Key Lime Air

[down2mins]

Anyone have any good info on Key Lime Air out of Denver? Their website makes it looks like PFT, but apparently the guy on the phone said it's not.

 

[flashman]

It always sounded like PFT to me.....

I used to one of their Metroliners are Durango all the time....it was the most scallywag, tired looking metro I have EVER seen....

 

[paulsalem]

I actually called there and asked just out of curiosity. No PFT surprisingly. Since I have no intention of work there I asked about pay right upfront. He said ballpark of 20,000 with benefits.

 

[NYCPilot]

If you're tallking about the SIC program, it's PFT. You buy ME time in the right seat.

http://www.keylimeair.com/SIC.asp?Loc=Rates

 

[paulsalem]

If you're tallking about the SIC program, it's PFT. You buy ME time in the right seat.

http://www.keylimeair.com/SIC.asp?Loc=Rates

Yea I saw that, that is what prompted me to call. Its not the SIC program. This is a paying job with no pft as a co-pilot.

Or atleast that is what the guy I spoke to said.

 

[NYCPilot]

Totally PFT.​

Train in the Rocky Mountain Area, With It's Unique and Challenging Flight Conditions

Key Lime Air's goal is to provide you with the very best SIC training while maintaining an economical, professional and above all, a safe environment. In addition, Key Lime Air's route structure and DENVER based training domicile will offer you the most unique and challenging flight conditions the Rocky Mountains have to offer. You will be challenged by high density altitude operations, high altitude airports, ice, turbulence, and challenging terrain. Our short route structure equates to less straight and level flying providing you with more takeoffs, approaches, and landings per flight hour purchased.

 

[NYCPilot]

Yea I saw that, that is what prompted me to call. Its not the SIC program. This is a paying job with no pft as a co-pilot.

Or atleast that is what the guy I spoke to said.

Well it's all single pilot ops., so why would they hire an extra body.

 

[paulsalem]

LOL I don't know. There are a a lot of single pilot aircraft that hire SICs. King Airs, hell even caravans.

I'm not going to argue with you about it.

For those of you low timers (like myself) who are looking for a job, this sounds to be legit, although the pay isn't that great. If I was living out west right now I would send my stuff in. Worst case is I turn down any offer they give me if I don't like it.

Oh on a side note, when is this time snafu going to get fixed?

 

[340drvr]

They just posted a new ad on climbto350, for 404, Metro, and Ho pilots.

 

[ePilot22]

For those of you low timers (like myself) who are looking for a job, this sounds to be legit, although the pay isn't that great. If I was living out west right now I would send my stuff in.

It's not. Unless you're applying for a Captain position, you'll be paying to fly.

Worst case is I turn down any offer they give me if I don't like it.

Or can't afford it.





eP.

 

[be-400xpdriver]

I have had several friends work at Keyklime. One was the first "sic" and the other one was the guy who ran the "sic" program. At first they started out with just a training contract but moved on to pft for "sic". They have thier own flight school, Flight Inc, based out of APA. But if you are going to be a sic in the metro/402/najivo then it will be pay for training/time. Only PIC's get paid. Some pilots are "based" at the out stations. BFF,GCK, and other small cities. Since it is mostly night flying your rest time is during the day out of these small cities. Last I herd the crash pads were paid for by Keylime. If you want home on weekends then it is find your own way. Mosty on Great Lakes. Pay was 100 dollars a day for the navijo pics. Must wear and buy your own uniform, epilets and all. But no hats. MX is shacky. Have had at least one dual engine failure in a navijo. Only one fatal accident and that was on a training flight for a "sic" check out. Good Luck.

