Ameristar - current info on conditions etc

[info]

Read the threads posted in 2005 with some bad stuff re Ameristar Jet Charters . Can anyone who flies there currently or recently help with conditions for FOs based out of YIP?
How is the 1)training, 2)MX, 3)hours flown per month, 4) FO pay, 5)QOL, 6) company culture etc. Have seen info in threads re loading own cargo and refuelling yourself. Is this the norm in 135 cargo and/or at Ameristar.
Where are captains leaving for? And why do FOs leave?
Should I PM someone for accurate info?
Thanks
Looking to build jet time from zero.

 

[pilotyip]

Do search there is a lot of info in a number of threads

 

[info]

thanks - I thought some of it might be out of date though

 

[Windsor]

Training is top notch
Mx is good
Hrs flown varies - ties in with QOL and FO pay
If your a single guy that likes to work a lot, you'll fly more hrs, less QOL but pay will go up.
Good group of pilots and mgt.
Capts leaving for WN, Jet Blue ect..
FO's.. havent heard of any leaving in a while
Depending on your tt and ablilty as a pilot, upgrade is about a year. Hope this helps

 

[Freight Dawg]

Windsor? Come on be serious, those of us whom have around a few years know enough. The pilots are good dudes but the rest, Mgt?, MX?, Training? Dude you can't be serious, Later.

 

[Windsor]

Man, ameristar is a hella step up from the box bashers I was flying for before. In training I actually learned. MX, well we all complain about that, but what do you expect, our planes are 40 yrs old. MGT, i was referring to the chiefs, good group of guys. I'm sure after a few years I might see things your way, but for now I'm pretty happy with the company.

 

[Peter Brady]

FO's.. havent heard of any leaving in a while

Probably has something to do with the 18 month contract they are required to sign!?

 

[Photoflight]

how long does it take to get back to ADS ???

 

[falcon20driver]

Where are you starting from?

 

[landlover]

how long does it take to get back to ADS ???

far as i know, once you upgrade its back to yip. so unless you enjoy moving 1000plus miles a few times in a couple of years just stay put. upgrade then look to move to ads

 

[info]

Thanks Windsor etc - it certainly helps, especially the info re contract. I was wondering about ADS too. They seem to be recruiting for YIP. Does anyone know if there's a chance of ADS instead or soon?

 

[info]

How do they train. Is it all in-house for flight as well? How much time/hours do you get?

 

[TxPilot0878]

Initial is in house ie...indoc,regs,hazmat, policies & procedures,...then usually simuflite for the sims(although every once and a while flight safety). After that you wait around to do your "bounces" and about 10-20 hours IOE and then your on the road!
They have been varying classes as to which equipment you start in. But all the new hires are now dual qualified so it happens pretty quick.
Hope this helps. I love it here! As far as loading your own freight (10lb. boxes in the Lear...up to 6000 lbs. palletized in the Falcon). I don't know of any 135 jet operator where that is not the cased. We help fuel sometimes ie...bad weather, 1 guy,...it's done in order to get on the road and make that coin.

Regards

 

[Windsor]

Probably has something to do with the 18 month contract they are required to sign!?

Dont forget the 18 mos additional for the capt. upgrade and full type rating.

 

[TxPilot0878]

Actually 2 type ratings and all the guys upgrading right now have only been here 12-13 months. So really your 1000 PIC will restrict you more than the contract ever will.

 

[info]

Thanks txpilot

 

[GotnoTime]

hanzel hanzel hanzel

 

[Nolife]

I hear he's the best pilot there... flies circles around you daily.

 

[flyinloki]

Training was definetly I've come across in the 135 cmpany thus far. 1 week of indoc, 1 week and a couple days of systems and systems integration training, and 3 to 4 sims and then checkride. Our teacher who is an assitant chief definetly knew his sheit. You would think that is not enough sims but everyone in our class did well in the sim after the first try. Then we waited around to do our bounces a couple days and then a week and a half to move. One of our guys got ADS, I chose to go to YIP cause I'm closer to home. The others are all up in YIP as well. Chiefs are great guys and things are going well. I like the company and definetly it was a step up from where I was. I need that PIC jet time. Your not going to get anywhere in the industry without it. So you might as well choose a company that you know your gonna upgrade at as long as everything goes well and put your time in. The Falcon is a 28,660 lb Max. gross wt. aircraft and that is excellent I think for the resume. We did our training at FSI with all EFIS stuff which was nice. Now just gotta get used to the steam gauges.

 

[jobear]

anyone know anything about the DC9's outta ADS. Schedules,training and QOL?