thanks.

 

[FoxyWhiskey]

Alpha: wonderful people!

A few months ago I was in contact with Alpha while deciding on a career move. They are TRULY some of the nicest, most down to earth people in the business. I found that they always took time to answer any questions I had (even over the phone), and were very upbeat and considerate. I would have DEFINITELY taken a job there if they were not so die hard on living within 2 hours of their 3 base cities.

-FW

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

Will they expand bases? Maybe the CLT area...Lots of people with $$$ in CLT...

 

[GoBux]

Alpha

As of now there is no talk of more bases. PDK and FXE are relativlely new bases and there are some growing pains with these. Overall the company is very good. One of the perx is that while on the road you get a rental car. Hopefully with the Grob new bases will come up.