WestJet

[RatherBeFlyingInCanada]

Question for all you WestJetters:

What kind of time is Westjet looking for? Would around 3000hrs TT mostly of Multi-Turbine PIC be enough? (King Air) Or would they prefer 705 time before they would consider a canidate?

Thanks!

[roger.roger]

Apply and tell us. nobody knows specifically what the panel is looking for that day, if they don't like your time get some 705.

[RatherBeFlyingInCanada]

Apply and tell us. nobody knows specifically what the panel is looking for that day, if they don't like your time get some 705.

Thanks!

Out of curiosity, what has been the average time people have had at the groundschool as of late?

[DaveP]

Hi,

I can answer only in a generalizing sense, since I don't like getting into everyone's specific background.

Westjet's hiring has consistently been reviewed and as of late has changed yet again. Our interview has changed and as of January 1st you will see a few other notable changes. It simply isn't based around the fact if you have the minimum requirements or "x" number of multi pic time. If you meet the minimum requirements stated on the workopolis site you have enough time.

Things that do weigh into a matrix score are often variables mentioned here time and time again. Gaining experience on larger more complex aircraft being one of them. Drawing as many parallels to westjet in a company that you currently work at will often help too. When I say this, I mean such items as training in a level C or D simulator and flying to more diverse destinations etc.

Stats are always maintained and trends have indeed been identified in what works for us.

Internal recommends often help too. Studies have shown that when you bring in a new employee which has been highly recommended internally; that employee more often than not, brings the same qualities or work ethic of the individual recommending them. This has been very well respected practice here; however we still choose several candidates without an internal recommends. To date I believe we have over 700 individuals with internal recommends on file and over 3000 applications on our workopolis resume management site.

Class averages are still maintaining the 4500 to 5000 hrs tt and I have noticed a subtle increase in flight hours now that the industry has slowed by way of widespread hiring.

Westjets pilot hiring situation is currently being evaluated for 2009 and preliminary indications are that nothing has slowed for us at this point in time.

Merry Christmas to all my flying colleagues.

Dave.

[aileron]

Thanks so much DaveP, your time spent replying to questions from the interested pilot community are very much appreciated.

Merry Christmas to you too! Hopefully see you in the new year.

CL

[metaxa]

thanks for the new info Dave.

does anyone know if there is any significance to having had numerous hits (5 or more) on your workopolis application, or is the number of subsequent hits irrelevant after the first?

[RatherBeFlyingInCanada]

Hi,

I can answer only in a generalizing sense, since I don't like getting into everyone's specific background.

Westjet's hiring has consistently been reviewed and as of late has changed yet again. Our interview has changed and as of January 1st you will see a few other notable changes. It simply isn't based around the fact if you have the minimum requirements or "x" number of multi pic time. If you meet the minimum requirements stated on the workopolis site you have enough time.

Things that do weigh into a matrix score are often variables mentioned here time and time again. Gaining experience on larger more complex aircraft being one of them. Drawing as many parallels to westjet in a company that you currently work at will often help too. When I say this, I mean such items as training in a level C or D simulator and flying to more diverse destinations etc.

Stats are always maintained and trends have indeed been identified in what works for us.

Internal recommends often help too. Studies have shown that when you bring in a new employee which has been highly recommended internally; that employee more often than not, brings the same qualities or work ethic of the individual recommending them. This has been very well respected practice here; however we still choose several candidates without an internal recommends. To date I believe we have over 700 individuals with internal recommends on file and over 3000 applications on our workopolis resume management site.

Class averages are still maintaining the 4500 to 5000 hrs tt and I have noticed a subtle increase in flight hours now that the industry has slowed by way of widespread hiring.

Westjets pilot hiring situation is currently being evaluated for 2009 and preliminary indications are that nothing has slowed for us at this point in time.

Merry Christmas to all my flying colleagues.

Dave.

Thank you very much for your insight on Westjet! It definately helps me with planning my career, thanks and Merry Christmas!

[My Name is Earl]

"It definitely helps me with planning my career"

Yeah, ahhhhhhh, I wouldn't make too many plans, it is aviation after all.....

[RatherBeFlyingInCanada]

"It definitely helps me with planning my career"

Yeah, ahhhhhhh, I wouldn't make too many plans, it is aviation after all.....

This is true.