Wal-Mart is Hiring!!!

[jdru25]

Just curious, what kind of experience does Wally Mart look for in their pilots?

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

hey druzy, just give them the thumb of disrespect and im sure youll get your lear type in a day.

 

[Timebuilder]

Hey timebuilder!!! Just an observation, but do you have anything better to do than sit on a computer and post 2282 replys???

Reba-
I wasn't in broadcasting very long before someone tagged me to write a piece for a Philly newspaper. Since then I have written for Motor Age Magazine's study guide series, and I still keep my foot in the business to this day.

I usually have a lot of free time when I'm not flying. I'd like to fix that, and the fact that I never found a suitable replacement for my fiancee. It was a shame I had to say goodbye, but necessary. I guess I enjoy sharing my life experience, since I see aviation as a synergy of different ingredients.

Need any more info?

To everyone else, my best suggestion is to, if you got a call for an interview, make your own opinions and go with it. Everyone is looking for something different. Some of the things I read were true at a some time, most just that......an opinion, but this is a great place to work (IMHO). If you fit the culture, more power to you! If not, no big loss!!

Certainly some good advice, but an intelligent decision requires some input, and only a little tiny bit of info has been shared here. I find that a little unusual.

Dave has shared some facts with me, and that's great. He no doubt knows that in order to find out whether or not you will be a good fit in ANY corporation's culture, you first need to know something of that culture, along with the particular information about pay and benefits, and in the case of aviation, upgrade time.

I LOVE to fly, but I'm not going to do it for next to nothing for several years. If I had been willing to do that, I would have joined my friends at Allegheny. Things look bleak for them, and I'm less than a year from upgrade to captain in a jet. It would be nice to have a regular schedule, but I'd trade that for some international work in a Challenger as an SIC.

So, Reba, if you can enlighten me with some more factual info, I'm more than happy to listen. I guess it's the PIC in me. Don't misinterpret my caution to mean that I'm being a wise guy. It's just that I've been around long enough to know to ask questions.

I hope you enjoy my next 2800 posts.

 

[rebajetgirl]

I think lawndart has said it quite well!! I'm not here to aurgue with you, but to let some interested people know that we are looking to hire! If it is such a sin to help a fellow pilot out then, so be it! No matter what post you look at regrading jobs, you will have the good with the bad. I just know that we are a one of corporate aviations little known secrets, and if you feel differently, well then ok!

I guess it's the PIC in me.

PS> So why are you an FO?? Just wondering?

 

[Timebuilder]

I think lawndart has said it quite well!! I'm not here to aurgue with you, but to let some interested people know that we are looking to hire!

That's great. Do you have some information to help an intelligent person make a decision about your company?

If it is such a sin to help a fellow pilot out then, so be it!

Who said it was a sin to help out a fellow pilot?

PS> So why are you an FO?? Just wondering?

Funny.

PIC is a state of mind, much more than a position in the aircraft. I first learned that state of mind in at the Academy when I was a cadet, and also during martial arts training, and it was affirmed many years later when I took the Dale Carnegie Course.

At one time, I thought of it as Person In charge of Column (writing for the paper), or just Person In Charge. There are a great many people who are incapable of leadership, yet they hold a position in aviation called PIC. In reality, it is a leadership position.

So, I have had the concept of PIC in me for many years. Thanks for asking. Just as at the Academy, I am preparing for my next assignment. I started as a plebe, and moved up from there. Right now I am an FO. Not bad, I must say, for a guy who has done what I have done, and in a depressed market to boot. I have nothing to be ashamed of, and everything to be thanful for.

Now. Does anyone here have any more factual information about wal-mart's flight department, policies, pay, benefits, and upgrade time, or am I out of line to be asking?

Anyone?

 

[Gulfstream 200]

1600 hrs and an FO on a Learjet?

Not bad in todays market!!!

How many people are Learjet PICs with 1600TT?....not many I would guess.... at least I would not ride with them!!

 

[Timebuilder]

Thanks. I wouldn't fly with a 1600 hour captain in the Lear, either.

I do have plans to move up, though. I took a break from my ATP studies to finish my FIRC online with American Flyers. Now I'm back to the ATP work, going back over all of the systems info on the 35 and 55, and preparing to do a type ride with a combined ATP and PIC check. I'm thinking June or July, as our work slows after labor day.

