Sander Gerophysics

[Born 2 Fly]

Was wondering if there was anyone here who currently (or previously) works for Sander Geophysics. I've been very interested in this company for a long time, and recently heard they might be hiring. Anyone have any idea what their minimum requirements would be for an entry position? I currently have about 600 hrs TT, with previous experience doing survey work. Thanks.

[Justin.Case]

Hi Born 2 Fly,

SGL normally hires FO's with around 800-1000 hours. Previous survey experience would certainly set your resume apart from others but may not make up for the lack in total time.

There is nothing quite like flying international surveys. It's a great way to see the world and the pay is slightly above average (but could always be better). I must however caution anyone planning to get on at SGL as a co-pilot. Upgrades happen at a glacial pace with the most senior co-pilots here waiting some 3 years to go left seat! Do you posses that sort of patience to go captain on the caravan?! Pilots are the first to get laid off when the going gets tough and among them the co-pilots get the axe first. You could get laid off in your second year and have nothing to show for it since right seat Caravan time is worthless everywhere else.

That being said, the times have been tough here for some time now and since the music is playing everywhere else the majority of our senior captains have left. The projects we get now are a fraction in size of what they were a few years ago. I was planning to leave too but now that we're down to skeleton crewing the rest of us who stayed have been fairly busy. They may hire some junior guys in the near future but whether things get better here or not is anyone's guess. If survey flying is what you wanna do then sure come join the team! If you plan to use SGL as a stepping stone I would suggest coming here as a C208 captain. You'll enjoy the flying more, make more money, get more work, and be better prepared to get another job should you find yourself out of work for an extended period of time.

I'm not trying to poopoo SGL too much here. Like working anywhere else, you have your good days along with the bad it's just that SGL seems to have the extremes of both. One day you're flying low-level over downtown Dubai or drinking cheap rum and chasing ladies in Ecuador, the next your burning up with jungle fever in some third world town or stuck in some low-security prison that is an oil company compound. If you can make the best of most situations and can handle the long upgrade time then you'll do fairly well.

[ptc]

Hi Born 2 Fly,

I worked for SGL a few years ago and they were a great company to work for. That being said they are far from perfect however I did have a great time flying for them and made some excellent friends while there and say some cool parts of the world.

When I got hired I had about 700 hours or so and no previous survey experience.

[DHQ]

There are a couple older threads on SGL kicking around too. Not much has changed, so those would be worth a read. We have a new CP and a twin otter has recently been added to the fleet. There was just a ground school last week, so I'm not sure when the next one will be.

I like the place, but Justin does have some valid points.

[KK7]

For what it's worth, I miss the place. They treat you well if you are professional and have a good attitude. Don't confuse the unpredictable nature of survey business (ie sudden last minute changes of plans) with the company dicking you around. They do their best but survey is a last minute and hurry up and wait kind of world.

[Born 2 Fly]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Hopefully I'll have enough hours now next time they are looking to hire.