Base Assignments

[ZoomZoom147]

For the folks who have recently joined WJE, what are the base assignments like (YYC vs YYZ)?

If you were to be assigned YYZ, how long would it take to get YYC?

Thanks in advance,

ZZ

[Gear Jerker]

You can bid for it during initial training, and I can pretty much guarantee you'd hold your desired base within 6 months max.

[ZoomZoom147]

Thanks Gear Jerker. I have a few follow-on questions....

-How long typically does it take to upgrade to CA?
-Do you know how long folks are currently spending with WJE before moving onto the mainline? I've seen anything from 2.5-5 years on this forum.

Cheers!

[JBI]

An FO becomes upgrade eligible once they meet the internal upgrade Matrix:

Captain Qualifications:

The following minimum flight time is required for all applicants to be considered for a captain position.
Total Time.......DHC-8-400 Time Required
4000+................500
3500...................750
3000..................1000
2500..................1250
2000..................1500

Candidates with less than the required DHC-8-400 can apply a credit of 50% for time flown in Transport Category (705) aircraft other than the DHC-8-400. The intent is to allow experience in an operation similar to that of WestJet Encore to be used toward DHC-8-400 totals. Half of any experience on aircraft such as a DHC-8-100/300, ATR or RJ may be used. Second Officer/ Flight Engineer time does not qualify for this program.

Right now, if you have the hours, you can pretty much get an upgrade regardless of seniority. That may change depending on Flow/swoop/AC Hiring v. receiving all the Qs from the order.

I couldn't really wager on a flow time for a new hire right now. Too many unknown variables at the moment. Previously the times have been 2.5-3.5 years, but they've done so much hiring this year, there's a lot of people in front of you that would flow first. However, with the 787s coming in 2019 and whatever happens with Swoop, it could be shorter, or much longer. I'd say it's not going to be less than 3 but probably not more than 6 or 7 years.

[ZoomZoom147]

JBI,

That is very helpful information. Thank-you!

[CZBBYYZPilot]

Is there any chance of a YVR Encore base in the future? How hard would it be to commute to YYC from Nanaimo with the commuting policy? Thanks!

[CZBBYYZPilot]

Nobody?

[indieadventurer]

Nobody?

YVR base, that rumour has been around since 2014. I think you'd flow before seeing it.