Fortunately, we have a couple of very experienced guys at my company who know the planes down to the rivets, and fly the pants off them. It's been a real education.

Yes, I feel blessed.

(oops)

 

[enigma]

I think lawndart has said it quite well!! I'm not here to aurgue with you, but to let some interested people know that we are looking to hire! If it is such a sin to help a fellow pilot out then, so be it! No matter what post you look at regrading jobs, you will have the good with the bad. I just know that we are a one of corporate aviations little known secrets, and if you feel differently, well then ok!



PS> So why are you an FO?? Just wondering?

Rebajetgirl, pardon me ma'am, but does this reply really present the image you would like to show the world?
As you should know, corporate pilots spend more time sitting in the FBO lounge than they spend flying. It doesn't take much to figure out that the timebuilder spends his sit time in the company of his laptop. If I can persuade you to take the time to research his posts, you will learn most of his story, and find that he spends a lot of time helping other people.

I do appreciate your attempt to help other pilots, and the positive inf. you have provided. I spent many an hour at Beaver Lake Aviation back when my boss was on your corporate board. Back then, (early ninetys) your fleet was mainly turbocommodes, flown single pilot. Had I know what you would turn into, I may have tried to move to Arkansas.

regards,
8N

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

rebajetgirl
dont be questioning people where they are in the career.
for a 1600tt guy sitting right seat in a Learjet, well I think he's on track.

If your gonna attack him then we are gonna attack back, your sitting left seat of a lear for wallyworld becasue you have boobs. Thats the only reason. Anyone can fly a plane.

 

[banned username 2]

Configured, Flaps 48°

Hahaha... I see you must be reading that Falcon 50EX manual I gave you!

 

[rebajetgirl]

I bet you say that to all the girls!!

 

[sleepy]

I think the Wal-mart pay is pretty good for that part of the Country. $60,000 per year probably would put you in the to 5% of wages in Arkansas.

Does Wal-mart still make their pilots share hotel rooms on overnights? If so, how do they work that out with a male/female crew? I remember one of their pilots telling me that they are not allowed to eat the snackes (no Sam's cola for you) in the aircraft. Is it still like that?

 

[rebajetgirl]

Sleepy,
No we don't have to share rooms, it has been that way for about the past 2 1/2 years. As for snacks, we carry coffee and water on board, and that is for everyone, pax and pilots!

Rebajetgirl

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

Well to give some respesct to walmart, as much as i would hate to have to share a room with another crew member on a trip that is why walmart makes so much **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** money. They know where to save money. The screw over there vendors, yes i know this cause our rep department deals with walmart all the time. We dont care if our companys we rep for get a semi raw deal cause we get commission no matter what. I was down at XNA last week for the wallyworld meeting. 30 million dollar sale. We like it, i like walmart and i will stop bashing it. Usually i fly into Rogers but it was bad weather and i knew id have to fight for hangar space there. XNA hooked me up. I like that airport the best.

 

[sleepy]

Well to give some respesct to walmart, as much as i would hate to have to share a room with another crew member on a trip that is why walmart makes so much **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** money. They know where to save money. The screw over there vendors, yes i know this cause our rep department deals with walmart all the time. We dont care if our companys we rep for get a semi raw deal cause we get commission no matter what. I was down at XNA last week for the wallyworld meeting. 30 million dollar sale. We like it, i like walmart and i will stop bashing it. Usually i fly into Rogers but it was bad weather and i knew id have to fight for hangar space there. XNA hooked me up. I like that airport the best.

Say what?

 

[aviator1x1]

Info plz for future reference

For current Wal-Mart pilots:
Where does Wal-Mart advertise for a pilot opening?
On the corporate site?
Average minimum times for recent hires?
Any info is appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Timebuilder]

I think the Wal-mart pay is pretty good for that part of the Country. $60,000 per year probably would put you in the to 5% of wages in Arkansas.

Sleepy: is that 60K for a first year captain?

How long does it take to become a first year captain? How about a new hire FO?

Why is this like pulling teeth?

