Ready to apply to WestJet

[alexmacdonald3]

This is a question for Dave P or anyone else who would like to comment. I am currently a Captain on a Citation Ultra in Sun Valley, Idaho (US) and am really excited about applying to WestJet. A little history: I was born in Quesnel, BC to US born parents, so I'm grateful to be a citizen of both Cananda and the US. I've worked for two regional airlines here in the US (SkyWest as Captain and Big Sky) and for the last 2 1/2 years I've worked as a Corporate/Charter pilot. My family and I are determined to move back to Canada (BC) more than ever now. I'm also determined to find a company that I love working for and can retire with; WestJet really looks like that company! I've already received my Citizenship card, SIN and am in the process to receive a passport. I've also just sent off my medical information to start the process of converting my FAA ATP to the TC ATP, and am signed up for a 3 day seminar in May to take the exam.

My question is: Should I apply for WestJet now or wait until I receive my TC Medical, ATP and Canadian passport? I really do not want to miss the opportunity to apply while WestJet is hiring.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio Please let me know if I can provide some personal contact info or resume as well.

Alex

[McDoo the Irish Navigator]

If you are as close as you say to receiving a TC medical and ATP, I would go ahead and apply now.
Having said that, I do not know if the online application requires that you enter license number , medical expiry etc.
Dave will come on later and clarify.

[alexmacdonald3]

Thank you McDoo. I feel the same about applying now, and there is no specific detail related to the ATPL and Medical. I just don't want to be kicked out of the application system prematurely because I would still need to answer NO to the questions for another month or more. Also, are you at all familiar with how well the Port system is working in YVR? From these threads it appears to be great, and the system itself appears to be an excellent way to live in these Port cities, avoid commuting, and keep the family happy.

[DustinS]

I'm jealous that you have the Canadian citizenship. Man, my life would be so much easier. I've already converted my licenses, but that was such a piece of cake. You'll have no problem at all. Cheers and good luck!

[alexmacdonald3]

Thanks DustinS, glad to hear the license process is straight forward. Are you applying with the converted licenses and work visa? No question that you are a determined individual!

[DustinS]

I've already applied to WestJet, but no, I don't have a work permit. It's a tough situation. In order to be eligible for WestJet you have to be a Canadian resident. However, it's immensely easier to get residency if you have a job offer beforehand. So I guess it kind of comes down to a 'which came first, the chicken or the egg' question. I've already applied for residency and I'll hopefully hear back soon...and with a favorable result!

[alexmacdonald3]

Passed the FAAAA Conversion Exam, woohoo! Finally am legit and have promptly applied to WestJet. This could be very good timing, I am flying our plane to a prebuy inspection near Boston next week. Little bittersweet, but change can certainly be good, and I'm hopeful! Without an internal reference I know I need to work a little harder to get my resume noticed, so I have a couple questions for DaveP:

Do I need to have an internal reference to visit Calgary, and would I be able to walk in my resume there?

[DaveP]

I would recommend someone take you around if that's the intent to do some due diligence on the place. In the past I would show you around but it simply became too busy.

Everyone will take a few minutes to chat.

Dave.

[alexmacdonald3]

Good deal, I will find someone to take me around. Thank you for your prompt reply, your time and energy to answer these threads is very much appreciated. Take care, hope to see you soon!