Ram Air Freight is looking for pilots

[jboogs]

Looking for qualified pilots for February 12 class. Ram Air Freight is a growing Part 135 air courier operator that has been in business since 1982, with several bases scattered throughout the Southeast. Our regular schedule of Monday through Friday, the majority of the routes being day/afternoon runs, allows you to be home every night and have a “normal” life outside of your job while gaining the invaluable experience of single pilot, multi engine, all weather operations.

There is no minimum multi engine time requirement for applying. Thanks to our 65% twin to single engine airplane ratio upgrades typically occur no longer than 4 months after the initial checkride, depending upon the employee’s flexibility to relocate and the current company needs. Training lasts a full week and incorporates in depth ground and flight training, during which Ram Air Freight provides housing.

In order to qualify applicants MUST meet Part 135 IFR minimums, be actively flying and instrument proficient, and more generally be capable of reaching checkride standards within 6 hours of flight training.

Benefits include Blue Cross Blue Shield, dental insurance, Simple IRA retirement plan, jumpseat privileges. More information is available on www.ramairfreight.com and
http://www.ramairfreight.com/employment/faq.html.
Send resumes to [email protected].
No phone calls please.

 

[eyeh8flt]

Go fly a Barbie jet! I wish I would have. Freight is great, but not for your career these days. You will be an excellent instrument pilot when you leave RAM, but way behind the career power curve. Fly a jet!

 

[Pattern-Master]

Go fly a Barbie jet! I wish I would have. Freight is great, but not for your career these days. You will be an excellent instrument pilot when you leave RAM, but way behind the career power curve. Fly a jet!

I agree, there's too many better jobs available today. And this from a former freight dog.

 

[aewanabe]

Bored barbie jet pilot.

9 months at Ram Air was the most fun I had in my career. Been flying a barbie jet for four years now and really miss my Baron (but not the pay). Go there and learn some real flying; there's plenty of time to learn autopilot, FMS, etc. As a barbie jet captain I really appreciate FOs who have actually had some experience other than vmc demos and screaming "right rudder" for 1000 hours.

 

[SinglePliot135]

Fly freight, apply everywhere you want to go and wait. You'll learn a ton and get a good job in the end!

 

[8inMan]

Flying freight does not put you behind the career power curve. I went the freight route at 1300 hours without ever applying to the regionals and I don't regret it for a second.

 

[unreal]

I don't see how freight would put you behind the career power curve if you end up in turbine equipment while doing it. That's why I'm looking very closely at Ameriflight and Airnet: spend enough time there, and you get to play in something that burns kerosene.

My question is though, with the amount of freight companies that hire at 135 mins with upgrades into turbine equipment, why go fly somewhere with only piston aircraft? Absolutely no offense meant to anyone flying for a company like that, but I keep hearing that turbine PIC is what's going to get you ahead.

 

[na4life]

eyeh8flight,

word!

 

[CaravanMan]

Flying freight will definitely boost your skill level and turn you into a more competent pilot, IMHO. When you're out there on your own in the middle of the night in the worst weather imaginable, and you know there is no one else who will fly it for you, you'll learn a lot really fast. Shiny jets are probably very fun to fly, with all the lights and EFIS stuff up front, but setting the autopilot and having it fly the entire flight and the approach to minimums isn't that hard. It's the decisions you learn to make while on your own, in a plane with no autopilot and no modern avionics, that will make you a better pilot. I know my company prefers to hire former freight pilots due to the nature of our job (EMS); they have that single-pilot IFR experience. If we flew two-pilot airplanes I'm sure airline guys would fit in too. You just have to look at where you want to be, and choose the route/jobs that will take you down the right path.

Unreal- our avatars meet again!

 

[unreal]

Unreal- our avatars meet again!

Time to unpimp...ze...auto.

 

[Boris Badenov]

unreal:

None taken. I started at FLX with 0 multi, so airnet and ameriflight were not an option. That said, every company has its pros and cons. FLX pays better than any of the others. Of course on the other hand, you have to UPGRADE to a Baron.

My unsubstantiated impression is that a lot of the guys at FLX in florida are here because they really, really wanted to live in florida (Why? Search me.) The rest of the company is a mixed bag of older guys or kids who wound up here through happenstance. It's a good place, though, and from what I gather, you're better treated than some of the others.

On the larger question of 135 jobs...it all depends on your career goals. If you're one of the guys who dreams of flying the 777 internationally, go to the barbie jet. I'm a little older (30), and my financial goals more modest (non-poverty), so I'm happy doing interesting jobs that pay enough to live comfortably. I won't be a lifer in 135 freight, but it's not a bad place to visit for a couple of years, if for no other reason than to be able to tell the "there I was..." stories.