 

[1Learjetway]

How does a post that was intended to help pilots find a job turn into something so ugly? Does everyone hate Wal-Mart so badly that they start taking cheap shots at people they don't even know? Including the entire state of Arkansas?! I must say I was surprised to find that even the Webmaster was joining in the fun. Super Moderator is clearly a self proclaimed title.

If Flyright_188 is who I think he is, I understand his bitterness towards the company. He's an FO that has been passed over for a promotion. A few FO's have been skipped, whether rightly or wrongly is not for me to say. However, I think that it is wrong for people to air their dirty laundry in a public forum like this. There are people inside the company trying to make sure that upgrades are made fairly, and that those that deserve to be upgraded are.

As for Reba, I can tell you this- she has paid her dues in spades at Wal-mart and is very deseving of the seat she is in! Reba is well respected among the FO's and she treats them all as equals. I know this to be true becuase she upgraded before me and I have flown as her FO. Her gender had nothing to do with her upgrade.

I'm very proud of the company that I work for and the people I work with. With just one or two exceptions they are all very professional. The interview committee works hard trying to weed out those that aren't. Still, some are bound to slip through.

 

[avratdwc]

Hey folks, owow this has turned into an interesting post. Anyways I sent in my package before the deadline. Thanx Reba, and am waiting, does anyone know what the average wait time is so get a call if qualified.

Current Wal Mart crews this one os for you. I am 21 yrs old and obviously dont qualify for my ATP till I am 23, would this have any effect on me? Thanx everyone!!!

Avrat

 

[Timebuilder]

He's an FO that has been passed over for a promotion. A few FO's have been skipped, whether rightly or wrongly is not for me to say. However, I think that it is wrong for people to air their dirty laundry in a public forum like this. There are people inside the company trying to make sure that upgrades are made fairly, and that those that deserve to be upgraded are.

I think also, either "rightly or wrongly", that this information might be of interest to a prospective applicant.

How does a post that was intended to help pilots find a job turn into something so ugly?

I can't answer that. I just want some information.

As for Reba, I can tell you this- she has paid her dues in spades at Wal-mart and is very deseving of the seat she is in!

Good for her. How long did it take for her to upgrade? How is the decision made to upgrade an FO? If not by seniority, then by what standard? If someone is passed over for an upgrade, does the company retain them and upgrade them later, are they placed on some sort of probation, or are they kept on as an FO until they decide to leave on their own?

I can't speak to the animosity against your company, but ending every sentence with an exclamation point (!) makes a questionable impression, as is making a cheap shot comment, and then saying "just wondering". I think this relflects poorly on your organization.

Now, if one of you wal-mart pilots wants to help one of your regular customers to better understand your flight department's pertinent information, I'm all for hearing you out. I haven't attacked your company or your pilots, and I'd like to hear some facts: calmly and accurately presented.

That's all. Once again: is that too much to ask?

 

[sleepy]

Sleepy: is that 60K for a first year captain?

How long does it take to become a first year captain? How about a new hire FO?

Why is this like pulling teeth?

I don't know, I don't work for them, and don't want to. The $60,000 number came from another post on the thread. I don't have anything against them, I just wondered if they still had certain policies in place. My point was that the XNA area has a pretty low cost of living, and while their pay may seem low, it is pretty good for the area. I flew the LR-31A in Atlanta, GA and our Capt pay was around $85K per year (FO was around $60K), which was about the same a making $60K in XNA given our much higher cost of living.

 

[Timebuilder]

Jenny sent me an email, and I also received some info from another wal-mart pilot.

Thank you.

Jenny said:

"As far as our minimums to be considered for a flight position is 2000 hours total time, 500 hours multi time, commercial license with a instrument rating and a current second class medical.

We only hire for the Lear Jet first officer position."


Also, upgrade time has slowed as the pay was raised closer to industry standard, and upgrades are based on evaluations rather than seniority.

I'm not sure why this couldn't be stated here, or why there is no preference for pilots with current jet experience.

I hope this helps those of you with at least 2,000 hours.

 

[lawndart]

This whole thread is getting way out of hand. If this department were as insignificant as many have said that it is, it's really surprising that it has generated over 2000 reads and 55 posts.

Sleepy: is that 60K for a first year captain?

How long does it take to become a first year captain? How about a new hire FO?

Why is this like pulling teeth?

