PAL

[skylark172]

I see PAL has put up an add for FOs on the Dash8 and SAAB 340. I was wondering where the positions were based out of and what kind of schedules they work. What do the dash8s based out of Montreal fly??

I also heard you have to have connections to get in, and that they like pick MFC grads. Also heard rumors that they put low hour guys in the Dash if you are willing to take Montreal as a base.


Any info on what's going on would be appreciated.

[tdp19]

im not familiar with the dash and saab but I know a bit about the medevac, charter, and maritime patrol. From what I heard, it is a great company to work for, they are rarely hiring because people that work there truly want to be there.

I do remember a senior captain telling me that they had a 250 hour pilot flying a dash (a few years ago now) BUT i dont think it was Montreal, He got the position because nobody else bid for the location (northern base)

Find it very hard to believe they will put a low time guy in Montreal. If it were me i would rather be in Montreal than NL. I could be wrong...

[Slappy the Squirrel]

Find it very hard to believe they will put a low time guy in Montreal. If it were me i would rather be in Montreal than NL. I could be wrong...

You would think so, as that would go with standard thinking, but it is not true. St. John's is by far with no comparison a much more senior base than YUL. Newfoundlanders love to live in Newfoundland, and PAL is one of the few operators on the island, and certainly the only one of significant size. There is a lot of opportunity in YUL for low timers to get on a 705 machine and get a quick upgrade if they know what they're doing. Downside, pay is not great. Wages are driven by the YYT based pilots because they are a much larger group, and are willing to take a lower pay to live at home in St. John's. Therefore, it is low pay for YUL as well.

Good company, great people. Throw in a resume, you never know. They have taken lots of low-timers in the past couple years, especially at YUL.

[skylark172]

I have had confirmation that they have hired a 300 hour guy - direct entry on the dash out of YYT. Might as well throw one in the pile.

[inthomerker]

Just about all of what's been said is correct - pay is at or a little below the average, and the TT required is quite varied. However, guys that get on with low time have paid their dues in ops or on the ramp. Otherwise a good option is getting in at the yyr base flying the coast.
Unfortunately, it's a bit of a mystery why they're posting for positions externally - there's a pile of guys actively trying to upgrade, more still that have left seat rides but are still f/o's due to lack of left seat jobs, and there's no shortage of lads in the system looking for a right seat gig in yyt or yul. Guess what I'm hearing is "try for it, but don't get your hopes up".

[Etihad]

Good company all around. Great group of guys in both YUL and YYT . U have nothing to lose but your time trying!