Hiring one good pilot for ExpressOne

[imacdog]

Whose contract for Wells did you take over going into Fargo? I see your plane there now (it actually used to be a hangar queen at my college, nice to see it actually being put to use now). Did you take the flying from Pack Air? Not that it matters to my company, we have our contracts too, but between all the freight there are three planes now that do the ANE-FAR run.

 

[flyinloki]

We're just doing the one leggers although we did pick up a third leg in the evening at 8:30 that goes to FSD and comes right back. We're doin the 3:40 am Sioux falls run and 5:00 fargo run. I think we took Capital City Air cargos run for at least the sioux falls one and maybe both but not sure. How many companies actually fly for ICS out of ANE cause i'm not sure. Main reason we obtained that contract was because the chiefs we got have the boundry layer kits and can carry between 1600 lbs and maybe up to about 1800 lbs.

 

[imacdog]

There are Cap City, Priority Air, Pack Air (they might be operating as Spend Air now), Business Aviation flying out of Anoka, possibly one more that I can't think of. Pack Air used to fly a Caravan on the Fargo run, and ICS does need the capacity on the early flight.

 

[flyinloki]

Lots of different companies eh? Do they all fly out of Anoka co. or are some in st paul or crystal? The ICS guy that drove us to the hotel last week said they used to have a caravan and that the navajo they are usin now can only carry 1200 which is the primary reason why we got the contract because we can carry 1600+

 

[imacdog]

All those companies I listed fly out of Anoka. I think there is some flying out of St Paul and we fly a plane out of Crystal as well as Anoka. Oh, Bemidji flies out of Anoka as well with their Queen Air and occasional King Air. I'm glad you got the contract for the early flight, as we take any excess so the more the early flight takes the less I have to load up.

 

[siouxicide]

I've seen an ad for those pilot jobs for over a month? Why all the trouble getting pilots? Probably cause it's flying ICS and ICS calls the shots. And you say all these Saabs are coming online....they don't have anything definite lined up? UPS, ABX, FDX, whoever, doesn't just make up new routes to fly so you guys have something to do. They have to go up for bid and that timing is up to the bean counters so don't hold your breath. I hope you guys have something to do for those birds when they get there. Anybody know of any routes that need a Saab? I know Alpine has a few I think in HI, and I HIGHLY doubt anyone is getting Post Office routes away from Alpine.

 

[Midnight Flyer]

Whoever gets in now has a chance to jump right into the left seat of the Saab when they get on property.

You're sorely mistaken if you think it's as easy as hoppin' in as a captain in the SAAB. You're assuming they will let you fly the thing as captain.

Ummmm get the facts right the saabs aren't flying checks. And they aren't even on the property quite yet.

If you're such a know-it-all, you should understand that unless you actually see a SAAB on your ramp, it hasen't happened yet. I've been in this business long enough to realize that. Don't get your hopes up yet, Ace.

In fact its an entirely new company with the only real roots to the former company being the name.

That's exactly right. This new EOI is nothing like and will never be like the old EOI. But I do see that you guys did take our original website and leave some of our 727 information in it for the public to see. (http://www.express-one.com/Sales_Service.htm#EXPRESSONE_Ground_Support). Based on the pictures, how can you guys advertise for charters in 727's that you don't even have. They are in the desert, probably parted out. They aren't even on the certificate.

Can we say Boeing or Airbus transport category.

Can you say "never gonna happen?"

Hmmm...yes I am a new line pilot and this post started with me informing everyone that expressone is back in buisness and I was just stating the future plans.

So you're a "line pilot", huh? (note sarcasm) Just you and the Chief Pilot? I guess one of the positives is that it won't take long to do your trip bidding each month.

Routes start on April 4th but we have a second person to cover that route till they find someone.

By the way, how can you be a line pilot if your routes don't start until the 4th of April? Considering that today is the 4th, I guess it's your first night, so good luck to you.

Plus all the people here are great and the pay is excellent and the treatment has been better than any chautauqua, mesa, airnet, pinnacle ect ect ect. Don't dis something till you knoww the facts.

How would you know that the treatment is any better than the airlines you listed? Have you been a pilot for those airlines? I doubt it.

btw i like my friggin avatar, its family guy and i like it so whatever man.

