Avantair thriving in this economic downturn...

[glasspilot]

But we all agree Avantair is better than NetJets...right?

 

[brokeflyer]

But we all agree Avantair is better than NetJets...right?

better at flying prop planes.....sure....

 

[mainiac]

but we all agree avantair is better than netjets...right?

.10

 

[netjetwife]

... Pride is nothing that needs to be debated over. I think we're the best and you think your the best. What do you think that kinda attitude will give your customers? A very good product.

I agree with BF -- to a point. There's also a lot of similar rivalry in AF fighter wings. I got pretty tired of it there, too, but it didn't bother my husband. Friendly competition, he explained, can be a good thing. So I think it's OK --- when it doesn't overshadow the community spirit. After all, no one likes a braggart and over-the-line comments just end up reflecting badly on the "exalted" company. Balance is a good thing!
Regards,
NJW

 

[kman]

Is it just me alone thinking that Avantairowner is a fake? If you are truly an Avantair owner, then...Congrats. Despite your constant run-on sentences, grammatical errors, and generally 8th grade writing, you have made something for yourself.

Whatever business you might be running, I sure hope that you'd have more creativity than your posts indicate on this board. The name alone: Avantairowner vs NJAowner, come-on! And you are defensive on every post, can't run a business with that mentality now!

You are quite observant, which must be one of your many qualities that propel you to success. I have yet to encounter a single owner notice what my actual fuel burn vs. planned fuel burn/ and or fuel saving, for that matter. Yet you notice a 300 gallons saving on your flight! Only a PILOT notice that sort of thing.

Its kinda fishy looking at his join date.

 

[BeenThereDoneIt]

MANIAC: Suffice it to say that Avantair is continuing to grow, and has taken zero steps to reduce pilot numbers, in any way, voluntary or otherwise.

ME: Please explain to the world how Avantair has done ZERO to reduce the number of pilots it needs.....when they are currently in the process of reducing the plane/pilot ratio from 4.2 pilots per plane down to 3.8 pilots per plane? Seems like a reduction in pilots to me!

 

[AftCG182]

MANIAC: Suffice it to say that Avantair is continuing to grow, and has taken zero steps to reduce pilot numbers, in any way, voluntary or otherwise.

ME: Please explain to the world how Avantair has done ZERO to reduce the number of pilots it needs.....when they are currently in the process of reducing the plane/pilot ratio from 4.2 pilots per plane down to 3.8 pilots per plane? Seems like a reduction in pilots to me!

As I sit here revising my cousin's resume (she's trying to snag a f/a position), I just got the e-mail notice of your post. Thought I'd shoot off a quick reply...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you wrote, but the change in the pilots/plane ratio is a win/win for everybody. For the company it's a win because the airplanes are staffed with fewer numbers of pilots (therefore, there's a lower cost to the company in terms of insurance, benefits, etc.). For the pilots it's also a win because the amount of available overtime goes up, too. I do LOTS of overtime, so it's a big win for me on a personal level. Maybe I'll just let mainiac address your post, since it was kind of directed to him anyway.

Does anyone know how to help my cousin get a job as a frac f/a? Or which companies might be recruiting right now? Thanks in advance.

 

[Geronimo4497]

If we don't hire any pilots but increase the net number of airplanes, our pilot to plane ratio decreases. And of course, angry, openly disgruntled pilots leaving the ranks helps (in more ways than one).

 

[Dilligaff]

As usual, Kyle is putting the most negative spin on this as he possibly can. Is anyone surprised by this?

Here's the reality - a few years ago, we fought for and got the 7/7 schedule that we wanted. Part of that process meant increasing the pilot/aircraft ratio. When we got our ratio where it needed to be for everyone to have a 7/7 schedule there was no OT available for those who wanted it.

Fast forward a couple of years and the economy takes a nasty turn and we now needed to find ways to conserve money. Management and the PAC looked at many options, including going to a 8/6 schedule. It was decided that reducing the pilot/aircraft ratio would solve two problems: 1) save money and 2) make OT available to those who want it without changing the schedule to 8/6, forcing pay cuts or furloughing pilots. It's a win-win for eveyone.

Truthfully, I haven't heard people who actually work here complain about the changes in the pilot/aircraft ratio. I've gotten OT when I wanted it and have not been forced into OT when I didn't want it and that's the same story that I hear from other people when we do talk about the schedule.

In these economic times, many companies have been forced to take drastic measures to save money. I feel fortunate that we are able to make adjustments that keep us afloat without having to furlough pilots. It pains me to see other companies doing just that - many of my friends are looking for jobs or have gone offshore to support their families. So, overall, I'd say the reduction of the pilot ratio without anyone losing their job turned out to be a good thing.