The first year Lear captain pay here is $65k. I ran that through the cost-of-living calculator at salary.com (which is a really cool site, by the way), and found that that is equivalent to $89k in the NYC area when adjusted for the cost of living. New hire F/O's start at $40k, which equates to about $58k in the NYC area. All of our salaries fall in line with the salaries quoted on salary.com, especially if the bonus and profit sharing is included. Our bonus this year was 20%.

As far as the upgrade time, there really is no answer. Upgrades are made to meet the needs of the department. The department exists to provide logistical support to the Home Office management team, not to further the career of its pilots. I can tell you that it took me a year and a half to upgrade to PIC in the Commanders (which we no longer have), then another 6 months to upgrade to PIC in the Lears, and a total of 5 years to upgrade into the Challenger, but that doesn't mean anything right now. The upgrade times vary, as they do everywhere else in the industry, according to the growth of the department. I can also speculate and tell you that we are poised for another major growth spurt in the not too distant future, so upgrade times may accelerate in the near future. But no guarantees are made. That's why no one will say "it takes X number of years to upgrade."

Good for her. How long did it take for her to upgrade? How is the decision made to upgrade an FO? If not by seniority, then by what standard? If someone is passed over for an upgrade, does the company retain them and upgrade them later, are they placed on some sort of probation, or are they kept on as an FO until they decide to leave on their own?

I'm not sure how long it took Reba to upgrade. She was hired in shortly after me, and progressed through the Commanders also.
The decision as to who is upgraded is determined by a mathematical matrix system that weighs time of service, relevant flying time, past performance apprasials and a few other factors. Every eligible pilot is given a numerical rating, and the pilot with the highest rating is given a chance to upgrade. Once selected, the pilot has to pass an in-house LOFT scenario in the simulator, then is upgraded. There is a Senior F/O position that is for those who do not make the upgrade. This position mainly entails a pay increase to halfway between the pilots current salary and Capt pay. When another upgrade slot becomes available, they get first shot at it. This is a fairly new system and is still evolving. In the old days, seniority was used for a while, then it became sort of a free-for-all, and has eventually evolved into the current system.

I can't speak to the animosity against your company, but ending every sentence with an exclamation point (!) makes a questionable impression, as is making a cheap shot comment, and then saying "just wondering". I think this relflects poorly on your organization.

If you knew Reba, you'd understand that ending every sentence with an exclamation point is just her personality. She's very "spirited", so to speak. As for the cheap shot.... you opened yourself up for it with the PIC comment by implying that even though you are low time, you are ready to be PIC. I have flown with Reba quite a bit, and as a Training/Standards Captain, I can tell you that she is one of our model pilots.

What reflects poorly on our organization is what comes from people who don't know or don't speak the truth. Things were really screwed up here at one point in time, but that point has passed. I'm in my 6th year here and took the job as a stepping stone to the majors originally. I got called for an interview at TWA in Oct '99, but turned it down because I saw that things were turning the corner here. Since then, major changes have continued to happen. This isn't a group of cowboys running a bunch of ragged old Navajos and Commanders around single pilot any more. We are now the largest corporate fleet in the country, maybe in the world, running well maintained, late model airplanes to every corner of the earth. If the corporate culture doesn't fit what you want, then go elsewhere, but don't hold those of us who choose to be here accountable for the past, or for the whining of a few disgruntled individuals.

 

[rebajetgirl]

For current Wal-Mart pilots:

Where does Wal-Mart advertise for a pilot opening?

Average minimum times for recent hires?

Wal-Mart as far as I know does not advertise for pilots. They do however post it on the Website. This is one of the reasons I try to let people that are interested know. As for minimums...we are looking at a 2050 hour pilot all the way to 15000 hour pilots, it really does vary. the average seems to be around 3500-5500 hours, this is just a guess and means pretty much nothing. As long as you meet the mins you have a fair shot!

I'm not sure how long it took Reba to upgrade

For all that care to know, I started in January of 1998, as a Commander F/O, I has 1100TT ( mins back then were 1000TT and 100 ME) Moved to the LJ as a F/O in June of 1998 with 1400 TT. Was upgraded to Commander as Captain in October 1999. Typed and upgraded to LJ capt. in June 2000. Have been a Captain since then currently with 4600 TT.