 

[sa227Pilot]

I have had several friends work at Keyklime. One was the first "sic" and the other one was the guy who ran the "sic" program. At first they started out with just a training contract but moved on to pft for "sic". They have thier own flight school, Flight Inc, based out of APA. But if you are going to be a sic in the metro/402/najivo then it will be pay for training/time. Only PIC's get paid. Some pilots are "based" at the out stations. BFF,GCK, and other small cities. Since it is mostly night flying your rest time is during the day out of these small cities. Last I herd the crash pads were paid for by Keylime. If you want home on weekends then it is find your own way. Mosty on Great Lakes. Pay was 100 dollars a day for the navijo pics. Must wear and buy your own uniform, epilets and all. But no hats. MX is shacky. Have had at least one dual engine failure in a navijo. Only one fatal accident and that was on a training flight for a "sic" check out. Good Luck.

'

I currently work for Key lime as do several of my friends. I want to see if maybe I can clear up a few things.....

1.) The Ad that is posted on climbto350.com IS NOT PFT. We run several Pax trips a week in one of our metro 23's and need some people. We do have a PFT program in the Navajo/Metro, but that is a whole different program.

2.) Some of the pilots do live at the out stations. This is encouraged by the company and reflected in the pay scale. It gives a line pilot more time off at home, and less of hassle getting to and from work (Read better QOL).

3.) Over the years there has been a lot said about the MX here. Personaly I have never had any problems. I quit me last Job over bad MX and would do the same here if I ever thought that there were any major problems.

4.) We do wear uniform here and you do have to pay for them. I can't think of many company's that give out uniforms for free.

5.) A DUEL ENGINE FAILURE.......Give me a break.....Makes for a good story, but simply not true.

I have had a great time working here and don't have anything bad to say about the company. This job is not for everybody, but I enjoy it.

 

[pilot error]

good job to avoid. and there has been more than one fatal accident.

 

[be-400xpdriver]

'

I currently work for Key lime as do several of my friends. I want to see if maybe I can clear up a few things.....

1.) The Ad that is posted on climbto350.com IS NOT PFT. We run several Pax trips a week in one of our metro 23's and need some people. We do have a PFT program in the Navajo/Metro, but that is a whole different program.

2.) Some of the pilots do live at the out stations. This is encouraged by the company and reflected in the pay scale. It gives a line pilot more time off at home, and less of hassle getting to and from work (Read better QOL).

3.) Over the years there has been a lot said about the MX here. Personaly I have never had any problems. I quit me last Job over bad MX and would do the same here if I ever thought that there were any major problems.

4.) We do wear uniform here and you do have to pay for them. I can't think of many company's that give out uniforms for free.

5.) A DUEL ENGINE FAILURE.......Give me a break.....Makes for a good story, but simply not true.

I have had a great time working here and don't have anything bad to say about the company. This job is not for everybody, but I enjoy it.

Are you sure? I have herd it from several key lime pilots. They said it was out of Goodland.

How is the metro program doing. last I herd they could not find a runway long enough for keylime to not run off of. any more gear up incidents in the metro?

 

[pilot error]

i haven't heard about a dual flame out. nearly every other conceivable calamity has been seen there.

mx? major issues. the mechanics are all skilled and hard working, the issues are higher up the food chain, and with pilots who are willing to fly equipement that are far from being optimal. it would be interesting to see the number of times a plane breaks at kden or kapa compared to the number of write ups at an outstation. my bet would be nearly everything that doesn't keep a plane in the air (engine won't start, wing fell off type things) and can't be mel'd just happens to occur upon arrival at kapa after all it's revenue runs are done for the evening.

but at least the management is willing to compromise with the pilots. they can wear uniform shorts in the summer.

 

[sa227Pilot]

The deal with the Goodland plane was Pure Pilot Error(Shut Off Fuel to both Engines)......as far as the Metro Program it's fine. We are current running an Upgrade class at FSI in San Antoni, Tx.

My question is can you blame the Compnay for Pilots making bad choices. I don't care who you work for if you come over the fence at ref +30 on a 5500 Ft Runway coverd in snow you run off the end.

I have never had anything negitive said about grounding a plane at an outstaion. We have Mx set up wth most FBO's and it has never been as issue as long as I have been here. If they can fix it we send out our guys or send another plane to cover the run....

