Avantair

[av8orboy]

How many pilots do you guys have?

 

[Noodles]

Around 100. Last number I heard was between 96 and 107, but it depended upon who was all in that count (management, etc.). I know they are (or were) still hiring some.

 

[Jolimon]

Did anyone mention that the reason for the move is because they just took on another 160,000 sq ft of hangar and office space to accomodate the 56 aircraft on order. Pilot hiring will be monthly for at least the next three years. It is true that some folks will not make the move, that is unfortunate, but part of a rapidly expanding business. Etiquette school is part of the commitment to "elite levels of service". It is pretty much a given that the aircraft is the best in the category. Providing service above and beyond the other fractionals will provide career opportunites certainly out weighing the two days.

 

[Buckeye70]

If that "above and beyond" service leads to extra revenue, then they shouldn't mind paying us while we are in company training. They need to start focusing a little on taking care of the employees as well or they will spend big $$ training new employees every year when everyone leaves.

P.S.
Has anyone else flown that witch? She doesn't practice what she preaches.

 

[pipejockey]

Airline Driver:

CDW just happened to where they originated the company. As a pilot, it makes litle diff where the HQ is, most trips involve a airline out from the base to meet airplane.

It makes a big difference to someone who may live near CDW and was looking to get into corporate aviation. I hate flying as a passenger and it sure would have been nice to get off duty and get in my car for the 1 hour drive home instead of battling the throngs of people and the TSA to airline home which is usually an all day affair. Oh well, just another disapointment in this industry.

 

[RoughAir]

In my humble and uniformed opinion, I think there will always be a NE base for Avantair.

Maybe HPN, EWR, TEB or something like that.

 

[Dilligaff]

It's my understanding that CDW will still be a pilot base and a limited mx base. Only the office functions will move to PIE.

I think Avantair has great potential, but they need more experienced and qualified managers to run the place.

Buckeye,

I've flown the witch in question. She was pleasant to us. However, I've spoken to others who have flown her and they had a very different experience.

Dilligaff

 

[Autoparts2]

Upgrades

Once agian I ask the ?

How long for upgrades to the left seat?
Will they hire into the left seat?
How does one live on $25,000 and have a good attitude?
What is the perdium?
Do you keep your airline miles?
4 or 5 Star hotels on the road?

All info is good....It seems hard to get info on this place.

Thanks

 

[Noodles]

Once agian I ask the ?

How long for upgrades to the left seat?
Will they hire into the left seat?
How does one live on $25,000 and have a good attitude?
What is the perdium?
Do you keep your airline miles?
4 or 5 Star hotels on the road?

All info is good....It seems hard to get info on this place.

Thanks

1) Depends on how much they like you. Upgrades are not seniority based since there is no seniority system.
2) Yes, but I don't remember what the mins were, and I've heard that it came down from upon high to not hire anymore captains.
3) Ramen noodles
4) $1.58/hr
5) Yes
6) Depends on who books the hotel, the rate, and what is available where you are.

If you have specific questions, PM me and I'll try and answer.


Noodz

 

[Heavy Set]

Any new rumors about jet aircraft? Someone mentioned the Hawker Horizon at one point but I have heard nothing recently...

 

[Noodles]

Etiquette school is part of the commitment to "elite levels of service". It is pretty much a given that the aircraft is the best in the category. Providing service above and beyond the other fractionals will provide career opportunites certainly out weighing the two days.

You know, that's got to be one of the funniest things I've read on here in a long time! I don't think that witch could teach anyone anything about etiquette since she seems to be sorely lacking herself. As for "elite levels of service," this company will never reach that with the current people in charge. It'll always be just a Mickey Mouse operation.

If you want to provide service above and beyond, get a bigger plane, and hire some flight attendants to be back there and pour drinks and kiss up.

 

[Buckeye70]

Dilligaf: I heartily agree. The company has great potential, but we need to get the right people in the right positions. The revolving CP position is an example. I thought DV was great. Has anyone heard the real reason DV was axed? I also think TC is a good guy, but SHEESH....how many have we had since you've been here? I quit counting. I think the process of putting some managers in place was determined by who was standing closest to the decision maker at the time.

Noodles: I had the thought of sitting in etiquette class and presenting her with situations based on her behavior and asking how she would handle it. what do you think? lol

 

[RoughAir]

I hear the two Premiers are coming back. Temporary basis?

Seems like the company has been paying astronomical amounts to charter jets for the Avanti backup. The Premier cabin is larger than the Citations and Lears that have been chartered. The owners who get to ride in a Lear, etc complain about the "cabin" size. King Airs are too slow and not desired by the owners.

I also understand that a company has been contracted to manage the "spares" for the Avanti. What that means I'm not sure, if parts are an issue with the factory, why hire someone else to manage the parts network? They have set up an office in the PIE hangar.

 

[Noodles]

Noodles: I had the thought of sitting in etiquette class and presenting her with situations based on her behavior and asking how she would handle it. what do you think? lol

I think that would be absolutely perfect! I'd love to hear the answers she gives. That's going to be the biggest waste of time sitting through all that crap.

 

[cornfed]

I always swore I would never get involved in this forum, but I can't take the events that are taking place at Avantair. I remember last year when we had the "union scare" and we got the letter saying about all the changes that were going to take place and now they are almost all but gone. Maybe it is time we the pilots of Avantair got a union, and sent a message to SS that we want to be respected.
I agree with Noodles that employee morale is in the toilet and something needs to change. This company is being run poorly right now and it upsets me. This company could be so great but they need to be good to the people that are here! If you want to give above and beyond service, do it to the employees that are here, and they will pass it on to the owners. A pilot who is run to death with 15 minute turn times, no sleep from non stop calls from scheduling, and being treated like a 3 year old from management will never put off a good image to our owners.
I dont want anyone to get the wrong idea about me on this board. I think Avantair is poised to be one of the best fractionals with one of the most unique planes in the marketplace, and I intend to stay at Avantair. I have been through so much already and I am not about to give up because I hope that the company will get it together or that a union will get involved to prove we as pilots are serious!