Next Ground School

[htmlhtml]

anyone know when is the next ground school?

[Jmlilly]

June 8, 2026

[rwy31]

Anyone got called yet for the next GS in June?

[CaptApollo]

Yes.

[CaptApollo]

Since these types of threads are so repetitive I already know what's going to be asked next:

Applied: 21 Feb
Called: 2 Mar
Interviewed: 18 Mar
Sim Eval: 14 Apr
Offer: 28 Apr

and because I've been lurking long enough to know it's coming:

2300TT (military), 1550FW, rest turbine helo multi-crew, 600 SEHPT, ATPL

I was the outlier on my sim eval, however. The other three were <1000hr CPL.

[Loran_C]

Since these types of threads are so repetitive I already know what's going to be asked next:

Applied: 21 Feb
Called: 2 Mar
Interviewed: 18 Mar
Sim Eval: 14 Apr
Offer: 28 Apr

and because I've been lurking long enough to know it's coming:

2300TT (military), 1550FW, rest turbine helo multi-crew, 600 SEHPT, ATPL

I was the outlier on my sim eval, however. The other three were <1000hr CPL.

Why aren't you applying to AC with a military background?

[CaptApollo]

Because without 2000 FW they won't even look at me.

[Jmlilly]

I am pretty much the exact same timeline as you for the process and also over 1500 hours. Medevac background. Send me a message if you want so I can know someone in the class already. They told me they have 5 from the Cygnet program with only 250 hours coming in this class which is something to have those hours flying 705..

[Nick678]

Because without 2000 FW they won't even look at me.

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

[CaptApollo]

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it. But we've all gotta start somewhere, and if Jazz is the one that would hire me with the experience I've got, then I'll take it for the paycheque, the type rating, and the hours. Much as I'd love to start with Porter, PAL, or even Encore*, they just don't seem that interested. That probably has as much to do with the current geopolitical situation as anything else, but that's where I find myself.

I chuckle when I hear that WestJet will start hiring "eventually". And when will that be, exactly? Isn't Air Canada hiring right now?

While my ultimate goal may be to fly for a mainline, I don't really know which one it will be and frankly, I don't think I have the luxury of choosing a regional that will get me to any particular one faster than another. That is, unless I want to be unemployed until the world starts returning to normal, which just doesn't seem like a good way to plan a career.





*Not really. But I did interview there, and they passed on me saying that "this round of hiring was very competitive", which I take to mean they had a lot of very experienced candidates this time around and I didn't make the cutoff. Oh well, I didn't really want to move to Calgary anyway, and at least with Jazz there's a chance that I won't. Ironically, I was told that it could take 8-10 years to flow to WestJet mainline, which means it's no better, if not worse, than Jazz is for getting to AC. Add to that the suggestion that Jazz is the quickest way to WestJet, and that Encore is the quickest way to AC, and it really is funny how contrary to the intention it's become.

[Nick678]

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it. But we've all gotta start somewhere, and if Jazz is the one that would hire me with the experience I've got, then I'll take it for the paycheque, the type rating, and the hours. Much as I'd love to start with Porter, PAL, or even Encore*, they just don't seem that interested. That probably has as much to do with the current geopolitical situation as anything else, but that's where I find myself.

I chuckle when I hear that WestJet will start hiring "eventually". And when will that be, exactly? Isn't Air Canada hiring right now?

While my ultimate goal may be to fly for a mainline, I don't really know which one it will be and frankly, I don't think I have the luxury of choosing a regional that will get me to any particular one faster than another. That is, unless I want to be unemployed until the world starts returning to normal, which just doesn't seem like a good way to plan a career.





*Not really. But I did interview there, and they passed on me saying that "this round of hiring was very competitive", which I take to mean they had a lot of very experienced candidates this time around and I didn't make the cutoff. Oh well, I didn't really want to move to Calgary anyway, and at least with Jazz there's a chance that I won't. Ironically, I was told that it could take 8-10 years to flow to WestJet mainline, which means it's no better, if not worse, than Jazz is for getting to AC. Add to that the suggestion that Jazz is the quickest way to WestJet, and that Encore is the quickest way to AC, and it really is funny how contrary to the intention it's become.

While some of the working conditions at jazz suck (18 days a month) it’s fine working there otherwise. I’m not trying to hate on that aspect.