 

[AirMugsy]

Flying freight will definitely boost your skill level and turn you into a more competent pilot, IMHO. When you're out there on your own in the middle of the night in the worst weather imaginable, and you know there is no one else who will fly it for you, you'll learn a lot really fast.

I Agree,, but after loosing an engine, at night, IFR ,in a Lance, I'll never go back... 135 piston freight flying will definatly make you a better and more confident pilot, just make sure you know who you working for and don't get killed in the process (nothing againts RAM, just some operators in general)

 

[unreal]

unreal:

None taken. I started at FLX with 0 multi, so airnet and ameriflight were not an option. That said, every company has its pros and cons. FLX pays better than any of the others. Of course on the other hand, you have to UPGRADE to a Baron.

My unsubstantiated impression is that a lot of the guys at FLX in florida are here because they really, really wanted to live in florida (Why? Search me.) The rest of the company is a mixed bag of older guys or kids who wound up here through happenstance. It's a good place, though, and from what I gather, you're better treated than some of the others.

On the larger question of 135 jobs...it all depends on your career goals. If you're one of the guys who dreams of flying the 777 internationally, go to the barbie jet. I'm a little older (30), and my financial goals more modest (non-poverty), so I'm happy doing interesting jobs that pay enough to live comfortably. I won't be a lifer in 135 freight, but it's not a bad place to visit for a couple of years, if for no other reason than to be able to tell the "there I was..." stories.

Thanks for the great reply!

 

[mcjohn]

I'm a little older (30), and my financial goals more modest (non-poverty), so I'm happy doing interesting jobs that pay enough to live comfortably. I won't be a lifer in 135 freight, but it's not a bad place to visit for a couple of years, if for no other reason than to be able to tell the "there I was..." stories.

'nuff said! Right on. You've got pilots and you've got people with positions. I can't help but to keep it real. And even though my wife is pregnant, it doesn't make me reconsider. I'll do some time with Ram or FLX most likely and move straight into turbine PIC after that. There are plenty out there.

I still have a couple apps at some regionals but I don't care if they call right now or not. I'm just kind of letting nature take it's course.

Hey jboogs, what happened to Mr. Glenn? Did you take his position?

 

[Way2Broke]

I have to add this... Ram Air now has a contract... The way I understand it you sign 6 months when get hired and another 6 months when you upgrade to a twin. If you are going to sign a 1 year contract and not get paid squat why not go somewhere where you will not get paid squat and go right into a turbine twin, or at the very least a twin. I just can't fathom signing a training contract to fly a single engine piston....pretty lame.

 

[unreal]

I'm just kind of letting nature take it's course.

You're my new role model. I think I've been stressing this whole "where to go?" thing too much. One day I'm all about 135 freight, the next I want to go fly for a regional. I guess I should just let nature takes its course too. I've got about a year before I start seriously submitting apps, but a year goes by quick!

 

[luvz2fli]

Some of you guys talk about getting on with these companies immediately flying right seat on some turbine. I have less than 20 multi and would be interested in knowing who is hiring people with that amount of time to sit right seat.

 

[stearnst]

...I've got about a year before I start seriously submitting apps, but a year goes by quick!

Quick, huh? I'll keep telling myself that since I just signed the multi upgrade contract for a year...ugh.

 

[Propnose]

Go fly a Barbie jet! I wish I would have. Freight is great, but not for your career these days. You will be an excellent instrument pilot when you leave RAM, but way behind the career power curve. Fly a jet!

C'mon Tyson - you know you loved it... How's that 75 treating you these days?

Give me a call next time you're in town & we'll get lunch!

-Prop

 

[mcjohn]

Some of you guys talk about getting on with these companies immediately flying right seat on some turbine. I have less than 20 multi and would be interested in knowing who is hiring people with that amount of time to sit right seat.

Great Lakes, Colgan, Scenic Airlines, Piedmont, Pinnacle have all been known to hire folks with 20-30 hours multi from time to time.

 

[Way2Broke]

Quick, huh? I'll keep telling myself that since I just signed the multi upgrade contract for a year...ugh.

You signed a year contract at Ram Air for a twin?

 

[unreal]

Quick, huh? I'll keep telling myself that since I just signed the multi upgrade contract for a year...ugh.

Hey, at least you GOT that upgrade. I'm an MEI, but they still thought I was unqualified to be in that class. I keep telling myself it's just the dual given insurance requirements, but it's still a kick in the face. Yay, more single-engine piston time in my logbook.

By the way, I wouldn't care as much if there weren't people from my new-hire class in there.

 

[bulletto]

Good stepping stone

Places like Ram Air are businesses that primarily fly bank checks. They hire folks that have 135 mins. Most pilots need a place like Ram to build multi time. I know Ram has a good safety record and offers a real path to PIC competentcy. These gurus that act like Ram is an evil bottom feeder or a poor career choice are full of it. Either choice has it's merits, but the Ram type job will surely make you a better pilot by the time you go to the coveted regional job.

