Hello Shannon. Having worked Vancouver FSS for 5 years, I can agree with Ahramin: Pop up IFR clearances should not be the usual procedure. You could file a composite IFR/VFR flight plan (letter "Y" in the type of flight box). Just be specific as to when and WHERE you plan to end the IFR and descend ...

Hello RFlyer. My experience with (most) ultralights is that the pilot is deafened by the Rotax right next to him, and possibly using a handheld VHF. I, too, would respond to the average ultralight by speaking a little more clearly, slowly and loudly . Although this would probably come across as patr...

Hey Zatopec ! No, no letters of offer (here, anyway). I am constantly questioning our HR rep here in the Edmonton ACC. Different story every time, I'm afraid. Latest is that Staffing (in Ottawa) is going to meet on Monday Aug 10, to discuss when and IF letters will be offered..... IF ??? Seems like ...

Just got word from our HR person in CZEG. The seniority bid lists are going to be modified (AGAIN !). That is what has been causing delays on issuing of letters of offer. She couldn't elaborate, but some new extra names are to be added to the lists. No word or estimate on when the new, improved list...

Thanks Aviatrix! Hoping like hell; but there is name edited ahead of everyone, who has 35 years in this August (!) Why didn't he take a buyout, or a terminal move ?

Hey there, GilletteNorth. Yeah, the delays are very frustrating. My manager (today) told us he had until next Thursday (!) to send in Anniversary date info on each bidder. Next Thursday ? He has also received a call asking when those bidders would be release-able... sigh... more delays. I really thi...

We have two FSS currently on an IFR course here in the Edmonton ACC. They both say they have heard there are no plans for any VFR courses here in the Edmonton FIR in the near future...

Andrew Klinzmann

Thanks, Sigmet, but I already have. E-Mails sent to both Derek and Jim from a number of us, and from the shop steward as well. Have also contacted HR and manager as well. (Thought that what this forum was about, you know ? Sharing information.....) Sometimes another region's VP or steward might have...

Just started hearing some details from our HR rep here in CZEG. Seems like about 135 FSS have bid on the National Bid; almost 50 for CYWH alone ! Looks like lots of interest. Anyone hear if they are going to post "Elligible Lists" like in previous bids ? Another question raised is seeing that this i...

INVERTEDATTITUDE: Just my opinion, but Vancouver ACC seemes to be a good choice for training. I worked in Vancouver FSS for 5 years, and a bunch of the FSS there had spouses in the ACC. Also had a friend from CYYC train there for CYYJ Terminal speciality. They have one of the lowest turn-over rates....

For AVIATRIXFSS: Yeah, I know what you mean. But the company has ignored staffing for so long, this Nation HR plan was bound to come. With 16 years in, they can't force you to move. If they close your site, then you get the DIP (I think...) I too had my station closed and had to make a decision I re...

Hello Knockout. Probably just as well you can't choose CZEG. I have worked (off and on) here for almost 23 years and the centre is still called "The Killing Fields". Very poor checkout rate here, but it is slowly getting better.... We have two guys here in the Edmonton FIC who are just about to star...

As of last Saturday, the bids are out ! According to the Oracle iRecruitment website, we are allowed to bid for 4 positions. Closing date is May 22nd. Good luck everyone !

Just got word from Derek in CYWG. Seems like some form of HR plan is coming (early to mid May ?). Initial estimates are for a mass bid of up to 46 positions. No word yet as to how many bids per person will be considered (they may allow more than the contract-mandated 2 bids). Anyone else hear anythi...

Hello Winglet. I have 23 years in the FSS world, and count many VFR and IFR controllers as friends. Having worked in both CYVR and CYEG, all I can suggest is put 110 % into your training ! Also, CZVR ACC has a much higher checkout ratio than CZEG, and the old moniker "The Killing Fields" still appli...

Flyincanuck: You might also consider that the FSS you were talking to might have been undergoing an "over the shoulder" check. As such, he would have written CSR on his clearance form, and not FPR. Not a touchy subject at all. Readbacks are simply to be Verbatim
Andrew Klinzmann

Hello Doc. Gotta agree with most of the posts in here. Your pirep should've been passed. The Blue Card should be used. Just a question though. Did you try to pass it to the FSS at the airport, or did you go to the FIC's FISE frequency ?
Andrew Klinzmann

Hello Jerricho.
Whatever, think what you want. Pretty much all bulletin boards have some form of "IGGY" protocol, but they are way too easy to circumvent (my daughter runs into this on Facebook, Plenty-of-Fish, etc). It's just easier this way.
have a good one
Andrew Klinzmann

Hey Mohun ! Actually, my shop steward sent me a copy late yesterday via my Shaw E-Mail at home. Thanks anyway for the update, though. Seems that Todd is still working even though he is sick. And no, "WOXOF" is NOT included under "et al". (I had the misfortune of listening to that raving lunatic and ...

Hello Mohun; Lilfssister; Sigmet77; et al: Regarding the ATS Surveys: Here in CYEG FIC all the 35K and cross-training responders have received their phone calls and letters and faxed in their responses. Do you know if any of the other responders (relocate, pilot training, etc) received any follow-up...

Hello Mohun. No, I don't get E-Mails (I don't have Navcanada E-Mail or a log-in). Our shop steward usually gives us the updates, but he is away for a long time with a major medical problem. So they are meeting with the company, eh ? GREAT ! As I said earlier, I had a chat with Derek a few weeks ago,...

As an FSS, we look at your (tentative) contract and agree. Not too shabby for these economic times. And with CAW pattern bargaining, we hope we will see a 50% sick leave buyout on the table in our next negotiations.
Andrew Klinzmann

Hello Mohun. If you know the "temp" in CYKA, then where is he being sent to ? I had a 40 minute chat with Derek last week, and after hearing his side of things, I'm not too optimistic about bid opportunities. Will wait and see what transpires. We keep after our manager (a really nice guy, BTW) but h...

Hello Mohun. Sorry, but the CYWH Seniority bid was originally posted for 2 positions. And (as per the contract) it did NOT state that an Elligibility list would be used. Contract states that if a list is to be used, the original Bid must state that. Also, after some months, the company changed the b...

Hello Mohun. The ATC washout was sent to CYKA AAS (not from basic course). Out of courtesy, I will not name names on this site. The other is currently training at CYQF AAS. Not innuendo, not imagination and not rumors. We talked to both these individuals before they left the ACC . As for the whole "...