It’s the lack of contract compliance and a re*arded union. AC is one of the few hiring but it might not be by the time you’re eligible to apply. I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

[QKZXKV]

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it. But we've all gotta start somewhere, and if Jazz is the one that would hire me with the experience I've got, then I'll take it for the paycheque, the type rating, and the hours. Much as I'd love to start with Porter, PAL, or even Encore*, they just don't seem that interested. That probably has as much to do with the current geopolitical situation as anything else, but that's where I find myself.

I chuckle when I hear that WestJet will start hiring "eventually". And when will that be, exactly? Isn't Air Canada hiring right now?

While my ultimate goal may be to fly for a mainline, I don't really know which one it will be and frankly, I don't think I have the luxury of choosing a regional that will get me to any particular one faster than another. That is, unless I want to be unemployed until the world starts returning to normal, which just doesn't seem like a good way to plan a career.





*Not really. But I did interview there, and they passed on me saying that "this round of hiring was very competitive", which I take to mean they had a lot of very experienced candidates this time around and I didn't make the cutoff. Oh well, I didn't really want to move to Calgary anyway, and at least with Jazz there's a chance that I won't. Ironically, I was told that it could take 8-10 years to flow to WestJet mainline, which means it's no better, if not worse, than Jazz is for getting to AC. Add to that the suggestion that Jazz is the quickest way to WestJet, and that Encore is the quickest way to AC, and it really is funny how contrary to the intention it's become.

While some of the working conditions at jazz suck (18 days a month) it’s fine working there otherwise. I’m not trying to hate on that aspect.

It’s the lack of contract compliance and a re*arded union. AC is one of the few hiring but it might not be by the time you’re eligible to apply. I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

Name an airline that actually complies with their collective agreements... they all don't bother and they won't until ALPA stops showing up to arbitration under the influence

Every place sucks for that.

[QKZXKV]

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it. But we've all gotta start somewhere, and if Jazz is the one that would hire me with the experience I've got, then I'll take it for the paycheque, the type rating, and the hours. Much as I'd love to start with Porter, PAL, or even Encore*, they just don't seem that interested. That probably has as much to do with the current geopolitical situation as anything else, but that's where I find myself.

I chuckle when I hear that WestJet will start hiring "eventually". And when will that be, exactly? Isn't Air Canada hiring right now?

While my ultimate goal may be to fly for a mainline, I don't really know which one it will be and frankly, I don't think I have the luxury of choosing a regional that will get me to any particular one faster than another. That is, unless I want to be unemployed until the world starts returning to normal, which just doesn't seem like a good way to plan a career.





*Not really. But I did interview there, and they passed on me saying that "this round of hiring was very competitive", which I take to mean they had a lot of very experienced candidates this time around and I didn't make the cutoff. Oh well, I didn't really want to move to Calgary anyway, and at least with Jazz there's a chance that I won't. Ironically, I was told that it could take 8-10 years to flow to WestJet mainline, which means it's no better, if not worse, than Jazz is for getting to AC. Add to that the suggestion that Jazz is the quickest way to WestJet, and that Encore is the quickest way to AC, and it really is funny how contrary to the intention it's become.

While some of the working conditions at jazz suck (18 days a month) it’s fine working there otherwise. I’m not trying to hate on that aspect.

It’s the lack of contract compliance and a re*arded union. AC is one of the few hiring but it might not be by the time you’re eligible to apply. I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

Name an airline that actually complies with their collective agreements... they all don't bother and they won't until ALPA stops showing up to arbitration under the influence and losing

Every place sucks for that.

[CaptApollo]

I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

CN=Canadian North? Really? So I can fly an ATR-42 out of Ottawa to a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I'm not knocking that for those who choose it. But personally, I think Jazz will be a better gig.

As for corporate, I know people who've gone that route. They tell me they don't fly as much as they'd like, although the pay and the work-life balance aren't bad. But if I want to fly a lot and upgrade quickly, I don't think that's the way to go either.

I get that you're salty about what you perceive to be a corrupt union and unkept corporate promises. But the only ones who lie more than business or union leaders are politicians. As for me, I don't really care about any of that. I just want a job where I can build experience in the industry and then move on to something better, whatever that might be. So thank you for your "input" (read: unsolicited career advice). I'll give it all the consideration it deserves.