 

[MrPink1911]

Either choice has it's merits, but the Ram type job will surely make you a better pilot by the time you go to the coveted regional job.

I am sure that was said in jest, and not to pile on regional jobs, but if anyone with a pulse and 600 hours can get a regional job, I would hardly call it coveted.....

 

[Way2Broke]

NTSB Identification: MIA05LA116.
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please contact Records Management Division
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Tuesday, May 31, 2005 in Fort Myers, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 8/29/2006
Aircraft: Piper PA-32R-300, registration: N333TG
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.The pilot stated that no abnormalities were noted during a thorough preflight inspection or during the walk around. The takeoff roll and initial climb were uneventful, at about 300 feet above the ground, the top cowling of the engine separated and struck the right side of the windshield and the right side of the horizontal stabilator. The pilot returned to the airport and landed without further incident. The center portion of the top engine cowling was not recovered. The right portion of the top engine cowling separated in-flight but was recovered, and the left portion of the top engine cowling remained attached to its two latch points. Examination of the right portion of the cowling revealed that the forward latch was broken and separated in half. Both the forward and aft latches were bent, twisted aft, and canted aft. Examination of the left portion of the cowling revealed no apparent damage to the latches. The accident airplane had a previous incident on October 22, 2003, in which the top engine cowling separated during climb out and impacted the windshield. The airplane returned to the airport and landed without further incident also. Examination of the maintenance records revealed that following the incident in 2003, the top engine cowling was replaced by a cowling which had accumulated 11,800 flight hours at the time of the replacement. That cowling subsequently had actions performed to it, including two repairs of the fiberglass structure accomplished on July 7, 2004 and September 14, 2004. The latter of these repairs addressed a crack at the forward area of the top cowling.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
Inadequate maintenance and repair of the engine top cowling by company maintenance personnel, resulting in failure and separation of the cowling in flight.

There is also these accidents, which were package planes which of course is now part of RamEx.

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=48039&highlight=package+Express+crash

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=19254&highlight=package+Express+crash

Bulleto,

My point being is that Ram Air does not have a "good safety record" however they do have one consistent with the type of flying they do considering how many flight operations the complete every day and the age of the equipment.

I will say that I am good friends with one Mechanic that was a ex package guy in Concord and he is a great guy and a great mechanic. Maybe things have gotten better, but right after the package buy out it was tough times. Lots and lots of MX and training issues back then. I can not attest to today.

 

[Cadillac]

Thanks for posting that, WayTooBroke!

I was the pilot of the previous cowling separation in that airplane. I still have the remaining piece of the cowling that stayed on. I'm amazed the plane had the exact same thing happen again. Hopefully the third time isn't the "charm."

RAM was fun flying, I'm on a barbie jet now, and miss the flying at cargo, but not the pay. Invaluable experience and confidence.

How's it going, AEWannabe. Long time no see : )

 

[molson247]

You're my new role model. I think I've been stressing this whole "where to go?" thing too much. One day I'm all about 135 freight, the next I want to go fly for a regional. I guess I should just let nature takes its course too. I've got about a year before I start seriously submitting apps, but a year goes by quick!

I'm in the same boat. But im 200 hours away from 135 mins. My final goal is a job with Netjets or a Major. Do majors hire freight guys without 121 experience or is there a disadvatage to flying freight for future jobs?

 

[Trogdor]

Ram has a good safety record overall. One incident that you guys can bring up and that's it.

I don't understand everyone who is in such a rush to mash buttons on an autopilot. You are going to be flying airplanes for a long time, why not get some real experience and fly something without an autopilot for a while. Also, if the only decisions you have ever made as a pilot were cross-checked by your flight instructor or some other guy sitting next to you, you are going to make a bad captain some day.

 

[Trogdor]

I'm in the same boat. But im 200 hours away from 135 mins. My final goal is a job with Netjets or a Major. Do majors hire freight guys without 121 experience or is there a disadvatage to flying freight for future jobs?

It would be very hard to get a job at a major without prior 121 experience, unless of course your dad is the chief pilot.

 

[Blueliner]

I have to add this... Ram Air now has a contract... The way I understand it you sign 6 months when get hired and another 6 months when you upgrade to a twin. If you are going to sign a 1 year contract and not get paid squat why not go somewhere where you will not get paid squat and go right into a turbine twin, or at the very least a twin. I just can't fathom signing a training contract to fly a single engine piston....pretty lame.

Pass the inital ride-$1000 bonus (taxed) and a 6 month prorated contract.

Pass multi transition-Inital contract nullified, 6 month prorated contract and $1000 (taxed) bonus at the end.

$1000 and a raise at the one year anniversary of your initial.