Are you going to cry? How old are you anyway. I feel sorry for Express One if you are their only pilot. By the way, what are you hiding? You seem to be trying awfully hard to convince us of how great the pay is and how excellent the company treats you. Good luck to you, but please grow up.

 

[flyinloki]

????? Everyone is so pessimistic around here. Think I already said this but I'm tryin to be positive cause I really don't want to be thinkin like that constantly. It just does no good. Sure we don't have 727s and I don't fly em but so what. Its a good down to earth flyin job. And yes I worked at "airline" for a short time and a couple people I know, one Chicago Express guy who is furlowed after just 3 months and another buddy that Mesa jerked around so much he doesn't know which end is up. EXO has been nothing but upfront and direct with me which you won't see at any regional. By the time you usually find out its already on the news and thats where you heard it. The CEO wouldn't even think to tell the pilots. Its a chance to grow with a company and I don't think that is childish. ???? But whatever, you guys work for bigger companies but so what i'm proud of mine. I have been flying for over 8 years now so, yah, I do know some things and I learn new things everyday about how this wierd wacky and wild industry works.

 

[flyinloki]

Are you going to cry? How old are you anyway.

I seem to remember RideTheWind bringing that thing up about my avatar.....not me.

 

[Midnight Flyer]

So how did it go last night? Wasn't April 4th supposed to be your first night?

 

[flyinloki]

Everything went well last night, no hitches or anything. Should be interesting.

 

[SlapShot]

Alright, I am insulted that a company flying one Piper Cherokee between two cities that are 5 miles apart is calling itself Express One. To say they are using the name only is a lie. They are using the name, logo, website…

At least it has one thing in common with the old EOI, they talk about bringing on equipment that they know will never happen. I remember the 747 rumors and the Airbus rumors being thrown around in IND and AUS crew rooms.

 

[flyinloki]

Alright, I am insulted that a company flying one Piper Cherokee between two cities that are 5 miles apart is calling itself Express One.

Facts again....hrmm Its not one piper cheerokee and its not even a piper cherokee. Now since your flyin' "bigger things" you may not think its much of a difference but its now 3 Piper Chieftans. To me thats just a litttttllllleee different from a piper cherokee. Don't you think so?

Oh yah they do leaseback a 182T brand new for some charters and they are probably gettin a King Air C90 or 200.

 

[tindriver72]

Now since your flyin' "bigger things" you may not think its much of a difference...

Ya know what's funny, He flies the saab that YOU want! And, as I'm sure he will attest, you don't know the kind of pain-in-the-a$$ trouble your in for if you actually get one. Oh yeah, better get 3. Cause you'll need the parts!

 

[flyinloki]

Just sayin there is a difference.

 

[siouxicide]

Not to bust your balls dude, but once you get a bit more experience you'll learn not to get into pissing matches over how neato your airplane is, how extensive your experience is, how much smarter you are, etc. I see you have 2,220.957124x10 hours, which is a decent amount, just realize that someone out there has more hours, a bigger plane, faster car, hotter wife, etc.etc. You'll only look stupid trying to fight about it. Imagine a kid who just soloed telling you how good he is and fighting with you over the difference between a Warrior and an Archer. It's not exactly what's happening here, but it's how you're being perceived and people are having a ball tearing you up because of it. So act like a guy with 30,000 hours would....having pissing matches like this isn't worth the time, he's got nothing to prove, and it screams immaturity.
With that said, that's great to see you enjoy your company. More companies need guys with fire like that and such a positive attitude about the company's future. For your sake, hopefully they're not blowing smoke up your a$$, but it seems to me they have a three-pack-a-day habit.

 

[slowto250]

Flyinloki,
Noticed your profile and thought it might just be easier to scan your logbook onto your profile. Please........get a clue.

 

[SlapShot]

We are parking a bunch of our Saabs. He/She (whatever) can have the **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** things.

 

[lear24]

flyinloki-

You have an amazing positive attitude, but in some years, and after being burned a few times by this industry, you'll be a pessimistic, snarling freight dog like the rest of us. Until then, enjoy the ride.