[Me262]

I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

CN=Canadian North? Really? So I can fly an ATR-42 out of Ottawa to a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I'm not knocking that for those who choose it. But personally, I think Jazz will be a better gig.

As for corporate, I know people who've gone that route. They tell me they don't fly as much as they'd like, although the pay and the work-life balance aren't bad. But if I want to fly a lot and upgrade quickly, I don't think that's the way to go either.

I get that you're salty about what you perceive to be a corrupt union and unkept corporate promises. But the only ones who lie more than business or union leaders are politicians. As for me, I don't really care about any of that. I just want a job where I can build experience in the industry and then move on to something better, whatever that might be. So thank you for your "input" (read: unsolicited career advice). I'll give it all the consideration it deserves.

FYI, Jazz is an amazing company to work for. Management is quite top notch. If they would pay 80% of lowest payscale of AC, I'm betting we would have pilots from AC coming back. The toxicity at AC is something else.

[hithere]

I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

CN=Canadian North? Really? So I can fly an ATR-42 out of Ottawa to a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I'm not knocking that for those who choose it. But personally, I think Jazz will be a better gig.

As for corporate, I know people who've gone that route. They tell me they don't fly as much as they'd like, although the pay and the work-life balance aren't bad. But if I want to fly a lot and upgrade quickly, I don't think that's the way to go either.

I get that you're salty about what you perceive to be a corrupt union and unkept corporate promises. But the only ones who lie more than business or union leaders are politicians. As for me, I don't really care about any of that. I just want a job where I can build experience in the industry and then move on to something better, whatever that might be. So thank you for your "input" (read: unsolicited career advice). I'll give it all the consideration it deserves.

Nick678 is used to belittling naive 250 hr pilots looking for their first 705 job. Telling them they are idiots for even considering Jazz. It’s nice to have someone with some real life experience, perspective and balls to stand up to him and present an intelligent rebuttal to his arguments. Thank-you and good luck in whatever you choose

[Bede]

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it.

I used to work at Jazz. I never thought it sucked. It was good when I was there 16 years ago. Don't know much about it now.

My only reason to discourage someone from going there is that you're always the red headed step child.

[tacright]

Jazz will be a good fit for you and your situation, Apollo. Lots of people love to say “oh you should’ve gone here” thinking they have it all figured out. It’s a good seat to be in before you transition to a mainline eventually.

[CaptApollo]

Nick678 is used to belittling naive 250 hr pilots looking for their first 705 job. Telling them they are idiots for even considering Jazz. It’s nice to have someone with some real life experience, perspective and balls to stand up to him and present an intelligent rebuttal to his arguments. Thank-you and good luck in whatever you choose

Yeah, I've gotten that from reading his posts. He's not the only one, though, and while perhaps I was overly general with my statement about former Jazz employees, there are definitely some who like to sh*t on it, a lot.

Admittedly, the starting FO pay is pretty trash. If I weren't already taking a massive pay cut to make the jump, that'd be a bigger deal for me. I imagine it has to do with them hiring a lot of low-time folks, but it's still definitely an area they could improve.

[QKZXKV]

I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

CN=Canadian North? Really? So I can fly an ATR-42 out of Ottawa to a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I'm not knocking that for those who choose it. But personally, I think Jazz will be a better gig.

As for corporate, I know people who've gone that route. They tell me they don't fly as much as they'd like, although the pay and the work-life balance aren't bad. But if I want to fly a lot and upgrade quickly, I don't think that's the way to go either.

I get that you're salty about what you perceive to be a corrupt union and unkept corporate promises. But the only ones who lie more than business or union leaders are politicians. As for me, I don't really care about any of that. I just want a job where I can build experience in the industry and then move on to something better, whatever that might be. So thank you for your "input" (read: unsolicited career advice). I'll give it all the consideration it deserves.

FYI, Jazz is an amazing company to work for. Management is quite top notch. If they would pay 80% of lowest payscale of AC, I'm betting we would have pilots from AC coming back. The toxicity at AC is something else.

I would! There is a lot I miss about working there!

[PittBoss]

I hope your goal is not AC then, jazz is not the way there. Totally fine if you’re looking at other options. Westjet will start hiring eventually

I know how much former Jazz employees all love to say how much it sucks and they hate it. But we've all gotta start somewhere, and if Jazz is the one that would hire me with the experience I've got, then I'll take it for the paycheque, the type rating, and the hours. Much as I'd love to start with Porter, PAL, or even Encore*, they just don't seem that interested. That probably has as much to do with the current geopolitical situation as anything else, but that's where I find myself.

