Berry?

[airpilot]

Anyone have any info on Berry Air? I saw a few posts from earlier last year, but nothing more recent. Any updates? Currious about bases, pay and aircraft.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Berry

I understand that this used to be a good company, however in recent times I have heard the complete opposite. I have heard that the management is bad along with the planes. I dont know anyone there so my information is all second hand. Good Luck.

 

[skysurfer]

One of my buddies used to work there doesn't have anything good to say about them...he has long since moved onto a better job and is glad his life isnt in danger flying Metros anymore..lol

If you look into Berry's history, it isn't so good, especially that dual flameout incident. And last I heard, they have been laying off the guys who have been there awhile so that they can hire new people and not have to pay as them as much.

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

My friend used to be an F.O. there and never seemed to have many good things to say. He enjoyed it at first racking up lots of SA227 time but after a while he mentioned many times that those airplanes should not be flying. I know in the old days they used to be a respectful freight company, however in rescent months I have heard only negatives.

 

[metro]

Berry is not presently doing any hiring. Still have @ least (that I know of) 1 FO out on furlough from major axe swinging this summer when there was a bit of a slow down and panick button got pushed. Best way to get in is to get to know the pilots. Reason: Generally a specific Captain is paired w/ a specific FO and 90% of all your flying is done w/ that person so if there's an empty seat coming up and the guy in left seat knows you to be someone he would like to work with alot a request for you to the chief pilot goes a LONG way.
Three major areas of operation are: east coast (NY and primarily VA) -mostly Dept of defense contracts and Atlantic CitY Casinoes, West Coast (northern CA and primarily San Diego)-dept of defense contracts, TX-Again DOD contracts and some flying for college sports teams.
The company does not treat the pilots very well...I would say a 3-4 on a scale of 10 but the guys that you actually fly with on the line are all very great to work with...NO complaints! Pay not good either. Flying however is invaluable experience ....multi turbine time in a 19 pax plane...IMC ...Approaches lots of flying and in and out of very big and busy airports as well as small county airports... you name it we do it.
As for safety and plane condition: yes the planes could always be better but remember these are 20 yr. old planes w/ tons of hours on them so they are not new. I have found them to be in generally good working order and safe.
Hope this helps whoever is asking.

 

[airpilot]

Hiring?!

Metro,

I have an interview with Berry in a couple of weeks, so apparently they must be doing some hiring. Thanks for the informative message. I've been waiting for some good, first hand info and finally got it. Do you currently work for them? If so, where are you based? How many hours on average do you get?

airpilot

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Perfect Example

What a perfect example of that fine establishment. That is exactly what I heard about them from my friend. Apparently they have an FO furloughed, and they are hiring new people. I admit its great to get that multi turbine time especially in todays environment, but I have seen crappy places like this change peoples thoughts on flying and making them leaving the industry all together. After doing some more research I have heard some more disturbing things about this place, which makes me feel sorry for anyone there. Good Luck.

 

[metro]

Yes I work for them. Likely, I would guess you are interviewing for a position on west coast or TX as the furloughed FO is on east coast and apparently not interested in moving if not let me know I would be interested to find out otherwise. The flying is great you would like it alot. I did not want to sound like a complainer in my earlier posting...I'm being completely honest about the company based on my personal experience. It would not take much for them to turn it around and treat people right...like they used to...just wish they would actully do that. Hope it works out well for you. I noticed the original posting asked what type of equipment we fly. 100% metroliners...some cargo some pax configuration. Only other plane is a lear 55 the owner and director of ops fly occasionally. Also base locations...Richmond VA, Farmingdale NY, San Marcos TX, San Diego CA, Louisville KY and Nebraska. Where are you interviewing for?

 

[airpilot]

Where

The posting I applied for was in Farmingdale, NY, but that was in September of last year, so it may have changed by now. I'll find out the details at the interview I guess. I would definitely prefer the Texas or the West coast since I am from the west, but I don't want to be picky at this point. How easy is it to find affordable housing out east? I am married, however, my wife may have to stay put for the time being. Not sure yet how we'll work it out. I understand Farmingdale can be a bit expensive for housing. Let me know what you think. Just out of curiousity, what kind of schedule do you fly?

airpilot

 

[Future SNA]

I got a call from Berry about a year and a half ago to fill an opening in one of their groundschools...........and it started in 5 days! No interview, no nothing, just a call saying "can you, you're hired if you can," I couldn't...subsequently...had just moved and couldn't move to the East Coast from the Midwest after ground school, Oceana I think was where I was going, and at the time, I was 50 short of the 135 minimums with barely 100 multi, not exactly a stellar prospect, who knows?