Current Wal Mart crews this one os for you. I am 21 yrs old and obviously dont qualify for my ATP till I am 23, would this have any effect on me? Thanx everyone!!!

Nope not at all, ATP is not one of the hiring criteria.

Rebajetgirl

 

[Timebuilder]

it's really surprising that it has generated over 2000 reads and 55 posts.

I'm not surprised at all. Apparently, it took 55 posts to get the needed infomation.

As for the cheap shot.... you opened yourself up for it with the PIC comment by implying that even though you are low time, you are ready to be PIC.

I thought I had clarified that, perhaps not. To me, PIC is a state of mind, and I've had it since 1966.

What PIC would not insist on having as much information as possible before beginning a flight? It's even in the regs, under 91.103. So, before I begin a "proposed flight" to a new employer, I want to exercise my perogative as Person In Charge of my life to find out everything that I think is relevant information in making a decision. In the context of my post, no one could have thought that I was implying that I was bucking for a captain's job right now. Unless, that is, they were very "spirited".

Now, if that isn't PIC thinking, then I'll need someone to correct me.

I have flown with Reba quite a bit, and as a Training/Standards Captain, I can tell you that she is one of our model pilots.

Hey, that's great. Maybe she thought that the info I wanted was just none of my business, or perhaps it could wait until it was determined that I met the hiring mins. I don't know. I can tell you this, though: I've know a bunch of pilots that are just EXCELLENT, but whether you'd want to fly anywhere with them is another matter. Since I have developed a modicum of respect for you, I feel I can accept your accounting of both your pilots and your company.

If the corporate culture doesn't fit what you want, then go elsewhere,

That's my point exactly, B. How can one know if a company fits what you want if you can't get current employees to talk about it?

You and Jenny have been very forthcoming, and I thank you for that. As for being an FO, I'm going to continue to strive to be the very BEST FO that I possibly can be. When that changes, then I will be striving to be the best captain that I can be: asking questions, gathering information, and making decisions. It won't happen next week, and it might not happen until next year. But when I'm ready, it will happen.

There is a PIC in me, and he has been alive and well for many, many years.

 

[pa56pa]

Wow... I can't believe I actually sat here for bout 30 min. to read all your posts... but I can see where little things which may seem insignificant to some, end up being signifcant to others... i.e., the "exclamation point" issues, etc....

I'm just a passing by-standard reader here.... and from what I know about the company itself, it's one of the best run companies out there in this sad state of economy, yet they remain to be profitable. I worked for SWA as a ground operations personnel in OAK, California, one of the most expensive places in the country (actually not Oakland, but the rest of the bay area... lol) for 12 years and enjoyed every bit of it, and I would, until this day, work for SWA and not so much for the wages, but for the job, the culture, the people, the benefits-- and boy! you can't beat the bennies.... (profit sharing, stocks, etc.)

Walmart is after all located in Arkansas, per lawndart... which IS a very valid point.

But if you live in CA, we all know that $40k for an FO position is not enough, you need to look at the BIG picture, and frankly, these days..... JOB SECURITY is a priority on my list... as was SWA.

I know that if I applied at Walmart, I would have to move my family there for the long term, and I don't think they'll be too happy about it...

 

[Timebuilder]

I'll bet they're actually one of the better companies to work for, and this will no doubt continue to improve over the long term. It's a shame I didn't meet the mins this time around.

I passed the info on to a friend who has 3,400 TT and PIC charter experience. Hopefully, Jenny will give him a call.

If not, there is always "next time". Wal-mart isn't going to go away. I think we can be certain of that.

 

[resq swimmer]

Any feedback

Has anyone received a call? An invitation to interview...anything?
I was called last Friday and again on Monday, but I have not heard anything since.

 

[BE40Driver]

Arkansas is a great place to live with four seasons and dry counties with no beer. The company does own everything from the banks to the gas stations here. I know a pilot that worked for wal-mart for nine years and left for netjets and made more after 90 days when he upgraded to PIC. I know another pilot for Wal-mart who flies international and his wife says he is never home.

 

[mainah]

I lived down south for four years and personally never saw the dry counties as a positive. I saw it more of a pain in the ass!