Avantair

[Propnose]

Anybody here know what the latest is with Avantair? I believe they were hiring a while back, and am just wondering what their current status is.

Thanks

 

[hyper]

Just hired 14 (overstaffed for now) and won't being hiring until more planes are delivered; stay tuned......

Here's a recent AIN article:

Piaggio Inks Record 29-aircraft Avanti Sale
Piaggio Aero Industries, which emerged from bankruptcy five years ago and has gradually climbed clear of red ink, last week received a record order for 29 Avanti turboprop twins. The deal with fractional operator Avantair of Fairfield, N.J., is valued at approximately $200 million and includes five aircraft on option from a previous order. Under the new order, Piaggio is scheduled to deliver the first Avanti next year, another 11 in 2006 and 12 in 2007. Avantair was launched by CEO Steven Santo in 2001 as Skyline Aviation Services. The Avantair fleet consists solely of Avantis, with 10 aircraft already in service. According to a source, Piaggio and Rockwell Collins are negotiating a deal to offer Pro Line 21 avionics in the Avanti. The aircraft currently has older Collins EFIS-85 avionics. Piaggio delivered 12 Avantis last year and two in the first quarter of this year

 

[x-Army-av8r]

Hyper,

Do you work for Avantair? How do you know about the 14 new FOs? Just wondering because I too have been interested in working there and flying the Avanti.

Thanks for any more info or updates.

A

 

[hopeIcan]

If I were you I would send a resume to NJ and stay in touch with follow ups. I hear they are still looking for flight crews.

 

[Heavy Set]

I have seen some previous posts about Avantair from some furloughed pilots who now fly for Avantair. Seems like the pay and schedules are a bit poor relative to other fractionals (not surprising given the prop vs. jet product).

Can anyone provide a view into a "week in the life" or a "day in the life" of an Avantair pilot in terms of sectors and destinations? Are you flying primarily regional flights or do you "routinely" cross the country? How many sectors would you "likely" fly per day during your week? Are there some airports that you are flying out of more frequently than others (TEB, HPN or LAS)?

Just curious. I realize that the pay is probably low, but the Avanti looks like a great airplane to fly...

 

[Publishers]

new

New operation so I do not think you will find much about a week in the life that is revealnt to what they intend to do/

I have seen some previous posts about Avantair from some furloughed pilots who now fly for Avantair. Seems like the pay and schedules are a bit poor relative to other fractionals (not surprising given the prop vs. jet product).

Can anyone provide a view into a "week in the life" or a "day in the life" of an Avantair pilot in terms of sectors and destinations? Are you flying primarily regional flights or do you "routinely" cross the country? How many sectors would you "likely" fly per day during your week? Are there some airports that you are flying out of more frequently than others (TEB, HPN or LAS)?

Just curious. I realize that the pay is probably low, but the Avanti looks like a great airplane to fly...

 

[NotFurloughed]

Info on Avantair

I'm going to go out on a limb here and post a reply to this one...

I am currently employed by said fractional and I can tell you the following...

The order that was recently placed was misquoted in the periodicals. The actual order was for 35 Piaggios...deliveries to start in Auguat at the rate of one per month...that is the best the factory can do...all orders are confirmed and have deposits...there are no options to exercise.

As for the work environment...If you speak with some of the pilots that were around in the beginning they could tell you how much work it really was...schedule was non-existent, benefits were poor and pay was poor for the amount of time you were away from home...

That was then...lately the work environment has been much improved. Most of what was promised or talked about is in place. Schedules are around 7 and 5, but if extra days are needed ops works out some extra days off...until the numbers start to work out...

Yes, pay is in the Turboprop vicinity, but that is for a reason. Profit sharing (quarterly) has begun and the employees saw a taste of what is to come over the last couple months...Also, there is the possibility of larger equipment down the road.

Training is an issue since there is currently no simulator...and the factory provides no aircraft. Therefore, a fleet aircraft must be used and availability is limited. And, although the aircraft is benign in its fliying, there are some little nuances to get used to...nobody really has any Piaggio time so IOE takes some time as well.

The company is still new and growing, and it has its ripples at times...as does any company. I can say this...Avantair is fortunate to have some fine individuals working for it...ALL of the PIC's and SIC's are true aviation professionals...no quirky personalities and all VERY competent...most come from jet aircraft and about 70% of the PIC's are typed in something...the corporate culture is such that everyone really cares and wants the company to succeed...as we all know it will...

The compnay has offices in Reno, NV, Fairfield, NJ and St. Pete, FL...all are pilot bases as well, although they are expanding with the operation...the Ops office is at CDW, maintenance at PIE and some administartive in RNO...

The equipment is obviously unique...good performance...most longer flights are done in the mis to high 30's at about 350-370 KTAS depending on conditions...we have gone to paperless cockpits and everyone seems to prefer those over the paper charts...the aircraft is quieter than most jets in the cabin...avionics are collins EFIS 85 like the older KA 200's, and all aircraft have UNS 1k's...

Reliability and maintenance are above average considering not many people have experience with the A/C and nobody has ever put so many hours on a P180 in such a short time...we're all learning stuff...but the aircraft is incredibly well built and gives a great feeling of safety...and its a rock in turbulence...

We recently hired about 10 new people...5 PIC's and the rest SIC's, but I know the compnay is always interviewing and accepting resumes...hiring is meticulous because they look for a certain type of individual and they don't do much advertising for pilots because most seem to be referrals from other captains...I understand that online application will soon be available on the website, but i don't know when...for now I think we use [email protected]...

I am not a frequent poster or visitor to this site, but I figured I would give a little more info...

I will say that Avantair, although it has its ups and downs (lately mostly ups), is a great and unique place to work. I will also say that we are not a NJ type powerhouse, nor do I think we will ever be...the company has a niche and a good airplane and is going to be around for a long time...

Hope the info helps...

 

[RideTheWind]

How are things at Avantair?
Hiring?
Pay?
Schedule?