 

[David Clark]

1.) The Ad that is posted on climbto350.com IS NOT PFT. We run several Pax trips a week in one of our metro 23's and need some people. We do have a PFT program in the Navajo/Metro, but that is a whole different program.

This is true. I just received an interview date and ask if this was a "pay-for-training" position and was told no. It pays a salary w/benefits.

I have had a great time working here and don't have anything bad to say about the company. This job is not for everybody, but I enjoy it

Check your PMs.

 

[Knob]

The incident in KS was fuel exhaustion-dual eng. failure at night, what about the guys that were sight seeing in the Gunnison? VMC into a flat spin on a training flt? Far from a perfect safety record.

 

[sa227Pilot]

The incident in KS was fuel exhaustion-dual eng. failure at night, what about the guys that were sight seeing in the Gunnison? VMC into a flat spin on a training flt? Far from a perfect safety record.

KS was fuel Exhaustion of the outboard tanks only....Had over 70 gals in the inboards and never switched tanks.....

It wasn't Gunnision....it was between Alamosa and Durango near Pagosa Springs. My point being how can blame the COMPANY for Pilots choosing to fly up a valley and look at the Aspens?

The Spin I have no clue on. Not sure how they were even able to get a Navajo to do it.

I never said that Key Lime had a perfect record, just that, IMO, you can't hold the company responsible for pilots making bad choices.

 

[NYCPilot]

So why are they hiring pilots rather than getting PFT SIC's? Trouble getting people to pay for SIC time?

 

[ePilot22]

So why are they hiring pilots rather than getting PFT SIC's? Trouble getting people to pay for SIC time?

Why hire and pay someone that is willing to pay to work?




eP.

 

[NYCPilot]

Why hire and pay someone that is willing to pay to work?

Exactly. It seems that they are lookign to hire a paid SIC instead of putting PFT's inthe right seat. Wonderingwhy they are hiring rather than using their PFT program. They must be having trouble getting people to fork over the money.

 

[be-400xpdriver]

It wasn't Gunnision....it was between Alamosa and Durango near Pagosa Springs. My point being how can blame the COMPANY for Pilots choosing to fly up a valley and look at the Aspens?

The Spin I have no clue on. Not sure how they were even able to get a Navajo to do it.

I never said that Key Lime had a perfect record, just that, IMO, you can't hold the company responsible for pilots making bad choices.

Isn't the company the one that hires the pilot? It is the companies fault if they hire bad and or unprofessional pilots. I am pretty sure the FAA holds Key Lime responsible for their pilots making bad choices.

In 99 or 00 a navijo spun in and crashed just south of APA. It was on a training flight for a pft sic. Two deaths.

 

[pilot error]

i think it speaks to the training and culture when one company bangs up so many planes. for a while they had metros scattered from rawlins to grand junction that had been run off the sides and ends of runways waiting for repairs and engines.

 

[afonvin]

