Skyway Enterprises Inc.

[nosewheel]

Can someone please tell me if this is the "Skyway" owned by Tom Loumankin ?? Thanx.

 

[jocolo]

Turning2 sounds to me you are the bitter one ...I am glad that you have a job in this tough times but dont make it sound like aviator haven.....tell me how many of your pilots have left because bad working condition or better more, mechanics??/........ but hey what do i know , right ?

Hey a fun and enjoy, no harm intended if you don't like my opinion or comment sue me
Good Day!

 

[turning2]

Aviator haven?? STOP PUTTING WORDS IN MY MOUTH!!!

You have no idea who I am or where I've been, this is NOT my first job in aviation. I've flown for better companies, and I've flown for worse companies. What I've always said is that it is just like any other 135 company, in some ways better, in some ways not!!! Where have I stated that this is the place everybody needs to be?? I haven't, what I have done is encourage people who are in need of employment to give it a shot, they have nothing to lose. Multi-Turbine SIC time in a certified 2 crew Part 25 aircraft with low total time isn't too bad an option, particularily in this market. Its a stepping stone for many, I have no intention of making this a career, and as a matter of fact Ron would probably slap me upside the head if I did

People leaving because of poor working conditions?? Guess again. The #1 reason people have left is because they've received better offers elsewhere, and who can blame them. These people you keep referring to as leaving are all highly experienced pilots, many of whom have come to us after 9-11, its quite a drastic change when you're accustomed to a 121 or nice corporte lifestyle and you end up as a 135 freight dog. I myself would leave right now if the proper situation arose, but it would have to be a REAL good offer with no lateral movement for me to make that decision, chances of which are highly unlikely. So in the meantime I'm happy with where I am. I have a lot of friends who are on furlough now and I understand how lucky I am.

Hey Nosewheel.... yes it is a Tom L company, my guess is you have a few stories to tell

 

[nosewheel]

turning 2

Yeh.. he and I go back to YIP when he had a small operation with a couple of Lears and some trainers. I was his chief of mx. He treated me well and we became good freinds. He was also somewhat instrumental in my getting my PPL. Its been all downhill since ( just kidding) Ive had a very exciting flying career since starting out in YIP. Flew for just about everyone on the field and yes, I could tell some amazing stories but I dont want to get arrested just now( nothing to do with skyways). I saw Tom in MIA several years ago on 36th St. but only had a few minutes to talk. If you see him in your travels tell him I said Hi.

 

[Benzene]

Omar?

Can't be to many guys running around the bussiness with that name. Would that be a man previously with Projet that went to North West Air Link to argue with an instructor and loose his F/O slot?

 

[turning2]

Omar.... not sure... i'll ask around... I presume you're familiar.

 

[LEDSLEDDRVR]

SKYWAY ENTERPRISES

Golly, I've been sending something to Skyway for several months. I have over 3000 Hours PIC in Learjets and I'm a former Freigh Dog. In fact, Skyway used to subcontract for the company I flew freight for out of YIP. Still I've not heard anything. Maybe I should just drive over to ISM and give my resume' to someone. Guess I'll keep trying.

 

[flyinyourShorts]

Ah, good ol' Sky Way.....

Well, Well, im glad to see your still alive Jess...... Ain't had enough of Loumankin yet? I shure hope he didn't promise you the 9 too!

I am a former Captain at Sky Way, or maybe I should say survivor! Its not such a bad company if your on a scheduled run and you don't have to deal with Management! Working conditions are what you would expect from any on-demand cargo outfit. No worse or no better, but about equal to Ameristar/ USA Jet. The pay sucks for Shorts F/O's, but is pretty good for Captains. I know nothing about the 9, the were just getting it going when I left. Just be ready to sit on your rump for a few weeks, then fly your butt off on a moments notice. From what I hear, the 9 is flying quite a bit nowdays!

Sky Way's scheduled runs are some of the worse ive seen for an airplane that size. The flight times seem to be short, with the duty times long. Until someone figures out how to bid competitively, that's how its gonna stay. All the Captain's there that have had past flying jobs seem to be unhappy there. Although, for some of them, Sky Way is the last stop!(which would make me unhappy too!)

One word of advise for anybody that works there is to CYA on everything. Cause if you get in trouble with the fuzz, Loumankin will NOT back you if it means his a$$.

