Business Aviation Courier

[sewerpiper]

I couldn't find too much on the search for this company, I need to know if this place is still a good place to work at. What is the average pay of a metro capt? Condition of the metros? Lifestyle? Good people? Good management?
Thanks in advance!

 

[sigmetV]

Business Aviation Services.

I also am interested in some more info on Business Aviation Services. Thanks in advance.

 

[sw3jordyn]

First hand experience

Coming from Flight Express (flying 210's out of KC downtown) nearly five years ago they took me in as a "floater" with very few twin hours. I planned on staying about a year or so but the possibility of turbine time kept me around a little longer, then the whole 9/11 thing, the pay, etc. made it harder and harder to leave. There has been little to no movement in the company up until a few months ago (I think we have about 20 pilots on the cargo side.)

I guess you could say I was the original guinea pig for the start of our inhouse training for the Metro three years ago (used to send everyone down to Flight Safety for the type.)

As far as pistons go they fly 402B's and a few 310R's for the banks but those are slowly being phased out in favor of Metro III's. We currently have seven and business is picking up so much that I know a couple more are in the works.

BAC is based in Sioux Falls, SD. Right now all of our Metro runs are flown single pilot for UPS up to ND (BIS, FAR, MOT, ISN) and one out to RAP, SD. (1 Airborne run up in ND.) There is a SIC program in place but the last I heard you have to have been with the company for at least a year.

I'm guessing the base pay for the Metro pilots ranges from the 40's to mid 50's based on miles flown, landings etc. on a particular run (being a floater, and still flying the pistons on occasion, I get payed a little different.)

Everyone is going to have one problem or another even with the best company, but overall it's a great company to work for. There is no pressure put on you to fly your run because of weather, maintenance issues, etc. (it takes quite a bit to keep us from flying though. I think I've cancelled a flight once in the 4 1/2 years I've been here. The safety record since I've been here has been excellent - nothing major what so ever - directly related to the quality of training, the pilots, and maintenance.

Although safety is emphasized, overall, the atmosphere is really layed back, and friendly.

There could be a Metro position or two opening up very soon, most likely as a floater/trainer based out of Sioux Falls. I know they would like to hire from within the company to give the piston guys some turbine time, but circumstances could dictate hiring someone with Metro experience from outside the company.

Anyway hope this helps some.

P.S. Days for the metro pilots typically start about 5 in the morning, layover until late afternoon and you're back between 8 to 9 pm five days a week. Again, if you're a floater it's all over the place - I like it (variety, plus more days at home when we're not super busy) some like knowing we're they're going to be day after day, after day .

For a little more info check out this link :
http://www.busav.com/bac/index.htm

 

[cargoflyr69]

ditto!

Ditto what sw3jordyn said. Although I've never been employed there, my old run brought me through Souix Falls every night for about a year. Got to share many a bag of popcorn with their pilots in the lounge. Sounds like a great place to work. I recall the piston pay was also really good mid to high 30's. Do they still have that c-404 or caravan? good luck as they are by far one of the better midwest cargo operators!

 

[sw3jordyn]

Yes, they still have the 404 and the Caravan (newer one as of about a month ago or so.)

 

[supsup]

bac

I sent a resume to them about 4 or 5 months ago. I got a message to call them last weekend. Talked to a guy a little today to get the skinny. He told me they have two runs and were calling guys who have metro time. Things are going well for me where i live so i told him I wasn't interested. He was very nice and polite. It sure is good to see people getting hired again!

supsup

 

[avoidingmyboss]

Sw3jordyn,

What’s going on? How’s the wx up there? Burr cold. I agree with sw3j BAC is a good place to fly. If you have a family it can be a brutal place if you don’t then it will be paradise…in the summer.

The whole thing about spending about 8 hours at home a night doesn’t appeal to many spouses. During the day you’ll spend all day in a crash pad but it beats an FBO. Lots of time to study for up coming interviews or watch Okra Wimpfree and lets not forget Moron Pornovich

 

[sw3jordyn]

Yes, SD can get cold in the winter, but ND seems 10 times worse. We're talking -50 to -60 F wind chills more than a few times this past winter - I'm still thawing out.

P.S. At least the 2 month summer's are nice .

I think they (ND) were seriously trying to take the N. from Dakota because of the negativity associtated with it.

 

[troy]

BA is a good company to work for. If ya get hired, stop by the GSE shop or flight school and say hi.

 

[Crosscheck]

BA

I interviewed there a couple of years ago. Interviewed and then took a ride in a 402. Lots of questions per tail icing, Jepp charts.

Went out, did an ILS, came back and did it with one running.

Left with the job.

I had indicated that I would be only available for a certain run and/or part time float position. This was overlooked on my cover letter and a week after the job offer, after understanding my inability to take the job under the parameters in my cover letter, the offer was pulled.

I thought the operation looked good, equipment looked to be in better shape than most freight ops, interview was professional, pay better than average.

I wouldn't hesitate to take a job there. Seemed like a good place to stay awhile. I am furloughed now, and wouldn't hesitate to interview there again.

Good luck.