I chuckle when I hear that WestJet will start hiring "eventually". And when will that be, exactly? Isn't Air Canada hiring right now?

While my ultimate goal may be to fly for a mainline, I don't really know which one it will be and frankly, I don't think I have the luxury of choosing a regional that will get me to any particular one faster than another. That is, unless I want to be unemployed until the world starts returning to normal, which just doesn't seem like a good way to plan a career.





*Not really. But I did interview there, and they passed on me saying that "this round of hiring was very competitive", which I take to mean they had a lot of very experienced candidates this time around and I didn't make the cutoff. Oh well, I didn't really want to move to Calgary anyway, and at least with Jazz there's a chance that I won't. Ironically, I was told that it could take 8-10 years to flow to WestJet mainline, which means it's no better, if not worse, than Jazz is for getting to AC. Add to that the suggestion that Jazz is the quickest way to WestJet, and that Encore is the quickest way to AC, and it really is funny how contrary to the intention it's become.

WJ next GS 2030
AC next GS tomorrow

[Nick678]

I think you’re better off going to CN or corporate.

CN=Canadian North? Really? So I can fly an ATR-42 out of Ottawa to a gravel strip in the middle of nowhere? I mean, I'm not knocking that for those who choose it. But personally, I think Jazz will be a better gig.

As for corporate, I know people who've gone that route. They tell me they don't fly as much as they'd like, although the pay and the work-life balance aren't bad. But if I want to fly a lot and upgrade quickly, I don't think that's the way to go either.

I get that you're salty about what you perceive to be a corrupt union and unkept corporate promises. But the only ones who lie more than business or union leaders are politicians. As for me, I don't really care about any of that. I just want a job where I can build experience in the industry and then move on to something better, whatever that might be. So thank you for your "input" (read: unsolicited career advice). I'll give it all the consideration it deserves.

Well you nailed my point at the end there, you want to move onto something better after Jazz. Going to porter, CN (they have jets too btw), corporate, transit, keeps doors open at AC or WS. Going to either regional, Encore or Jazz, makes moving on more challenging as you enter into whatever shitty agreement they have. I got screwed over and I'm hoping that it doesn't happen to others. That's it.

Please DM the names of anyone who has quit AC for Jazz. I have a reallllllllly tough time believing that one.

[crystalpizza]

Lol... yeah... no one with a number and pension at AC or any mainline is leaving for Jazz, thanks.

[CaptApollo]

Well you nailed my point at the end there, you want to move onto something better after Jazz. Going to porter, CN (they have jets too btw), corporate, transit, keeps doors open at AC or WS. Going to either regional, Encore or Jazz, makes moving on more challenging as you enter into whatever shitty agreement they have. I got screwed over and I'm hoping that it doesn't happen to others. That's it.

Please DM the names of anyone who has quit AC for Jazz. I have a reallllllllly tough time believing that one.

I think you're still missing mine. Of course I want to move on to something better after gaining experience at Jazz, who wouldn't?! But Jazz and Encore are the only ones currently hiring anyone with my level of experience. Porter isn't, Transat isn't, PAL isn't, CN might be, but only on the ATR like I said and I did actually check before I wrote that. I haven't tried for any corporate jobs, but if I'd struck out at the regionals I probably would have, and I might have even tried for CargoJet since I have a buddy who's there.

My point is: It's all well and good to say "Don't make the same mistake as me going to X, you'll be stuck in their broken flow agreement and it'll take you way longer to get to mainline!" But if the alternative is being unemployed, I'm gonna take what I could get and I'll find my own way from there. Maybe I'll be at WestJet in a few years, and maybe if Encore had hired me I'd probably end up at AC. Like I said, irony.

[Sir Tim]

@CaptApollo Congratulations first of all for securing your first airline job! Thank you for sharing the detailed timeline of your recruitment process.

I have a sim eval coming up in June and wondering if you could provide any insights on how you prepared and some of the things you thought were “different” or challenging.

Also, when you received the job offer, did it have a GS date or you were placed in a “hiring pool” with possible date in Fall 2026?

Thank you!