Sky Way is a good place for those that want to build transport catagory airplane time and move on. You can upgrade with about 2000 hours, but I don't think a Shorts type is worth a 24 month contract(DC-9 MAYBE...). Since they pee'd FSI off, company funded Shorts types are gonna be hard to come by....

The management at SKZ operates on a 1978 mentality level. They still think they can bid high, treat their crews so/so, and everybody will be happy they have a flying job. Even with the industry as it is, people want somwhere they enjoy flying. The Cheif Pilot is a good guy, and I still think alot of him. I can't say so much for the owner, my words for him are inapproate for this forum.

The Shorts is a really great airplane, and I miss flying it. I would not tell anybody to pass a job with Sky Way, but I also wouldn't recomend it to anybody. Moral of the story, go there at your own risk

 

[turning2]

So tell me Steve, if you don't think the shorts is worth a 24month contract why did you sign one????

I don't see the same problem with the sched runs that you do. The shorts is a unique airplane, it is not suited for long haul (too slow), its optimum usage comes from moving large volumes of freight short distances (200-300NM). Typically we've taken over runs that outgrew smaller aircraft, either a beech99, 1900, 2 caravans, or a metro. If volume outgrows us, you're bound to find a direct link to the hub with a jet, not a feeder aircraft. Just a thought. I understand what you're getting at, I just happen to disagree. I've personally flown the majority of our sched routes at some time or another. If you're referring to the short trip between RNO-SMF that we do, it is because of reliability issues with trucks going over Donner Pass, not to mention weather this time of year. Shoot, the Capt there now is has happy as can be, he doesn't need the flt time, he just wants to work as little as possible and still be paid. It doesn't hurt him either that he happens to sell real estate during the day in Reno. :

CYA--- You bring up a valid point. Again I know what you're getting at, but are you trying to suggest that you only have to CYA here and no where else? Shoot, no matter where I'm at I'm gonna CYA, this company or anywhere else it isn't any different . I personally prioritize things in this way 1. My life 2. My certificates 3. My Job. I'd gladly give up #3 to keep the first #2, I'm not about to give up #2 for #3 and I sure as heck can't give up #1 for #3.. you get the idea.

Yes, there are changes that need to be made here, and they are happening, albeit slowly. I've been here 2 1/2yrs and there is a marked improvement from when I first started. Quite frankly the mentality you speak of stems from over 20yrs as a successful lear operation... but a small operation at that. Recently (2yrs) we've more than quadrupled in size, or course there are going to be growing pains associated. Some companies are better equipped/prepared to deal with that sort of drastic change. Unfortunately we were not... but, through everything our heads have been above float, we haven't had to lay anyone off, and the paychecks not only always clear, but they arrive on time. That has to say at least something of the way the show is run. We're not the most efficient, but we're learning.

I've had no promises of the 9, furthermore there has been no inquiry or interest on my part. I'm too content with my present quality of life. Flying over 65hrs a month, working 4hrs a day while being paid the same salary as every other captain here. Able to get 8hrs of sleep each night, yes at night not during the day, however I do wish it were at home. That being said I am at home for 10hrs a day during which time I'm working towards my degree, and I'm off for 2 1/2 days on the weekend, without having to commute.... honestly couldn't ask for anything more at this point, but that’s just me.

 

[flyinyourShorts]

Man your smart for a Canadian! When I seen C-46 in your profile I KNEW it was you!!

Why did I sign a two-year contract for the Shorts??!?! First, and formost, I never said or implied the Shorts was a bad airplane. Nomatter what I fly it will always be one of my favorites...

Back to the question....Why?!?

The answer is...

1) I was 20 years old with an offer to get a type and fly PIC in a transport catagory airplane

2) I couldn't survive another month on F/O's pay

3) Back to the 20 years old part, I really didn't know any better than to sign a WAY too long contract

4) in 14 months of flying I got 1100 hours PIC in the airplane, with alot of international flying. I call that not bad....

Anywho, thats why I signed a two-year contract. Not the worst decision of my life, but its definatly a contender! Atleast here at my new employer, ill get typed in two airplanes and not have to sign any contract. Now that's how it should be

Check your PM's, I wrote alot more in there......

P.S. Tell Sam I said hello! Not everybody can say they was my F/O during all that 9/11 mess, stuck in Marion VA. Does he carry clothes with him on every trip now?!?