 

[mainiac]

Just to re-iterate what Geronimo said:

The company took more airplanes, and didn't hire anyone new during this time period, so the ratio has dropped, not the total number. (Oh, I guess since BTDI quit, the total# really has dropped)

Still can't figure why I'm online during vacation, except to say:
Summer hasn't arrived yet in Maine! Unbelievable streak of cool weather, had the heat on out at the lake house today!

 

[AftCG182]

Just to re-iterate what Geronimo said:

The company took more airplanes, and didn't hire anyone new during this time period, so the ratio has dropped, not the total number. (Oh, I guess since BTDI quit, the total# really has dropped)

Still can't figure why I'm online during vacation, except to say:
Summer hasn't arrived yet in Maine! Unbelievable streak of cool weather, had the heat on out at the lake house today!

Careful what you wish for! It was 82 and humid here in the Saratoga area today. I was sweating, for sure! :bawling: Weather Channel says El Nino is setting up at we speak. El Nino winter, everyone!

 

[Geronimo4497]

Oh boy, that could affect the MAPA winter sports.

Not good if we want a happy mainiac. :nuts:

 

[ozpilot]

Still can't figure why I'm online during vacation, except to say:
Summer hasn't arrived yet in Maine! Unbelievable streak of cool weather, had the heat on out at the lake house today!

I know how you feel! I'm in Vermont and we actually lit the fireplace today!

 

[SharkBait]

If I started a thread called Babies, Bubbles & Boobies; some lightning rod would find a way to turn it into an argument here on F.I.!

Bubbles.

Enough babies and boobies.

 

[NJAowner]

Meteorology

F.I. is getting a little boring so I will try to stir up some ....

Careful what you wish for! It was 82 and humid here in the Saratoga area today. I was sweating, for sure! :bawling: Weather Channel says El Nino is setting up at we speak. El Nino winter, everyone!

Forget Weather Channel, what do your in house FAA meterologists say???

Jst stirring it up guys -- no flames.

Fly safe.

 

[C425Driver]

Mainiac,

You're on vacation - stay away from F.U., uh, I mean F.I.!

 

[BeenThereDoneIt]

AFT: Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you wrote, but the change in the pilots/plane ratio is a win/win for everybody.

ME: When the pilot/plane ratio is decreased by management by 9.5%....the pilots will end up having to fly more hours on the same pay. That is ultimately a 9.5% decrease in the number of pilots Avantair wants in relation to the number of aircraft it wants. If you all are OK with that, then let's call it "good."

 

[myrealnameis]

Kyle, you spitting in the face of every Pilot at Avantair serves no purpose but to inflate you own ego. We are an organization of Professional Pilots that fight everyday to improve the quality of life for all of us, not just one selfish person like youself. And, heres a new flash, that improvement is not gonna happen overnight. Its a slow grind thats gonna take years. Im sure we can ask our fellow Professional Pilots at NETJETS who can attest to that. Your measly 1 year stint at our beloved company hardly makes you the expert you make yourself out to be. JUST GO AWAY and quit insulting those who have chosen to remain here and make things better. You made you choice, congrats, we have made ours, we choose to stick together and make this a company we will all be proud to retire from.

 

[brokeflyer]

Sounds like he needs some some more right seat time with a seasoned professional to give "re-training"

 

[wacoflyr]

ME: When the pilot/plane ratio is decreased by management by 9.5%....the pilots will end up having to fly more hours on the same pay. That is ultimately a 9.5% decrease in the number of pilots Avantair wants in relation to the number of aircraft it wants. If you all are OK with that, then let's call it "good."

Actually, we Avantair pilots are happy to work hard. We're not at home, so why not? The company becomes more profitable due to greater productivity, and we can afford to acquire more aircraft and hire more pilots. With the company more profitable, I have even more job security. I'm looking forward to an upgrade even quicker now. By the way, my seniority went up because you left, so that my quality of life should get better that much quicker. Thanks! Hey, I meant to ask. How is the bartending? Are latenights serving drunks keeping you happy and fulfilled?

Wacoflyr

 

[brokeflyer]

my seniority went up because you left

mmmuuuhhhaaa.....lol

 

[Geronimo4497]

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n81/tessas_photos/dayum.jpg

 

[glasspilot]

Interesting forum technique BeenThereSpunIt. Let me give it a try...



Kyle: Avantair is way dangerous and the pilots are mean. Yeah, I'd still be there if they let me upgrade, but they didn't so now I'm mad.