I worked at Key Lime and still have friends that work there. I would have to say this is the worst cargo company on earth to work for. If you fly to any airport, and the people working there actually know either of the two owners, they automatically hate the company! If you want a courtesy car, free GPU start with gas purchase or any other basic service you are not going to get them unless you call for the company credit card number. It is the FBO owners’ way of getting revenge. The VP and President are the biggest arrogant jerks. The president was actually beat up by his SIC after one flight.
The training program is a whole new issue. The pass rate for the metro upgrade is 18% or less. It is a number the VP is actually proud of. To me a pass rate of 18% indicates the training program sucks. The last two people that went thru the training program didn’t make it. One just threw his hands in the air and walked away. I believe the VP wants you to fail your check ride, that way you will have a harder time getting a job somewhere else and you are stuck at Key Lime.
The only reason most the pilot stay is due to a 1 year training contract. If you quit or get fired before the contract is fulfilled you can count on the company serving you papers! You will owe them $10,000 for crappy training and a couple failures on your record. Oh yea, they make you sign the contract before you start training. Most of the current Navajo and 404 pilots don’t want to upgrade to the Metro, because of these training and contract issues. Hence the ad for Metro pilots on climb to 350.
Come work at Key Lime, if you want a FAA violation. They company has no problem selling you out to the feds to keep the company out of hot water. The last time I checked, three pilots were being violated. Two pilots are fighting the issues in court. If the training was better, these pilots wouldn’t have been violated. If you are looking to get proficient at ramp checks, come to Key Lime. You will have the chance to experience may of them. You might even get to know you local FISDO guys on a first name bases. The Feds watch this place like a hawk!
Come work for Key Lime, if you are an arrogant jerk. You will have something in common with the owners; you will become friends and get promoted. Heck they might not ask you to self disclose to the FAA, if you mess up.
Another thing this company does that blows me away. They have a bonus system set up. You can earn an extra $100.00 a month. Pilots are placed into small teams with 4 to 6 people in each team. If any member on your team doesn’t show up on time, forgets to call in flight times at the end of the day, doesn‘t sweep out and wipe down the aircraft. Each pilot on the team gets money deducted from his/her bonus. Thus the pilots are always pissed at each other for not making the full bonus. It makes for a real healthy work relationship with you coworkers. So not only does the company hate you, Feds watch you, but your fellow pilots are pissed at each other.
So why does Key Lime have so many accidents? Because only one type of pilot will stay working for them, due to horrible training and the horrible company culture. These “cowboy pilot” do not care about anything and become the standard pilot at Key Lime. So is Key Lime responsible for the deaths of two pilot looking at aspens, you betcha. Key Lime is responsible for breading this type of pilot culture and still allowing these type of pilots to work for them.
Give you an example of the “cowboy pilot”. One pilot doesn’t look at his gas before leaving, thus he has a tendency of running out of gas. So another pilot has been put in charge of checking his fuel to make sure he has enough before leaving. At least they don’t want the guy to kill himself. No, I take that back, they do not want another accident/incidents on there certificate.
Heck here is one more “cowboy pilot” example;
http://www.westword.com/Issues/2002-04-18/news/offlimits.html
Do you think Key Lime would rehire this guy after pulling such a stunt? Heck yeah they would, because he fits into the culture at the company, and they need pilots!
Just one more article for you; http://www.virtuallystrange.net/ufo/updates/2004/feb/m05-027.shtml
In conclusion if you are arrogant; a cowboy pilot; a person that wants violations; or just want to get stuck into job you hate because of a training contract, come work and live the dream at Key Slime. You will even have time to determine which pilot type you are during your four days off per month.
Hey sa227pilot, which pilot type are you? Bet you are one of those arrogant jerks working his way up the ladder, and friends with the VP and President?
P.S. sa227pilot, you opened Pandora’s box in a public forum. I love it, lets debate!!

 

[afonvin]

Hey sa227pilot, I just figured out who you are. Why is it when you cover someone’s run and the normal pilot comes back. All the people at the FBO have to ask, “Who was that a-hole flying in here while you were gone?”

You will make a wonderful assistant chief pilot!!

 

[dumbidea]

That's the funniest sh$t I've heard in a while....I think you would fit into Quest's corporate culture more so than Key lime. So what did you get violated for? forget the cargo net? How did you fail the checkride? Hhahahahahahha

 

[dardar]

Does sa227pilot = J.E?

 

[sa227Pilot]

Hey sa227pilot, I just figured out who you are. Why is it when you cover someone’s run and the normal pilot comes back. All the people at the FBO have to ask, “Who was that a-hole flying in here while you were gone?”

You will make a wonderful assistant chief pilot!!

Are you done? I'd say you quit on last monday If I had to guess.

Have a nice life....hope all goes well for ya in court.

 

[sa227Pilot]

Does sa227pilot = J.E?

Nope.....try again