Ram Air Freight Needs Pilots

[Flyin Tony]

What kind of speed do you see out of a Seneca? How about the fuel burn?

Thanks Tony

 

[Fuzzy_is_Hungry]

Not bad. They'll haul around a ton of ice. Normally, the Seneca is a POS, but in icing, I would take it over a Baron or a C-402 any day.

At least if you lose on in the Baron, you have a chance to find some alternatives.

 

[CitationLover]

Not bad. They'll haul around a ton of ice. Normally, the Seneca is a POS, but in icing, I would take it over a Baron or a C-402 any day.

they are also much quieter than the others too. much better for your AM listening pleasure.

 

[ilkwamh2]

The Senecas will usually do about 165 true, fuel burn is 25 gph. We have both short range and long range PA34s. Long range you'll get about 5 hrs. flying time, short range about 3.75 hours.

The Senecas are not too bad in icing, heated props, heated windshield panel, and boots on the wings and tail. I'd say anything over 2 inches of ice on your airplane you have to start thinking about an alternative. Good thing the icing days are over now so you don't have to worry too much.

 

[JohnnyReb]

With two thirds of the fleet twins, upgrades have been running between two weeks and three months. To upgrade the fastest you need to be willing to move and take an out based run.

A pay rate change has just been announced today. First year pay is now 22k reguardless of run assignment.

You have to be able to fly to commercial-instrument standards to make it through training. We have been seeing about a 40% wash out rate with new hires. Again, nothing special, just commercial-instrument standards.

 

[ceo_of_the_sofa]

What about most of the check flying going away? How are you dealing with that? What are you going to be hauling in a year or so?

 

[RichardRambone]

I have about 600TT and 60 multi. Once I get my 135 times I will probably have around at least 150 multi. You guys think I should still apply to Ram Air? Im interested in working for them as it sounds like everyone has fun and it makes you a better pilot. However I know the pay sux but I think it could only add to my hours even if I only work there for like 6 months. I would go wherever twin time is available Im not picky. If you had 1200TT and around 150 multi what would you do?

 

[aewanabe]

That's exactly what I did in the summer of '02, with 1200/150 myself, but remember almost no regionals were hiring then. Even though several are currently hiring now, not too sure if 1200/150 will be all that competitive. If a regional is what you really want apply for 'em, but if you haven't received the call by then go to Ram and spend a few months. It's some of the most fun you'll ever have getting paid to fly. Don't get me wrong, I love the left seat of my Embraer, but I still miss the left seat of 'ole 707RA flying up the outer banks at, um, 1000 feet. (the pay's just better here; that was a lot more fun, though). Also had a great bunch of guys/gals to work with and pretty good mx for a check-hauler; lots of alumni at Chicken Taco, Coex, Mesa, Comair, etc.

 

[flygirl_1313]

Ram Air is a great place to work. I was in the Lance for 3 weeks before a run opened up. I've been living in Middle Georgia, which is less then great, but I love my run. I get 96 hours a month in the Seneca and the hours add up really fast. I recommend flying freight to almost anyone. It really teaches you a lot about yourself and about weather. The mx is great. No screwing around with mx issues. They are all resolved without question and done right! Hard to find at some Freight companies, so I understand. Keep working hard and come to Ram when you get the time!!

 

[RichardRambone]

How long were you guys typically with Ram before the regionals started knocking?

 

[flygirl_1313]

Depends on which regional you are looking at going to. A lot of our people don't even make it to their 6 month line check because the regionals are scooping them up. It's great experience and fun besides!

 

[upndsky]

How long were you guys typically with Ram before the regionals started knocking?

That depends on the state of the industry. I was there for two years because no one was hiring at the time (post 9/11). AEWannabe (Hey, SB) got lucky and got hired on in early 2003, but for a while there was no movement. Now, it looks like guys and gals are staying about six months.

Ram Air looks great on a resume. Period. When I got hired at XJT, I had two offers from other regionals and interviews lined up at three others. It gave me the option to pick the company I thought would serve me the best and I haven't regreted my choice.

Remember, minimums are just that. They may get you the interview but not the job. Recruiters look highly upon freight dogs and this was evident when I interviewed.

If you're a CFI and have the 135 mins, come to Ram and get some real flying experience. You'll appreciate it when you get to the 121 training program.

 

[fulcrum]

or come to airnet

or come to airnet -------------great pay, good mx and great fun

 

[Flyguy6]

What does DO mean?

I have read a lot about Ram Air and I have thought about trying to work their to gain some experience when I get to that level. I a currently a commercial pilot with about 450 hours and dont have a multi yet.

Everyones saying the pay sux. Exactly what is the pay? and what are the hours you work? Can I have a full time job while I work there? I am a police officer full time. But I agree that real world instrument experience is golden and would love that opportunity.

 

[upndsky]

DO is the director of operations, who runs the day-to-day show.

Pay has changed since I left. It used to be $60/day starting, but it's gone up some. If you go to their website, look under employment. There's a FAQ that explains it better.

You'll fly Mon through Fri, except banking holidays, so this is a full time job. In theory, pilots bid for a run every three months, and fly that run until the next bid. Depending on your seniority, you can fly a particular run for as long as you can hold it (I once held a run for something like 8 months). As a newhire, you'll be switching runs quiet a bit as more senior pilot leave and more desirable runs become available. Some runs have late starts and early finishes (they usually go senior), while some have early starts and late finishes (usually very junior). So the hours you work will depend on the run you get. If you want to make extra money, look for a job that lets you work weekends and, when seniority allows, mornings. Keep in mind that your job at RAF needs to come first. If you miss work because of a conflict at another job, you'll get the boot and you don't want that on your employment history.
As a cop, consider going part-time and working weekends if they let you.

First, though, you'll need to get your hours up and get a multi. They only hire if you have the Part 135 IFR mins, or if you're within 10 hours or so. A multi rating is also a must.

Overall a good place to work and cut your teeth getting some real flying expriences.

 

[AirMugsy]

They pay $85/day and an extra $2000 after the first year.

 

[Smash312]

Any idea if the Orlando (ORL) run is junior or VERY senior. I know it's not a multi base. Also any idea if Craig (CRG) is junior or pretty senior. Also, is CRG a multi base?

Thanks.

 

[Big Dog]

CRG is a one plane base, a Baron at the moment. That guy moves on, and it goes up for bid, although I don't think he's going anywhere soon. As far as ORL, it depends. I pretty sure we have 2 or 3 runs out of there. People seem to rotate out now and then to a different base to get their twin time if they need it.

 

[AirMugsy]

Theres only 1 pilot in ORL now, but things can always change.

 

[Big Dog]

Runs come and go... The only constant is change. The best base now to be at is CRW in my opinion. I believe all C402 runs, 4 or 5 of them. With the top couple pretty decent and people rotating through pretty quick. Cheap places to live also.