We're just a little left over from the way EOI went out on us, and how "it" was sold off and will never be like it was again. I do imagine the new EOI has rights to the money the postal service owed the old EOI after they walked away from the contract that ran through 2007. To see the new EOI show pictures of what we did on their website, and act like they were or are a part of that strikes a chord. We've seen plenty of start ups come and go over the years, and if you do some homework, the new EOI has been planning on getting saabs for several years. What happened to the Caravan operation? What about the 757s they were going to have? My point is don't hold your breath, or you will be sorely disappointed, and end up a crusty, burned old crumudgeon like us.

I do hope that whatever the new EOI becomes does well, but it will never be what the old one was. Maybe it will get bigger and be a mighty empire, but beware, ours came crashing down with such a fury it was scary.

Best of luck to you, and keep the dirtier side down.

 

[flyinloki]

I understand what your saying Lear. At least your doing it in a calm and civil way and not attacking me like some of the others. After being involved with a regional i truley believe that I am in the right place right now and I'll go with it for as long as it lasts. In the case of how EOI ended I've heard it was abrupt and not fun. There is actually at least one former EOI guy working as our Chief pilot currently (he was an FO on the 727). Yes the Saabs are coming and if they are a pain in the ass like slapshot says then I guess I will find out but I'll find out and get experience from it which is also fine with me. They are actually sending two of our guys to FlightSaftey this month to start training as the initial cadre for the required proving runs. Feds just approved the program last month. The Caravans are actually operating with our sister company Bearskin Aviation who is owned by the Wyandotte indian tribe. Not sure how all the logistics will quite work out in the future but i'll just ride with the flow. I know the aviation industry is cyclical and volitile but its what i chose for a professional and I'll ride the waves for as long as possible. The 757 thing musta been in the past cause that is certainly a long way off. But thanks for the reply I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Midnight Flyer]

Flyingloki:

So how much flying have you been getting a month over at the new Express One?

 

[NavajoKing]

So what happened to the old express one?

 

[Hollywood82]

Express one has since packed it up and gone back to where ever they came from. They no longer exist in the midwest. Not sure but I don't think they even made it a year up here.

 

[aussiefly]

Express one has since packed it up and gone back to where ever they came from. They no longer exist in the midwest. Not sure but I don't think they even made it a year up here.

What so no saabs?????

 

[flyinloki]

Actually there were Saabs. 2 of them with 2 more coming. This was last october. They were actaully sitting on the ramp staring at each other in Sanford, FL aquired from Shuttle America I believe. Two Bearskin pilots were trained on them at FSI, our whole maitenance staff was trained on them as well over at PanAm. They were just sitting their waiting to start routes.....and then the craziness with the Wyandotte tribe started. They wanted profits that they didn't deserve and wouldn't pay the leases that they agreed to on the planes. So it all fell through in the end which I suppose isn't the first failed deal ever in aviation. It had a good chance all that was holding us back was the money from the tribe. The first passenger route was ready and facilities were in place and proving runs had been done I believe. Anyway, EXO pulled out in Oct. of 2005 with the board of directors citing the reason being no proifts being made on the freight runs, and in fact a slight loss. Thats well and good because I made about 500 hours flying for them. I flew another job in a navajo for 5 months kinda parttime outta ANE before finding a new job which has been interesting thus far. Although EXO sold both the chieftains they had to Mokuele airlines in Hawaii. They actually just bought them back (because Mokuele is getting Caravans) this month and are working towards some kind of an air ambulence operation with them back up in the dakotas. Actually got a call from them a couple months ago with a job offer but I had to turn it down. Supposedly its a large contract for many aircraft but as far as I know they don't have many yet. So they are getting back into it. Their flight side was never as much of a priority as their ground service contracts for the government around the u.s., england and heavily in south america. Thats where they make their money. Well, if anyone wants to move up to the dakotas give them a call, they are looking for Chieftain pilots.

 

[aussiefly]

flynloki, cant say i'm surprised that it went down this way anytime you deal with intermediates and different tribes its hard at best. Good to see you got on with someone else and are finding the ops interesting.

Shame about the saabs though. Always a shame to see 2 perfectly good birds sitting on the ramp.