Me: I don't think that's fair and can't understand why you care so much about a previous employer.

Dr. Spock: That's illogical.

Me: You're right.

Kyle: Well...I'm still gonna stomp my feet!

Arnold: Whatch you talkin about Kyle?

Colonel Jessep: You can't handle the truth!

Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.​

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall -- you need me on that wall. We use words like "honor," "code," "loyalty." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand the post.
​

Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!

Senator Franken: I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and Doggone it, people like me.

Kyle: But I'm still really mad...

Me: Tard.









.12
​

 

[C425Driver]

If you all are OK with that, then let's call it "good."

We are OK with it.

It's good.

Move on with your life and we'll move on with ours.

 

[C425Driver]

I am very happy to hear you are doing well! C425 was in my CRJ class at Comair, and I know he is happy as a clam at Avantair. There are a few other of my fellow regional refugees with you as well. Keep up the great work!:beer:

Thanks for the shout out, Doh! Despite someone's best efforts, I enjoy it here - always have. Hope all is well with you.

Hasta!

 

[corpflunkie]

Interesting forum technique BeenThereSpunIt. Let me give it a try...



Kyle: Avantair is way dangerous and the pilots are mean. Yeah, I'd still be there if they let me upgrade, but they didn't so now I'm mad.

Me: I don't think that's fair and can't understand why you care so much about a previous employer.

Dr. Spock: That's illogical.

Me: You're right.

Kyle: Well...I'm still gonna stomp my feet!

Arnold: Whatch you talkin about Kyle?

Colonel Jessep: You can't handle the truth!

Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.​

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall -- you need me on that wall. We use words like "honor," "code," "loyalty." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand the post.​

Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!​

Senator Franken: I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and Doggone it, people like me.​

Kyle: But I'm still really mad...​

Me: Tard.​

.12​

Dude!! Get a hobby. That was some funny $heet though!!

 

[lowspeed]

AFT: Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you wrote, but the change in the pilots/plane ratio is a win/win for everybody.

ME: When the pilot/plane ratio is decreased by management by 9.5%....the pilots will end up having to fly more hours on the same pay. That is ultimately a 9.5% decrease in the number of pilots Avantair wants in relation to the number of aircraft it wants. If you all are OK with that, then let's call it "good."

not really unless you work overtime which you are paid extra for. If anything the more airplanes we get the less you will fly for the same pay. As the repos drop due to better utilzation.

No offense AFT but I think you sweat no matter what. lol

 

[AftCG182]

not really unless you work overtime which you are paid extra for. If anything the more airplanes we get the less you will fly for the same pay. As the repos drop due to better utilzation.

No offense AFT but I think you sweat no matter what. lol

I'm a lifetime member of S.A. (Sweaters Anonymous) and proud of it biatch!

 

[steelersrule74]

as i've said before, i usually don't comment on other fracs where i don't work cause it's mostly conjecture and rumor. the fact that avantair is (i believe) the only publicly traded frac though provides info that isn't rumor - just facts.

according to airlinepilotcentral a 5 year captain makes 72 grand. the scale tops out at 12 years at 103. they list only the 7&7 schedule.
FO pay tops out at 43 followed by cola after year 5.

a quick check of forbes offers the following:

Steve Santo 668,623.00 total compensation
http://people.forbes.com:80/profile/steven-santo/8922

Richard Pytak 146,616.00
http://people.forbes.com:80/profile/richard-pytak/8917

Kevin McKamey 191,113.00
http://people.forbes.com:80/profile/kevin-v-mckamey/8919

Kevin Beitzel 250,407.00
http://people.forbes.com/profile/kevin-beitzel/8923

those folks sure do get quite a good deal, particularly with their bonus and stock options. maybe my view is jaded but much like pro sports i think in an airline the 'stars' are the pilots who actually move the iron and provide the product. after all we're the ones that have a special skill set and our careers are only one injury away from being over. everyone else is just overhead. it's why players get paid more than the coaches. heck if you add up all the bonus money and divide it by the number of pilots, it's dang near 1500 bucks each.

look, i'm not slamming avantair. any job is a good job right now. it's just in terrible economic times, your management team is taking bonuses and stock options - good for them. i wonder if they will reward pilots when the economy recovers. who knows? i just found the numbers interesting.

 

[fischman]

Hmm....

Steelersrule, Would you speculate that those top managers have contracts with Avantair? Take the COO Kevin Beitzel for example, he made $50,000 in bonuses last year. He must be an impressive manager who REALLY cares about the welfare of his company. Avantair obviously thinks highly of him.